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Colour
  • Transparent to translucent lilac to purple through bluish purple
  • A reddish purple colour-shift that is sometimes visible in incandescent light
  • In ametrine, a unique form of quartz mined from a single locality in Bolivia, the colours are both yellow and purple in areas of zoning. Such gems are sometimes cut in a way that mixes the colours, and at other times to show the division of colours
Clarity
  • Some amethysts have liquid inclusions containing solids and gases (water bubbles)
  • Some minerals suchas rutile and hematite can be found in amthyst as well
(click on colour to find other gemstones)
TREATMENTS
CUT
  • Amethysts are heat treated to improve an overly dark purple color or to get rid of the smoky color
  • Many amethysts in the market are synthetic. It is virtually impossible to differentiate the two
  • Amethyst can be found in many sizes and therefore offered in many different kinds of cuts and carvings
  • Many famous lapidaries (cutters) work with amethysts to make unusual carvings or cuts, which are also highly prized.
  • Bi-coloured ametrine has been skillfully or cleverly carved to emphasize the bi colored nature of the stone



Care & Collecting

Care should be taken not to knock the gem during use, as small fissures or cracks may develop, especially along facet junctions. It can be cleaned with warm, sudsy water or a dampened cloth. Some amethysts may lighten in tone over time upon prolonged exposure to bright light.

Collectors of amethyst look for depth of the purple colour with red flashes if the gem is cut conventionally. Many famous lapidaries (cutters) work with amethysts to make unusual carvings or cuts, which are also highly prized. Because the bi-coloured ametrine comes from only one mine in the world, it is sometimes collected if the depth of colour and the division of colour is strong, or if it has been skillfully or cleverly carved.
FASHION AND FUN FACTS
Violet is among the top ten colors of the summer 2010 season. Amethyst is incorporated beautifully into Georgina Chapman's elegant "Knuckle Duster" ring, which we envision as an elegant yet slightly edgy compliment to both the season's sheers and ethnic prints


Faceted 24.29 carat amethyst stone. H.Stern has continuously surprised the industry and media with its exquisite creative philosophy, becoming not only a reference in the world of design, but also an innovative avant-garde jeweler for the modern woman.