February's Birthstone Spotlight: Amethyst
Few gemstones capture the imagination quite like amethyst. Instantly recognisable and endlessly elegant, this violet-hued stone has been prized for centuries, not only for its beauty but for the meaning and mythology woven into its history. As February’s birthstone, amethyst carries a story that is equal parts romance, royalty and quiet strength.
At Dower & Hall, our love of amethyst is reflected in the way each piece is made. Every amethyst design is conceived and handcrafted in our London workshop, where our team of highly skilled jewellers bring each stone to life. From the initial sketch to the final polish, every detail is carefully considered, ensuring that the natural beauty of amethyst is celebrated in jewellery made to be treasured for years to come.
Amethyst’s colour alone sets it apart. Ranging from the palest wash of lavender to rich, velvety purples with red undertones, no two stones are quite the same. Against metal, skin and light, amethyst softens and glows, making it one of the most wearable gemstones across the spectrum of styles.
The stone’s association with February is rooted in romance. Legend has it that St Valentine, the patron saint of love, wore an amethyst ring engraved with Cupid’s image. Over time, this connection to devotion and affection helped establish amethyst as the month’s birthstone, giving it a symbolic link to both love and emotional clarity.
The name itself comes from the ancient Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunk”. The stone was believed to protect its wearer from intoxication, a belief that later evolved into broader associations with balance, clarity and calm. Today, amethyst is often linked to healing, inner strength and personal empowerment – qualities that feel just as relevant now as they did centuries ago.
Its admirers have included some of history’s most stylish figures. Catherine the Great was famously devoted to amethyst, and in the modern era, Wallis Simpson cemented its fashion credentials when she wore a dramatic bib necklace of amethyst and turquoise to a ball at Versailles in 1953.
Once reserved for royalty, amethyst is now wonderfully accessible, allowing its rich colour and storied past to be enjoyed in contemporary jewellery designs. Whether chosen for its symbolism, its beauty or simply its unmistakable glow, amethyst remains a gemstone that feels timeless rather than tied to any one era.
Read on for our selection of favourite amethyst pieces, and discover why February’s birthstone continues to captivate, centuries after it first caught the light.
Above: 'Hammered Disc & Amethyst Array Earrings', and 'Hammered Disc & 5mm Amethyst Array Pendant'
Exuding understated elegance, these sterling silver pieces have a rich 18ct yellow gold vermeil finish and features a radiant amethyst encased in rub-over setting, layered with a round disc that bears our signature hammered texture.
Above: Square Amethyst Hammered Huggie Hoops
Sculpted in radiant sterling silver with our signature hammered finish, these colourful huggie hoop earrings feature a rich square-cut amethyst drop, accented with a round pink tourmaline. The pairing of bold violet and pink creates a beautiful colour palette that is refined, feminine and effortlessly wearable.
Above: Violet Orissa Bracelet, Amethyst Pear Chain Bracelet, and Luna White Pearl, Chain and Amethyst Drop Bracelet
Mix, match, stack: layer bracelets of different styles, textures and metals for a look that’s effortlessly personal and full of character. Our Violet Orissa Bracelet features amethyst gemstone beads, sparkling sterling silver beads and a chain that shimmers in the sunlight, while the striking pear-cut amethyst captivates with its eye-catching purple colour.
A playful, modern take on a classic Dower & Hall design, our eclectic Luna Pearls Bracelet combines oval freshwater pearls with a rectangular-link sterling silver chain to dramatic effect. Accented with an amethyst-set gemstone drop, it is perfect for day or night.
Find out more about Amethyst with our co-founder, Diane Hall:
