Antique & Vintage Amethyst Rings

...velvety richness of purple with a hint of blue. The most esteemed member of the quartz family, the colour of this gemstone can vary from lilac, pale purple and lavender, through to deep mauve and pinky purple.

They are mined in many locations throughout the world, with the very best vivid coloured amethysts coming from the old mines of Siberia, Brazil and Sri Lanka. These can be seen in breathtaking vintage amethyst rings and jewellery. Amethyst can be fashioned into a variety of faceted shapes and be rounded to domed cabochon cuts, showcasing the colour to the best effect.

Natural amethyst has been held in high regard since the time of the ancient Greeks and has been seen as a symbol of power over the centuries, with amethyst jewellery featuring in the crown jewels of Britain and Russia. The symbolism of particular colours in Christian jewellery during the medieval period was highly significant, with amethyst’s purple colour symbolising penitence whilst also being the liturgical colour for the seasons of Lent and Advent. Thus, it is no surprise that Bishop’s rings often showcase a fine amethyst.

It was a popular jewel in the Victorian period of romance and sentimentality with heart shaped antique amethyst rings and jewellery being fashionable as love tokens. They were also used in memorial rings. Amethysts are also seen in Suffragette jewellery, with purple being a colour of this movement. Queen Alexandra loved the colour purple and so they continued to be favoured in the Edwardian period. Vintage amethyst jewellery also included cocktail rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and engagement rings throughout the twentieth century.

Amethyst has played an important role in jewellery spanning the centuries. Find the perfect piece of vintage or antique amethyst jewellery in our vast collection.