If you’ve decided to take your engagement ring search on a different, perhaps more violet course, there are a few things you will need to know. Amethyst rings are a wonderful choice for an engagement ring, and are often slightly less expensive than other stones and gems. From vintage to vintage inspired and beyond, here are a few things to expect when you embark on your search for the perfect amethyst engagement ring:

History & Meaning

Before beginning to look into amethyst engagement rings, or any type of gem for that matter, it’s important to know the history and meaning behind them. Amethyst is the February birthstone, fitting for a wearer born in that month or perhaps a February proposal, to forever be reminded of that special day. Thinking of modeling your nuptials after the royal wedding? An amethyst ring may just be the right choice. Purple has historically been associated with royalty and amethysts are even featured among the Crown Jewels of Great Britain. If you or the wearer are religious or will be having a religious ceremony, amethysts were also often used by the Christian church and in religious jewelry over the years. Amethysts bring with them balance, patience, peace, and tranquility, all important qualities of a successful and happy marriage. Perhaps the strangest meaning behind amethysts comes in their namesake. Amethyst comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “not drunken” and is thought to protect the wearer from drunkenness. This can be have a more comical meaning, in hopes that everyone at your wedding behaves themselves!

Color Variations

As we know, amethysts are often associated with the color purple, but amethyst engagement rings can come in a variety of hues. Traditional amethysts are a lighter lavender called “Rose de France.” These stones can also come in a range of violets including darker, deep rich purples as well as hints of blue or red. Amethysts are heat sensitive and can change color when exposed to high temperatures. In extreme cases, they can even become green quartzes, referred to as Prasiolite.

Pairings

Some amethyst engagement rings feature the purple stone paired with other gems. Especially when it comes to engagement rings, diamonds are often used to frame the stone or as accents in the setting or band. These rings may also be paired with similar colored stones such as rubies or even colored enamel. As for settings and band colors, amethyst is a very versatile stone and can be found along with just about every kind of metal, from yellow gold to platinum, as well as in a variety of shapes and sizes.