Quartz is found in every corner of the earth. In its purest form it is colorless, but it is most prized for its purple and golden varieties. As a purple gemstone, it is known as Amethyst. It was worn by the ancient Romans as a talisman to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus.

Amethyst, the traditional February birthstone, is available in small and large sizes, although as with many gemstones, very large sizes in rich, deep colors have always been rare. Designers celebrate Amethyst as the ideal choice for jewelry because of its regal color, variety of sizes and shapes, affordability, and wide tonal range, from light to dark purple. While Brazil is a primary source for all colored quartzes, Zambia is also a significant source for Amethyst.