An amethyst engagement ring features a gemstone that is a purple variety of quartz, serving as the eye-catching centerpiece of the ring. Renowned for its stunning violet hue, amethyst offers a unique and vibrant alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. When selecting an amethyst engagement ring, it’s essential to consider the gemstone’s color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, similar to how you’d assess a diamond. The most prized amethysts are those with deep, saturated violet hues without any visible inclusions.
Buying from reputable jewelers or stores that specialize in gemstones is vital to ensure the quality and authenticity of the amethyst. Since amethyst is a softer gemstone compared to diamonds, look for settings that offer protection to the stone, such as bezel or halo settings. Additionally, be cautious about the ring’s exposure to sunlight as amethysts can fade over time with excessive exposure to light. Before purchasing, it’s advisable to ask if the amethyst has undergone any form of treatment to enhance its color, as this could affect the gemstone’s value and longevity. With the right considerations, an amethyst engagement ring can offer a one-of-a-kind, meaningful token of love.
Commitment to Accuracy and Relevance
We understand that you rely on our recommendations to make informed decisions. Your trust is important to us, and that’s why we’re committed to ensuring that the information we provide is both accurate and up-to-date.
Our dedicated team continuously scrutinizes each and every recommendation on our site. We regularly update our content to reflect any changes or new insights, so you can always count on us for relevant and trustworthy recommendations.
We are confident that all the reviews and recommendations on our site meet our rigorous standards for accuracy and relevance.
Why you should trust us
To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.
Amethyst Engagement Rings: Overview & History
What is Amethyst?
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz which owes its signature purple hues to iron and manganese present in the quartz crystal. Amethysts rank at about a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is durable enough for everyday wear, but they still require a bit of extra care as they are much easier to scratch than diamonds.
Symbolism and Meaning
Amethysts symbolize purity of spirit, clarity, and peace of mind. They have also been associated with the healing of wounds, restful sleep and soothing dreams. According to the GIA, amethysts have been said to improve connection with the divine. Amethysts have spiritual and symbolic significance in Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism. Amethyst is also the birthstone for February.
Amethyst’s purple hue has long been associated with royalty, nobility and wealth. Once upon a time, they were counted among the 5 cardinal gems, or the 5 most precious gemstones in the world along with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires.
Worn by Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, amethysts are a royal favorite. In fact, there are a large number of amethysts in the Windsor vaults, and according to Town and Country, the Kent Amethysts are the oldest suite of gems in the royal family’s posession. Along with English royalty, amethysts have been worn by Anglican Bishops, St. Valentine, and 16th century Italian astronomer Camillo Leonardi, who wrote that amethyst quickens intelligence and gets rid of evil thoughts.
Deal Alert: Get 25% off engagement ring settings at Blue Nile! (valid until May 6th)
Amethyst Engagement Rings: Price and Value
Until the 1800’s Amethysts were considered quite rare, and therefore quite expensive. When large deposits of amethyst were discovered in Brazil, the price fell significantly due to an abundance of availability. Though they no longer hold the status of cardinal gem, amethysts are still the most prized variety of quartz.
Today, the highest quality amethyst can be found in Brazil, Uruguay, Siberia and Sri Lanka.
How much do amethysts cost?
On average, amethysts cost $20-50 per carat, depending on the color and quality of the gem in question. Unlike most other precious stones, the price of amethyst does not increase dramatically as carat weight increases. For this reason, an amethyst engagement ring is a great choice if you love the look of a big center stone, but are searching for something at a lower price point, such as this gorgeous Emerald cut solitaire engagement ring from Blue Nile.
For amethysts, color and quality determines their value more than carat size. The highest quality amethysts are deep purple with minimal color zoning. These are the rarest and most valuable amethysts on the market, but still won’t cost nearly as much per carat as diamonds.
When assessing the value of an amethyst, one factor to consider is whether the color has been enhanced, as naturally occurring richness of coloris one of the main factors in determining the rarity and value of an amethyst.
Best Settings For Amethyst Engagement Rings:
Amethysts come in a variety of shades, and can look good with any color setting, so there are plenty of options. Pairing amethyst with yellow gold will accentuate red and violet tones, while setting an amethyst in white gold or platinum will bring out blue undertones. Amethysts are also frequently paired with rose gold- the blush of rose gold with the lavender or violet tones of amethyst make for a lovely, feminine combination.
While they are striking on their own, amethysts also look stunning paired with a halo of diamonds, or diamond side stones.
Amethyst Engagement Rings: Pros and Cons
Like with any gemstone, there are some pros and cons to keep in mind when considering an amethyst engagement ring:
Pros:
- Amethyst is beautiful, and available in many shades of purple
- Rich history and deep symbolism and meaning
- Affordable, even at a larger carat size and higher quality
- Unique, and perfect if purple is your sweetheart’s favorite color
- Perfect for someone with a February birthday
Cons:
- Not as durable as diamonds
- Not as valuable as some other gemstones
- Can fade or change color if exposed for too long to heat and light
Tips for buying Amethyst Engagement Rings:
Quality:
Color plays a significant role in determining amethyst’s quality and desirability. According to the GIA, the finest amethyst color is a strong reddish purple or purple with no visible color zoning.” Amethysts that are too dark can appear less beautiful and may appear black in dark, dimly-lit environments.
Ideal grade amethysts are classified as “deep Siberian”. While richly colored amethysts are considered more valuable, some people love the look of a lighter lavender color or “Rose de France” Amethyst, so what’s important is what you like.
How to tell if Amethyst is Real:
Quality amethysts should be eye clean, but it is normal to see some color variation. Look out for bubbles, as they can be a sign of synthetic amethyst. Real amethyst remains relatively cool to the touch, unaffected by ambient temperatures.
Heat Treatment:
Ask whether the amethyst has been heat treated to enhance color, as heat can be used to artificially enhance the color, making an amethyst look appear more valuable than it really is.
Caring for Amethyst:
Because amethyst can fade if exposed to light and heat, it is best to store your amethyst jewelry away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent the damage and fading.
Since amethyst is not as durable as diamond, it is best to take extra care not to scratch or damage it when you are doing anything hands on. We recommend removing your ring when you plan to play sports, wash dishes, work in the garden, or do anything else that could potentially scratch your ring.
To clean your amethyst engagement ring, simply use a small bowl of warm water with a few drops of dish soap and wash gently with a clean, lint free cloth.
Best Places To Buy Amethyst Engagement Rings
As always, the smartest thing you can do when you buy an engagement ring is to purchase from a reputable vendor. Choosing a good vendor when you buy an engagement ring ensures your ring will be well made from high-quality materials. Knowing you are working with a vendor you can trust will also give you peace of mind as you make one of the most important purchases of a lifetime.
James Allen and Blue Nile both provide a fantastic selection along with high-quality photos to help you choose the perfect ring, and great return and resizing policies. They also provide top of the line customer service, and generous return and exchange policies.
Best Amethyst Engagement Rings: (Our Picks)
Here are some of our very favorite amethyst engagement rings for 2024:
Classic with a twist
Setting an amethyst centerstone in a ring with a classic setting gives these gorgeous solitaires a unique update.
Bold unique statement rings
An amethyst makes the perfect centerpiece for a bold statement ring.
Delicate, minimalist rings Under 1k
These simple, beautiful amethyst rings are as budget friendly as they are beautiful.
Fit for royalty: Amethyst and diamonds
Amethysts and diamonds are definitely a winning combination. The rich purple of amethyst and the radiant sparkle of diamonds is a match made in heaven. These rings display the elegance of amethyst and diamond with the added touch of vintage inspired detail.
Trendy: Rose de France amethysts in rose gold
A Rose de France amethyst set in rose gold is a breathtaking and ultra feminine combination for 2024.
Which is better, diamond or Amethyst?
Whether you decide on a diamond, or a lovely gemstone like amethyst for your engagement ring is an entirely personal choice. Diamonds have a classic appeal, and many people like the iconic and traditional symbol of a diamond given as an engagement ring. Diamonds are also unrivaled when it comes to brilliance and durability. But Amethyst’s charm lies in their exotic color and look, making it possible to give a beautiful engagement ring without going totally traditional.
Conclusion
If your fiance-to-be has a flair for the unconventional, prefers to stand out, or simply loves all things purple, an amethyst engagement ring could be the perfect choice. Another advantage of choosing an amethyst engagement ring is that you can easily find a beautiful amethyst ring of a larger carat size without breaking the bank. You might even have room in your budget to choose an amethyst ring that features diamonds like this Floral Ellipse Diamond Cathedral Engagement Ring.
Choosing the right engagement ring comes down to taste and personal preference, but amethyst is certainly a great choice for an alternative engagement ring. If you need any help with picking out a ring, feel free to contact us.
Here are more specific gemstone topics to browse:
- What to consider when buying gemstone jewelry
- What is there to know about a Sapphire gemstone
- White Sapphire: What is it and how to shop for one?
- Green Sapphire: What is it and how to get one?
- Pink Sapphire: How to get the best value?
- How to choose a Yellow Sapphire for an engagement ring?
- A complete guide to Blue Sapphire engagement rings
- What is a Ruby gemstone?
- How to buy green Emerald jewelry?
- Tips for buying Moonstone engagement rings
- What is an Opal stone?
- How much to spend on a Peridot engagement ring?
- What’s the difference between Natural and Cultured Pearls?
- Pros & Cons of buying a Morganite engagement ring
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
You Might Like
Diamond Prices: A Complete Guide
A diamonds’ price is determined primarily by the 4 Cs of the diamond. On the wholesale level, diamond prices are first based on a diamond shape and
The Best Places to Buy Engagement Rings
Buying an engagement ring is often one of the first major purchases in a person's life. The process can be fraught with tension as there are so m
1 Carat Diamond Price & Buying Guide
A wide range of 1 carat diamonds exist both in online markets and local diamond jewelry stores. Not only are there significant differences in beauty
