Amethyst
Price
Retail price for 1 carat plus amethyst:
Quality from high to low
Vivid: to $100/ct
Medium: to $40/ct
Light: to $20/ct
Main origin
Amethyst is found in many countries around the world, including Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Madagascar, Russia and others.
Imitation
Purple glass, purple cubic zirconia
Purple cubic zirconia
Quality factors

Color

The value of an amethyst is determined by its saturation, hue, and the absence of brownish or bronze tints and color zoning, with the finest being a strong reddish purple.
Clarity

A majority of the faceted amethysts available in the market are free of visible inclusions to the naked eye.

Cut

Amethysts can be shaped into a range of standard shapes and cutting styles.

Carat weight
Amethyst is available in various sizes, suitable for setting into a range of jewelry styles, and is popular for its affordability as a large center stone, with price per carat remaining relatively stable even in larger sizes.
Care & Cleaning
Cleaning
  • The safest way to clean amethyst is by using a soft brush with mild soapy water.
  • It is usually safe to clean amethyst with an ultrasonic cleaner except in the rare instances where a stone is dyed or treated by fracture filling. However, steam cleaning is discouraged.
Care
  • Amethyst can be durable if proper precautions are taken to prevent scratching.
  • Avoiding damage: Sudden changes in temperature, prolonged intense light exposure, and certain chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, and alkaline solutions can cause damage to amethyst.
History and Lore
Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that amethyst had the power to ward off drunkenness and provide clarity of mind. The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” which means “not intoxicated.” In the Middle Ages, amethysts were often set in religious jewelry and rosaries because they were believed to symbolize piety and spirituality.