The following qualities of an amethyst, when combined favorably, make for a beautiful gemstone: color, clarity, possible treatment, reaction to light, and lapidary skill.

COLOR

First of all, look closely for an even distribution of color. The fact is that many Amethyst crystals grow unevenly as to color. As a result of this growth characteristic, the amethyst that attracts you might have "color zoning", internal bands of light and dark violet, for instance. If you must have such a colored zoned amethyst for your jewelry, just be sure that the bands of color do not appear on that gemstone's table, the large flat facet on top.

The shade of violet or purple will be a determination in the price. However, I think you should go for the color you like.

CLARITY

Look closely at the amethyst in jewelry you intend to purchase or the gemstones you choose for a special order by Mitsuko. Your amethysts should be "eye clean". They should appear to be clear when you look at them as you normally would, without magnification.

TREATMENT

Occasionally, someone might heat treat amethyst to do one of two things, either to enhance the color or in hopes of hiding any color zoning. However if the heating is too strong, such treatment will will make such amethyst brownish. Something you do not want.

However, the American Gem Trade Association's position on heat treat amethyst is that the stability of such heat treatment is excellent. So, while you should care for your amethyst jewelry as you would all of your jewelry,you don't have to concern yourself taking extra precautions because you think that the amethyst in your beautiful jewelry might be heat treated.

REACTION TO LIGHTING CONDITIONS

Sometimes an amethyst may seem to dull or fade in the evening under artificial light. In fact, this "sleepy" appearance occurs because of the fact that incandescent light often lacks the blue rays that the amethyst needs to shine. But your amethyst has not actually lost color.

If "sleepiness" concerns you, then you should choose only medium-to-dark purplish and reddish purple amethysts. Such colors of will display guite nicely under incandescent light.

CUT

Finally, look for an amethyst that a pretty dichroism. Such an attractive gemstone has been skillfully fashioned by a lapidary artisan to display the beauty of the two light rays returning to a person's eyes after one ray of light has entered the gemstone. Such is the subtle beauty of an Amethyst gemstone.

Choosing a well-cut, clear, untreated Amethyst with a beautiful color and attractive dichroism might take a bit of effort. Such a search will be well worth the effort. Such a desirable amethyst set in your jewelry will bring pleasure to you and your friends countless times over.

If you are thinking about having Mitsuko create Amethyst jewelry especially for you or for someone you love, contact her using the following form: