There was a time when amethyst was about as rare and sought after as diamonds. During this point in history, the only people who could afford it were members of royalty.
When more mining sources were found, this semi-precious stone dropped in value. That doesn't mean that real amethyst jewelry is a bad investment.
Not only is amethyst a gorgeous stone, but it's still quite popular. It ranks as a 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for casual wear.
When searching for valuable pieces, color is the most important factor, but it's not the only one. Continue reading to learn what to look for when you buy amethyst in Tampa Bay.
What Is Amethyst?
Amethyst is a classification of quartz. While quartz is a common mineral found in sand, you won't find amethyst crystals laying around the beach. They're a little harder to come by, though not by much.
Again, in the past, amethyst was a rare gem that was sought after by royalty. Once deposits started appearing in areas such as Brazil, however, amethyst became much more common, and its value dropped.
Color Is King
When it comes to choosing amethyst jewelry as a gift, color is the most important thing to pay attention to. Amethyst occurs in primary hues from a light lavender or pale violet to a deep purple.
Since amethyst gems are often larger than other precious stones, it's vulnerable to color zoning. This means that the deep purple shade becomes diluted.
It's rare to find amethyst without any zoning, so you'll spend a bit more for it.
The most valuable amethyst is found in Siberia. It's a purple stone that contains blue and purple spots.
Grading
The highest grade for amethyst is an AAAA. They are in the top percentage of gems available. They check all the boxes in terms of cut and color.
AAA gems are a bit more common than AAAA ones. They are a rich purple color with some minor imperfections.
AA amethyst stones have heavy imperfections and are often lighter in color. You most often find these in mall stores.
Carat Weight
You'll be happy to know that the price of amethyst isn't weighed by carat. That makes it the perfect choice if you like large center stones. You won't have to pay extra for style.
Cut
For crystals with little to no zoning, faceting is the cut of choice. It makes the most out of the light reflecting off the stone.
For crystals with more zoning, the cabochon cut is more common. It brings attention to the interesting patterns that come with imperfections.
Buying Real Amethyst Jewelry
Buying real amethyst jewelry can be tricky. While color is the most important thing to consider, you also have to look at the cut, carat, and grading of a stone.
We would love to help you choose the right option for your needs. Stop by our Tampa Bay location or contact us.