Amethyst is the most precious stone in the quartz family. Its lush purple color comes from the presence of iron, and this rich hue has given this stone a reputation of royal association that has persisted for thousands of years.

Amethyst is relatively abundant, which means that the amethyst that is selected for use in jewelry is free of inclusions or flaws. This abundance also lends it affordability. As semiprecious gemstones, amethysts are relatively wallet-friendly despite their royal reputation.

Amethyst has been long been associated with royalty, at least partly due to its rich purple hue. The dye that was used to produce violet fabric was once incredibly expensive, and could only be afforded by the ruling class. Thus, this color become linked with kings, queens and princesses, a connotation that carries over to the present day.

Amethyst rings of all kinds carry this connotation and even simple styles communicate regal beauty. If you’re looking for a demure yet dazzling amethyst style, be sure to check out the Three Stone Amethyst Ring in 14K White Gold. This sweet, simple ring hugs a 0.40 carat princess-cut amethyst with two 0.15 carat round amethysts for a look that allows the natural beauty of the stones to take the spotlight.

Amethysts aren’t only for fairy tale princesses, however. Many real-life members of the ruling class have loved this gemstone, demonstrating that its beauty is truly suited for royalty. For example, the Russian empress Catherine the Great favored amethyst, and this stone is found in the British crown jewels. From the Egyptians to the Romans to numerous other civilizations around the globe, the amethyst has been prized as an object of beauty.

The Cushion Cut Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold is fit for a princess as it showcases the gorgeous contrast that’s created when diamonds and amethyst cooperate. An eye-catching cushion-cut amethyst, 8mm square, is the focal point of this ring, accented by over a third carat of diamonds that frame this center stone and stud the band. This simple yet sophisticated style has a glamorous vibe that will always be in style.

Amethyst’s long history as a treasured gemstone makes it a lovely choice for styles that are inspired by the past. For instance, the Art Deco Diamond and Amethyst Ring in 14K White Gold captures the excitement of the Art Deco Period and gives it a touch of regal personality. A 7mm cushion-cut amethyst rises from this time-honored design, presiding over the eight channel-set diamonds that adorn the band. Beaded edges and a repeating motif give this ring distinct 1920s flavor.

The Vintage Rose Amethyst Ring in .925 Sterling Silver could have been pulled straight from a fairy tale, but in actuality, this design originated in the Victorian Era. This striking ring places a glimmering oval-shaped amethyst, a full centimeter wide, within an intricately-crafted setting that calls to mind the romance of times past. Tiny carved flowers stud the band as it swoops up to meet this sparkling centerpiece, adding whimsy and feminine charm. In addition, since this style is crafted from sterling silver, it’s remarkably affordable. Like all silver amethyst rings, it combines a budget-friendly semiprecious stone with an equally budget-friendly metal, making it a lovely gift if you’re short on cash.

In addition to their ability to serve as gorgeous fashion statements, amethyst rings can also serve as unique symbols of love. Many little girls dream of being princesses and of the day when a prince will come, and amethyst engagement rings are lovely ways to celebrate that this day has finally arrived.

The feminine purple hue of amethyst provides a welcome splash of color during one of the coldest months of the year, making it a fitting gem to serve as the February birthstone. While jewelry that features this stone is a thoughtful way to honor anyone with a February birthday, its appeal is far from limited to those who were born in the shortest month of the year.

Stud earrings are timeless, and when those studs are crafted with amethyst, they add a regal touch to any day. They also make excellent gifts! Apples of Gold’s Amethyst Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold are available in your choice of three stone sizes (6mm, 7mm or 8mm), as well as your pick of push back or screw back closures. This pair of basket-set stones coordinates perfectly with any amethyst jewelry or stands on its own as an understated, elegant accent.

If you’d prefer amethyst earrings that are a little fancier, consider the 6mm x 4mm Oval Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Flower Earrings in 14K White Gold. This pretty pair forms flowers from 6mm-high oval-shaped amethysts, surrounding them with smaller diamonds to create gorgeous blossoms with glimmering violet centers and sparkling white petals.

Amethyst pendants are yet another way to wear the regal February birthstone, and they make excellent for gifts for nearly any special lady on your list. For instance, the 0.65 Carat Amethyst Heart Pendant in 14K White Gold surrounds a 6mm heart-shaped amethyst with an elegant heart of 14K white gold, accented with whimsical heart- and swirl-shaped cutouts. An additional heart adorns the bale of this romantic piece, making this pendant a beautiful way to express your love.

If you’d prefer a unique amethyst pendant with a chic, dark twist, don’t miss the Amethyst and Black Diamond Royal Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver. This sophisticated sterling silver piece places a sizable oval-shaped amethyst within a scalloped frame encrusted with black diamonds. Additional black diamonds accent the bale, completing a look that’s elegant and alluring.

Amethyst may be the birthstone for February, but it’s so much more! This elegant purple gem gives a touch of regal color and welcome sparkle to rings, earrings and pendants any time of year.

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in

my heart) i am never without it (anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

Cummings perfectly captured the connection that holds two people together no matter how far apart they are. In the last line, he calls it “the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart,” and this wonder is gorgeously captured in by the sparkling beauty of diamond heart pendants.

Heart pendants are timeless ways to say “I love you,” and when they’re accented with dazzling diamonds, their message is magnified. On Valentine’s Day—or any day—these pieces are gorgeous ways to tell that special someone that you always carry a piece of their heart with you.

The Double Heart Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold is a striking way to celebrate that your heart is inextricably connected with the heart of that special someone. This dazzling pendant uses an illusion setting to multiply sparkle, making it appear that it contains a wealth of stones, and allowing it to serve as a dazzling reminder of your love. A diamond-covered heart interlocks with a smaller, highly-polished 14K gold heart, providing a beautiful picture of the connection you share.

Love involves embracing your differences and the ways that the things that make each of you unique can work together to allow you to complement one another. The 14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Heart Pendant is a striking picture of the way that two different elements can work in harmony to create a unified object of beauty. A diamond-accented 14K white gold heart is hugged by half of a gleaming 14K yellow gold heart to create the perfect pairing of warm and cool, sparkle and shine. These two elements curve in unison, creating a look that emulates grace.

The 7 Stone Diamond Heart Pendant in 14K White Gold provides yet another graceful symbol of two hearts beating as one. This lighthearted contemporary piece accents an asymmetrical, curling outline of a heart with 0.12 carats of diamonds. While this pendant is petite at a half-inch high, its combination of sparkling stones and shining 14K white gold is sure to communicate your love. An 18” 14K white gold chain is included, making this piece perfect for giving the instant you receive it. And, if you prefer, this pretty pendant is also available as part of a four-piece jewelry set that includes a matching ring and pair of earrings.

Heart jewelry such as these diamond heart pendants are surefire ways to express your love on Valentine’s Day or any day. Try one of these sparkling, meaningful pieces to tell that special someone that you always carry a piece of their heart with you.

The word “aquamarine” comes from two Latin words that mean “water” and “sea,” and it’s not hard to see how it gained this moniker. Its blue hue brings to mind calm, crystal-clear waters, providing a mini-escape no matter how far you are from such a soothing scene. This stone is able to mesmerize with just a glance of its indigo charm.

The combination of aquamarine and diamonds provides subtle contrast, making a sophisticated statement without clamoring for attention. Like the brilliance of a clear sky reflecting off of undisturbed snow, this pairing of vibrant indigo and colorless glimmer is both calming and invigorating, as seen in aquamarine and diamond rings.

Although aquamarine has a relatively gentle hue, it can still make a big impact through its lively sparkle. If you’d really like to make a statement, consider the 2.70 Carat Aquamarine and 0.28 Carat Diamond Ring. This eye-catching piece features a sizeable aquamarine, a full centimeter high, accented by over a quarter carat of round diamonds. These diamonds surround the center stone like a frame around an exquisite painting and stud the band to create a lavish look. This is a ring with drama and sophistication.

Or, consider  the 1/3 Carat Diamond and Aquamarine Ring in 14K White Gold, which puts a glittering cushion-cut aquamarine, 8mm square, in the spotlight. This glamorous ring is accented by a total of 34 round diamonds that accent the band and form a dazzling border around the center stone. It’s a piece that drips with class, with a design that will never go out of style.

The soft, vibrant sparkle of aquamarine would fit perfectly in any fairytale, as demonstrated by the regal Princess Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold. A glimmering 2 carat aquamarine, fit for a queen, is the star of this striking ring, sitting like a crown and ruling the design. Eight round, channel-set diamonds accent the gleaming 14K white gold band, adding sparkle and giving this style an extra touch of class.

The philosopher Pliny said that aquamarine “has charms not to be denied,” and it’s hard to argue. For thousands of years cultures around the world, from the Sumerians to the Egyptians to the Romans, all recognized that this gem is something special. Aquamarine flatters nearly any skin tone, and its color is perpetually refreshing and strikingly beautiful. It’s also a relatively hard stone, making it a durable choice that can be passed from one generation to the next.

For a Christmas gift that will bring vibrancy in the darkest days of winter and all year long, don’t miss aquamarine rings! These gentle but striking looks provide a touch of spring under the tree.

Richly-colored gemstone jewelry is sure to make an impression this Christmas, and sapphire pieces are a wonderful pick for showing a loved one that you think they are a treasure. For instance, the 7mm x 5mm Pear Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Flower Pendant in 14K White Gold exhibits a beauty that defies trends. A deeply-colored pear-shaped sapphire is surrounded by 14 round diamonds, creating a look that calls to mind an exotic flower that will never fail to bloom, year after year.

Heart pendants are a lovely way to express your affection for any special lady in your life. The Double Heart Pendant in 14K White Gold offers a simple, shining symbol of the way that love binds two people together. Two gleaming hearts dangle in interconnected harmony, creating a picture of the bond between you and the one that you love. This graceful pendant comes with a 1.5mm rope chain, so it’s ready for giving the moment you receive it.

What girl on your list couldn’t use a pair of gold hoops? These earrings will be well-received by recipients young and old and their classic style is sure to be appreciated for years to come. The 3mm-wide, 1-inch diameter 14K Gold Hoop Earrings are the perfect size for just about any occasion: large enough to be noticed, but small enough to partner well with other jewelry. Their versatility and timelessness makes them a surefire pick.

For a shot of color that’s sure to be appreciated, gemstone jewelry is hard to beat. Apples of Gold’s collection of silver and gemstone rings offers styles from subdued to festive to show-stopping, with options for a wide range of tastes. Not only are these rings beautiful; they’re also quite affordable, allowing you to find the perfect present while staying within your shopping budget.

For example, the Roman Art Deco Garnet and White Topaz Ring in .925 Sterling Silver offers a burst of crimson sparkle that’s perfect for the Christmas season and beyond. A round 6mm garnet forms the focal point of this 1920s-inspired ring, while two smaller white topaz stones glimmer from the sides. This style perfectly balances the geometric shapes of the Art Deco Period with feminine curves, making it perfect for modern women who appreciates, bold timeless style.

No matter what type of jewelry is on your gift list, Apples of Gold has the perfect pieces without all of the Black Friday weekend lines. Shop online to find fantastic gemstone rings, earrings, pendants and more that will bring smiles this holiday season.