February's Birthstone Has a Royal History Everyone Should Know About

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Want to appear more regal? Look no further than amethyst jewelry. Though it may be February's birthstone, anyone can wear this gem. The stone, which comes in range of purples from the softest of lilacs to bold indigo, is imbued with a storied history around some of the most pivotal monarchies in the world.

Amethyst has an ancient past that's deeply intertwined with health and faith. The word amethyst is fascinatingly connected to its purported healing properties and is derived from the ancient Greek word amethystos, which means "not intoxicated." The gemstone was believed to heal wounds and even cure drunkenness, which is why it held a prominent place in ancient Egyptian jewelry collections.

Amethyst's alleged benefits carried the semiprecious stone into the Middle Ages, a time often associated with magic, and the gem became associated with attributes such as courage and bravery. Its popularity grew in England during this era and it became a favored gemstone of the British royal family, a tradition that continued with modern monarchs. Queen Elizabeth II was frequently seen wearing striking purple outfits adorned with amethyst at major events, including her Diamond Jubilee Tour.

In recent years, amethyst has emerged as a crown jewel of couture shows, making the stone only rise in popularity. Learn more about the stone and how to incorporate amethyst jewelry into your wardrobe, below.

Imperial Amethyst & Diamond Drop Earrings

Even the name of these stunning sparklers is connected to empires and legacy. We're obsessed with the glamorous designs of Mindi Mond New York, and the plush cushion cut shape of the amethyst makes these earrings stand out from the crowd.

Roberta Bangle

Elizabeth Locke, celebrated for her 19-karat gold craftsmanship, love of micromosaic pieces, and affinity for colorful gemstones, embraces the amethyst trend with several eye-catching designs. However, our favorite might just be the Roberta Bangle for its ability to easily transition from day to night.

Amethyst Cabochon Ring

Looking for a magical element to add to your collection? You can't go wrong with this Tamara Comolli ring from the brand's Bouton collection. The smooth, elegantly rounded shape of the stone allows for this piece to stand alone or be a fun addition to your existing stack.

Nudo Classic Ring

Amethyst stones both big and small are set to shine in this stunning ring. The center amethyst stone is layered with jade to create an intriguing look.

Yellow Gold & Amethyst Stud Earrings

In the Jaipur Color Collection, Marco Bicego allowed for his imagination to go wild through bold colors and designs. The collection celebrates the stone-cutting culture present in India as well as its beautiful scenery, and every piece feels truly special.

Amethyst Cushion Ring

We've discovered the cocktail ring of your dreams, and it's this fabulous Elizabeth Locke piece that appears to take inspiration from her love of ancient civilizations.

Amethyst Freccia Ring

Renato Cipullo allows for the stone to do the talking with a savvy design that draws ones eye to the stone. The architectural elements truly highlight the brand's bespoke expertise.

Rose Gold, Diamond, and Amethyst Earrings

When you give Belgian jewelry brand AS29 sparkling gems, they'll turn them into flowers. The stunning, modern designs from the collection are intentionally created to fit any wardrobe.

Rock Candy Teardrop Earrings

Ippolita is long known for its classic teardrop style, but we think that amethyst might be our favorite interpretation. The fun color adds a confectionary feeling in the most delicious way.

Nudo Classic Earrings

The Milan-founded brand excites us once again with this pair of amethyst earrings that goes perfectly with the matching ring. It's a combination fit for royalty.

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