Hardness: 7 Mohs

Enhancement Code: Synthetic Coating

Quality Information:

A: Light to medium purple, little or no colour zoning; eye clean to slight imperfections; good cut

AA: Medium to medium dark purple, little or no colour zoning; eye clean to slight imperfections; good cut SWAROVSKI GEMS™ Lilac Fine: Light to medium colour; minimal eye visible inclusions SWAROVSKI GEMS™ Violet Fine: Medium to dark colour; minimal eye visible inclusions.

Care: Rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid direct sunlight and exposure to heat which may cause colour to fade. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Major Sources: Africa, South America

This regal gemstone has been valued for millennia. Ranging in colour from a delicate lilac to deepest plum, the beauty of amethyst has been appreciated from ancient Egypt and Israel to the modern day. Believed to promote sobriety and clarity of thought, this form of quartz was used in the Middle Ages as an antidote to poison.

The birthstone for February and the gem to celebrate the 4th., 6th., 9th. and 17th. anniversaries, amethyst is also the state gemstone for South Carolina. The purple hues of amethyst make it a gorgeous and fashionable choice for all styles of jewellery.