A violet variety of quartz, amethyst is particularly multifaceted. Because of their radiant color, 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 amethyst pieces from our archives and upcoming sales. –Stephanie Sporn
