Amethyst Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

It’s not often that you spot someone wearing an amethyst engagement ring, which makes this stone the ideal option for unconventional brides. The deep violet hue stands out and can have a slightly vintage edge to it, depending on the style of the ring. While they may be far from traditional, amethyst engagement rings will still stand the test of time.

Pros and Cons of Amethysts

For many people, the most appealing thing about an amethyst engagement ring over a classic diamond is the bright color. “Yes, we all love diamonds,” says Mason Roberts, founder of Ringagement. “But at the same time, we also love to see something new and beautiful.” The price tag doesn’t hurt either. “The beauty of lure of amethyst is its budget-friendly price tag,” says Madeline Fraser, the founder and CEO of Gemist. “Large amethyst stones are relatively inexpensive.”

The biggest disadvantage is the fact that amethyst isn’t as durable as diamonds. “It’s fairly hard—a 7 on the Mohs Scale, on which a diamond is a 10,” explains Roberts. “But that could be misleading. Mohs created his scale just by ordering common minerals from softest to hardest. Diamonds are literally 10 times harder than amethyst.” Stil, amethyst is strong enough for everyday wear. “It’s plenty hard and durable, and it has a beauty all its own,” says Roberts. “If you’re careful with amethyst, of course, it can last a lifetime. It just couldn’t take the possible punishment that a diamond could,” he adds.

What to Look for in an Amethyst Ring

• How can I tell if the ring is high quality? To find a quality stone, Fraser recommends holding it up to the light to see if it’s transparent. “When held up to the light, it should travel completely through the stone,” she says. “Amethysts of high quality should be completely clear and should not have inclusions.” Remember to check the surface to ensure there are no nicks or scratches.
• What stones pair best with amethyst? You should also know which shade you want since these stones can range from very light to very dark. “In general, people prefer dark purple natural amethyst gemstones,” says Roberts. “But it’s entirely up to what you like. You should also ask if they’ve enhanced the color, a common practice with gemstones, to make sure you don’t overpay.”
• What cuts pair best with amethyst rings? Pay attention to the cut as well. “They’ll never sparkle diamonds, and that’s definitely not the point of amethyst,” explains Roberts. “But they should be cut symmetrically, beautifully, evenly, and with proportions that you like.” Lastly, keep in mind that the metal it’s paired with may affect the shade of the stone.
• What metals pair best with amethyst rings? Fraser explains that certain metals will enhance colors. For example, white gold may display more bluish undertones, while a warm metal will magnify the richness of the deep purple.

How to Care for Your Amethyst Ring

Since amethyst isn’t as strong as a diamond, you might not be able to wear it during all of your everyday activities. Roberts warns that amethyst can fade after long exposure to bright light, so avoid leaving it in a sunny window. He also recommends taking your ring off before showering, as the heat can cause the color to fade over time. “Always protect from nicks and daily activity by removing them when in the gym, swimming, and when applying lotions or using cleaning products,” says Fraser. And, when storing and not wearing, keep your amethyst ring away from other gemstones as it can scratch easily. 

In terms of cleaning your amethyst ring, Roberts recommends lukewarm water and some soap. “I never recommend using ultrasonic cleaners on any jewelry, even diamonds, since even diamonds can chip if they vibrate against each other,” he adds.

History of Amethyst Gemstones

The deep purple color of amethyst reminded the Ancient Greeks of wine, and so it was named “Amethystos,” the Greek word for “not intoxicated.” In fact, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that amethyst could keep someone from getting drunk, and so they used it to make wine glasses, thinking it would prevent overindulgence. “Medieval soldiers also wore the stone into battle to protect themselves and aid them in staying focused,” explains Fraser.

Scroll through 15 stunning amethyst engagement rings ahead.