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Best of Birthstones: Arresting Amethyst

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A violet variety of quartz, the amethyst is particularly multifaceted. Because of their radiant colour, ranging from lavender to royal purple, amethysts were associated with wine in Greek legends and were prominently featured in religious and noble jewels. Until the 19th-century discovery of large Brazilian deposits, amethysts were as valuable as rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Celebrating the unique history of February’s birthstone, a gem supposedly worn by Saint Valentine himself, we selected 13 romantic and dynamic amethyst pieces from our archives and upcoming sales. –Stephanie Sporn

Fine Jewels

22 March | London

Magnificent Jewels
25 April | New York

Best of Birthstones: Arresting Amethyst

  • 18-karat gold, amethyst and diamond necklace and earclips, Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate $100,000–150,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels in New York on 25 April.
    This show-stopping duo adds instant glamour to an elegant ensemble.  

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  • Pair of amethyst and diamond earrings. Estimate £6,000–7,000 ($7,604–8,871). To be offered in Fine Jewels on 22 March in London.
    Brilliant-cut diamonds and suspended pear-shaped faceted amethyst drops from dazzlingly dramatic earrings. 

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  • Amethyst and diamond demi-parure, Asprey. Estimate £7,000–9,000 ($8,871–11,406). To be offered in Fine Jewels on 22 March in London.
    This parure is comprised of a necklace of floral design, set with marquise-shaped amethysts for the petals, and a pair of earclips. 

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  • Pair of 18-karat gold, platinum and gem-set ‘Pansy’ earclips, Oscar Heyman & Brothers. Estimate $12,000–18,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels in New York on 25 April.
    From the legendary collection of Marjorie S. Fisher, these earclips feature flowers are made of citrine and amethyst.

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  • Amethyst and diamond demi-parure. Estimate £4,000–6,000 ($5,069–7,604). To be offered in Fine Jewels on 22 March in London.
    In addition to a pair of earrings, this parure includes a brooch of foliate design, which suspends a marquise-shaped amethyst drop. 

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  • Pair of amethyst and diamond cufflinks, Margherita Burgener. Estimate £2,000–3,000 ($2,535–3,802). To be offered in Fine Jewels on 22 March in London.
    These Margherita Burgener cufflinks are each set with a cabochon amethyst, framed by pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds. 

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  • Dusk earrings, $210,000. Currently available at Sotheby’s Diamonds.
    In these Sotheby’s Diamonds earrings, amethyst and grey moonstone surround internally flawless, round brilliant cut diamonds, the pair totalling 4.18 carats. 

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  • Pair of gem set and diamond earrings, Michael Young. Estimate £5,000–7,000 ($6,337–8,871). To be offered in Fine Jewels on 22 March in London.
    Each of cascading design, these earrings are set with oval and pear-shaped amethysts, oval and circular-cut pink sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds. 

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  • 18-karat gold, coral, amethyst, turquoise and diamond necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Sold for $168,750.
    From the family of Betsey Cushing Whitney and John Hay Whitney, this circa 1970 ropetwist chain necklace combines diamonds, coral, turquoise and amethyst for a colourful tassel. 

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  • 18-karat gold, amethyst and diamond ‘Wrapped Heart’ Brooch, Verdura. Sold for $50,000.
    In a class Verdura Wrapped Heart design, this circa 1950 amethyst brooch is made complete by round diamonds and a gold bow.  

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  • 18-karat gold, amethyst and kunzite pendant-necklace, Tony Duquette. Sold for $20,000.
    Featuring a full spectrum of purplish stones, this necklace also has a detachable Maltese cross-style pendant. 

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  • 18-karat gold, platinum, amethyst and diamond cuff-bracelet, David Webb. Sold for $25,000.
    This David Webb cuff is set with three oval-shaped amethyst cabochons, complemented by a diamond border. 

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  • Two pairs of two gem set and diamond brooches, 1960s. Sold for £11,250 ($14,257) and £7,500 ($9,505).
    The amethyst’s natural violet hue lends itself to nature-inspired designs like the blackberries and blooming irises in these sets of 1960s brooches.  

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