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Family Jewellers of Birmingham FOR OVER 40 YEARS - Book Appointment | WhatsApp
Family Jewellers of Birmingham FOR OVER 40 YEARS - Book Appointment | WhatsApp
If you were born in February, you've got one of the most stunning birthstones in the entire calendar.
Amethyst isn't just beautiful—it's rich with history, comes in mesmerizing purple shades, and pairs brilliantly with other gemstones like emerald.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for a February baby, understanding this royal purple gem makes all the difference.
This guide walks you through everything about the February birthstone.
You'll learn why amethyst holds this special place, how to pick the right colour and quality, and even discover why amethyst and emerald rings have become such a sought-after combination.
Let's get into it.
The tradition of birthstones by month goes back centuries.
Ancient civilizations believed certain gemstones held protective powers and brought good fortune to those born in specific months.
The modern birthstone list we use today was standardized in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewellers Association, though the concept itself is much older.
Each month has at least one designated stone. Some months, such as June and December, have multiple options.
January – Garnet (deep red)
February – Amethyst (purple)
March – Aquamarine (blue-green)
April – Diamond (clear/colourless)
May – Emerald (green)
June – Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
July – Ruby (red)
August– Peridot (lime green)
September– Sapphire (blue)
October– Opal or Tourmaline
November– Topaz or Citrine (yellow/orange)
December– Tanzanite, Turquoise, or Zircon
February stands out with amethyst as its sole birthstone.
This purple variety of quartz has been the undisputed February birthstone for over a century. While other months offer choices, February babies get one stunning option that delivers every time.
People wear their birthstones for different reasons.
Some appreciate the personal connection and symbolism. Others simply love how their birth month's gem looks.
Birthstone jewellery makes thoughtful gifts because it shows you've put real consideration into the piece.
It's not just any ring or pendant—it's one chosen specifically for them.
The beauty of birthstones is that they give you a starting point when selecting jewellery.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by endless gemstone options, you have a meaningful direction.
Amethyst earned its place as the February birthstone through both historical significance and symbolic meaning.
The ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent intoxication—the name actually comes from the Greek wordamethystos, meaning "not drunk."
They'd even carve drinking vessels from amethyst, thinking it would keep them clearheaded.
Throughout history, this purple gemstone has been associated with royalty and spirituality.
European monarchs adorned their crowns with amethyst.
Religious leaders wore amethyst rings as symbols of piety and devotion.
The rich purple colour was once so rare and valuable that amethyst ranked alongside diamonds and rubies as a precious stone.
Today, amethyst represents peace, courage, and stability—qualities that resonate with February's energy.
The gemstone is thought to bring clarity of mind and emotional balance.
Whether you believe in the metaphysical properties or not, something is grounding about wearing a stone that's been treasured for thousands of years.
The amethyst birthstone month of February feels particularly fitting.
In the depths of winter, when many places are still cold and grey, amethyst brings that pop of vibrant colour.
It's like carrying a piece of spring's promise with you.
Not all amethysts look the same.
The amethyst colour spectrum ranges from pale lilac to deep, rich purple—almost bordering on red.
The most prized amethyst colour is adeep purple with flashes of red, sometimes calledSiberian amethyst, even when it doesn't come from Siberia.
Light purple amethyst, often calledRose de France, has its own delicate beauty.
These pale lavender stoneswork beautifully in vintage-inspired designs and have a softer, more romantic feel.
Medium purple amethystsits in the sweet spot for most people.
It's vibrant enough to make a statement but not so dark that it loses brilliance in lower light.
The intensity of purple in amethyst comes from iron impurities and natural radiation within the earth.
Stones from different regions show distinct characteristics.
Brazilian amethysttends toward lighter purples with good clarity.
African amethyst, particularly from Zambia, often displays that coveted deep purple with red flashes.
Colour distribution matters too.
Some amethysts show colour zoning—areas of lighter and darker purple within the same stone.
Skilled cutters orient the gem to minimize this effect and present the most uniform colour face-up.
When you're selecting an amethyst, look at it from different angles and in various lighting conditions.
Natural light gives you the truest sense of colour.
The colour you choose is a matter of personal preference.
Deep purple makes a bold statement.
Lighter shades offer subtle elegance.
There's no wrong choice—just different expressions of the same gorgeous gem.
Shape selection for the February birthstone balances personal preference with practical considerations.
Each shape offers distinct advantages.
Round brilliantremains the most popular amethyst shape.
Maximum sparkle and universal appeal make rounds versatile for any jewellery style.
This shape typically commands a slight premium due to higher rough waste during cutting.
Oval amethystelongates fingers in rings while offering excellent brilliance.
The shape's popularity has surged recently, particularly for engagement rings featuring the birthstone-by-month concept.
Ovals offer a larger face-up appearance than rounds of the same carat weight.
Cushion-cut amethystcombines vintage charm with modern brilliance.
Square or rectangular with rounded corners, cushions suit both antique-inspired and contemporary settings.
This shape often displays the amethyst colour particularly richly.
Emerald cut creates sophisticated, elegant statements.
The rectangular step-cut emphasizes clarity and colour depth over sparkle.
Perfect for those seeking understated luxury in their amethyst birthstone month jewellery.
Pear shapeadds romantic flair.
The teardrop silhouette works beautifully in pendants and rings.
Pear amethyst requires expert cutting to avoid the "bow-tie" effect.
Marquise, heart, and trillion shapesoffer unique options for buyers looking for something different.
These shapes suit specific design aesthetics and personal styles.
This pairing has taken the jewellery world by storm—and for good reason.
Amethyst and emerald together create a stunning visual contrast.
The cool purple of amethyst plays beautifully against emerald's rich green.
These complementary colours make each stone appear more vibrant.
From a design perspective, mixing gemstones adds depth and interest that single-stone pieces can't achieve.
An amethyst and emerald ring might feature a central amethyst surrounded by smaller emeralds, or vice versa.
Some designs alternate the stones along the band.
Others create cluster arrangements with both gems.
The purple and green combination works for any season but feels especially fresh for spring and summer jewellery.
It's unexpected without being garish.
The pairing shows creativity and personal style while remaining elegant and wearable.
These combination rings make particularly thoughtful gifts.
If you're celebrating someone born in February but your own birth month is May, a ring featuring both stones represents your connection.
It's jewellery that tells a story.
When selecting an amethyst and emerald ring, carefully consider the metal.
Whitegold and platinumprovide a cool, modern backdrop that lets the coloured stones shine.
Yellow goldcreates a warm, rich setting that emphasizes the jewels' royal heritage.
Rose goldoffers a romantic, contemporary twist.
The size ratio between the stones matters.
If one significantly overpowers the other, the design can feel unbalanced.
Working with experienced jewellers ensures proper proportion and harmony.
Manna Jewellers has created numerous custom pieces that combine coloured gemstones and understands how to achieve the perfect balance.
Consider your lifestyle too.
Emerald rates 7.5–8 on the Mohs hardness scale, while amethyst comes in at 7.
Both are reasonably durable for everyday wear, but rings with multiple stones need a proper setting to protect each gem.
Creating successful amethyst and emerald ring designs requires understanding each stone's properties.
Emerald rates 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale but has natural inclusions that make it brittle.
The February birthstone, amethyst, rates 7 but has better toughness.
Settings must protect both appropriately.
Bezel settingssurround gemstones with metal rims, offering maximum protection.
This works exceptionally well for amethyst and emerald rings.
Prong settingsprovide classic elegance with less metal coverage.
Six prongs suit larger emeralds, while four prongs work well for amethyst.
Channel and pavé settingswork beautifully for smaller accent stones.
They protect gemstones while creating a continuous colour flow.
Tension settingsshould be avoided for this combination.
Emerald should never be set this way due to the risk of fracture.
Beyond the stunning amethyst and emerald ring combination, the February birthstone pairs beautifully with other gemstones.
Diamond and amethystcreate the most classic pairing.
Diamonds enhance the vibrancy of purple while adding sparkle.
Pearl and amethystdeliver romantic, feminine appeal.
Their contrast suits vintage-inspired designs.
Citrine and amethystunite sister stones—both quartz varieties.
The yellow and purple contrast works beautifully in contemporary designs.
White sapphire and amethystoffer a refined alternative to diamonds.
White sapphire adds durability at a moderate price point.
Our bespoke service at Manna Jewellers explores these combinations based on your preferences, budget, and intended use.
The amethyst birthstone month offers remarkable versatility.
Ringsrange from delicate bands to bold cocktail styles.
Pendantsand necklaces showcase the amethyst colour beautifully.
Earringsbring purple tones close to the face.
Braceletsrange from tennis styles to statement bangles.
The amethyst and emerald ring suits many occasions.
Engagement ringsappeal to couples seeking uniqueness.
Anniversary giftscelebrate shared milestones.
Mother's ringsrepresent children's birthstones.
Fashion statementsneed no occasion at all.
Amethyst is reasonably tough, but proper care keeps it brilliant.
Clean with warm water and mild soap.
Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Store separately from harder gemstones.
Have jewellery inspected annually.
Professional cleaning restores brilliance and ensures security.
Finding the right jeweller makes all the difference.
Manna Jewellers has been crafting exceptional jewellery in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter for over 40 years.
Their collection includes carefully selected amethyst pieces and bespoke services.
From online browsing to showroom visits, their team helps you make confident choices.
They also remodel heirloom pieces, repair settings, and refresh designs so your jewellery remains meaningful and wearable.
Ready to find your perfect amethyst piece?
👉Visit us in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter
👉For custom designs and bespoke amethyst pieces
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It's been the designated February birthstone since 1912, when the modern birthstone list was established. February babies are lucky—amethyst offers stunning purple colours and works beautifully in all types of jewellery from rings to earrings to pendants.
Deep purple amethyst with red or blue flashes commands the highest prices. Often called "Siberian amethyst," this rich colour shows the stone at its finest. That said, value is subjective. Lighter "Rose de France" amethyst has its own devoted following. Choose the amethyst colour that appeals to you rather than worrying exclusively about market value.
Yes, amethyst is durable enough for daily wear with reasonable care. At 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, it resists scratches from most materials you encounter in everyday life. Just remove your amethyst jewellery during activities that might expose it to hard impacts, harsh chemicals, or extreme temperatures. A well-made setting also protects the stone.
Amethyst and emerald create a stunning visual contrast—purple and green are complementary colours that make each other pop. Beyond aesthetics, this combination often represents two people whose birthstones are February and May. The pairing works beautifully in custom designs and offers a more distinctive look than single-stone pieces.
Natural amethyst is stable and won't change colour with normal wear. However, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or high heat can cause gradual fading. This isn't something to worry about when wearing regular jewellery. Just store your amethyst pieces away from direct sunlight when you're not wearing them.
Buy from reputable jewellers with established track records. Manna Jewellers has served Birmingham for over four decades, offering both ready-made pieces and bespoke designs. Look for jewellers who provide detailed information about their gemstones, offer certifications when appropriate, and stand behind their craftsmanship with proper warranties and services.
Gemstones and diamonds rely entirely on their settings for protection. When the surrounding metal wears down, stones become vulnerable to movement, chipping or loss. Proper care isn’t just about avoiding wear in tricky situations; it’s about managing it wisely so small issues don’t turn into major repairs. Learn how 10 simple steps can help you to enjoy your jewellery for longer.
