Have you been wondering what kind of purple gemstones exist in the jewelry world?
Good! You are in the right place. Here we shall learn about:
- What purple gemstones are in jewelry and why are they purple
- Types of purple gemstones
- Detailed analysis of each of the types
- And a lot more!
Let’s get started.
Bottom line: Blue Nile is a reputable online jewelry store that has the best purple gemstone jewelry inventory. Among the gorgeous pieces are amethyst necklaces and bracelets. Not only does this store have the best purple gemstones but also the best of any other jewelry. The jewelry buying process at Blue Nile offers its customers a stress-free shopping experience. Because all their jewelry is sold online, you can rest assured that the product delivered to you will be of high quality and of a lower price than other corporate jewelry stores.
[toc]What are Purple Gemstones?
Purple gemstones have been in existence for many centuries and are commonly used to make artifacts and jewelry. Although they are not as widely known as various other colored gemstones, purple gemstones can still be found in the market, though in small quantities.
The color purple in gemstones is gotten from chemical inclusions and is believed to have a positive impact on the clarity of thoughts. Aside from that, purple is also thought of as a color of power and wealth.
There are different shades of a purple hue in purple gemstones such as lavender, Mauve, lilac, etc. it is rare to find a gemstone with concentrated purple and this makes such stones very expensive.
While purple gemstones are not the most popular colored gemstones for an engagement ring, there is no denying their allure. As a result, while these gemstones are not mostly found on rings, you will definitely come across purple gemstone necklaces and well as purple gemstone earrings on various jewelry stores.
More commonly, you’ll find a wide selection of the best purple gemstone earrings and the best purple gemstone necklaces at your favorite jewelry store.
Best Place to Buy Purple Gemstones
Purple gemstones are very common and are not hard to find in the jewelry market. For starters, head over to reputable online jewelry stores like Blue Nile and James Allen. These stores have a wide collection of purple gemstones, both loose and put in other jewelry. If not convinced about online purchasing, try shopping from malls and local jewelry stores.
Purple Gemstones Names and Pictures
Honestly, there are very few genuinely or naturally purple gemstones. Below is a list of the best types you will find used in jewelry?
- Purple diamonds
- Amethyst
- Purple Sapphire
- Purple chalcedony
- Lolite
- Purple spinel
- Purple Jasper
- Purple Tourmaline
#1. Purple Diamonds
For purple diamonds to be formed, a very high amount of hydrogen is needed. After the red diamonds, purple diamonds are the rarest gemstones to be found. Because it is rare, its price is up the ceiling, 1-carat purple diamond can attract as much as tens of thousands of bucks.
By appearance, purple diamonds have a deep purple shade. Some shades of purple are commonly known as lilac, lavender, grape, and orchid diamonds. Such colored diamonds are found in very few locations around the world such as Canada, Australia, and Russia.
The price of a purple diamond stone greatly depends on its shade.
Features
- Very costly
- Rare to find
- Lab-created versions cost less
- Special gemstone
Price
- Between $1,900 – $25,000
Pros
- Very unique features
- More valuable for higher karat compared to colorless diamonds
- Long-lasting (ranks a powerful 10 on the Moh’s scale)
Cons
- Very high price
- Hard to find
- Likelihood of finding synthetic types
#2. Amethyst
Amethyst is one of the most popular purple gemstones. In the past, amethysts were as precious as rubies, diamonds, and emeralds until enormous deposits were discovered in Brazil that it lost its value.
Amethyst rates as one of the best purple gemstones as it exists in all purple shades. The darkest of all the shades is ranked as the best. These purple gemstones are loved by jewelers because of their natural ability to blend with colorful and neutral-colored clothes. Deeper shades of purple add vibrancy while the faint shades add vibe to your choice of clothes. The bad side of amethyst is that it is likely to fade when exposed to light often.
Since this gemstone is so common, there is correspondingly a wide range of prices. The most expensive are the stones with dark purple hues, even if that strong color is likely to fade away if left in the light for a long period.
Read our jewelry guides on amethyst:
- Best amethyst earrings
- Best amethyst necklaces
- Best amethyst engagement rings
- Best amethyst pendants
Unique Features
- Less costly
- Readily available in the market
- Very common
- Good hardness
Price
- Between $10 – $700
Pros
- Abundant
- Budget-friendly prices
Cons
- Not so hard
- Loses color with time
#3. Purple Sapphire
Like most other people, you probably confuse a purple sapphire for an amethyst. Purple sapphires are not so common but they are as beautiful as blue sapphires. Purple sapphire gets its purple color from chromium that gets trapped in the gemstone during formation.
Purple sapphires have a very strong and conspicuous color, thus no need for treating on the processing of any form meant to enhance appearance. Being the second hardest gemstone, purple sapphires are good for making everyday jewelry like engagement rings.
Features
- Rare sapphire type
- No need for treating
- Very durable
Price
- Between $800 – $5,000
Pros
- Very tough gemstone (Mohs scale 9)
- Brilliant
Cons
- Expensive
- Somehow rare
#4. Purple Chalcedony
This gemstone has beautiful purple shades that range from dark purple to light lilac. The purple chalcedony has translucent to opaque features and is known for being very rich in color.
While it is forming, this gemstone does not trap crystals, making it very compact with no carvings or cleavages. This gemstone lies at the 6.5 to 7 rank on the scale of hardness. Purple chalcedony has a microcrystalline structure and a bohemian appeal. It is the best choice of gemstone for ethnic jewelry styles.
While not very commonly used in fine jewelry, it is common in wire-wrapped jewelry or en cabochon.
Features
- Lasts long
- Quite affordable
- Waxy-vitreous shine
Price
- Between $10 – $500
Pros
- Very durable
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not so hard
#5. Lolite
Lolite is one of the cheapest and commonly found purple gemstones. Like Tanzanites and Sapphires, this stone also boasts of super brilliance. It has exactly the purple color you want, especially the shades. On the Moh’s scale of hardness, lolite rate at 7 – 7.5 and can be used on any kind of jewelry.
If you prefer lolite for engagement or wedding rings, it would be very attractive if put in settings like halo and bezel. With such kinds of settings, the stone shines more than usual and attracts a lot of attention. This gemstone also exhibits a high level of pleochroism. It is also easy to break since it has cleavages.
Features
- Very popular
- Available in large amounts
- Brilliance is above average
Price
- Between $9 – $50
Pros
- Readily available
- Low price
- Excellent brilliance
Cons
- Not as durable
#6. Purple Spinel
Unlike most other purple gemstones that come in all shades, the purple spinel only comes in select shades, with mauve and lilac being the most beautiful. This stone is expensive but slightly cheaper than the red and blue gemstones. This stone is tough and durable, hence the best choice for jewelry to be worn every day.
Purple spinels are common in their natural form although there are lab-grown varieties. These gemstones, whether natural or synthetic can be shaped and faceted to enhance their brilliance.
Features
- Very hard at position 8 on Moh’s scale
- Very brilliant
- Fairly rare
Price
- Between $600 – $3,000
Pros
- Attractive brilliance
- Lasts long
- Quite affordable
Cons
- A little expensive
#7. Purple Jasper
In essence, jasper is a blue gemstone that has a few varieties in the purple range of shades. Purple jasper features a distinct matrix of patterns and veins that make this stone valuable. This stone is a member of the chalcedony family; it features a cabochon cut and not faceted. On the hardness scale, this stone is placed around 6.5 to 7.
If well taken care of, these gemstones can last a lifetime. Although a little opaque, purple jasper has a mixture of red and blue that gives it a warm appearance. You will find purple jasper being used to manufacture fine jewelry and jewelry pieces that make statements. In the jewelry world, purple jasper is known to have a degree of royal touch.
Features
- Readily available
- Medium hardness
- Formed with attractive patterns
Price
- Between $5 – $50
Pros
- One of a kind texture
- Very tough
- Affordable
Cons
- Price is too low to value
#8. Purple Tourmaline
When you talk about tourmaline gemstones, the purple stone is the least known. Not so many people know about this gemstone, it has great brilliance. When looked at from different light angles, you will see that this gemstone exhibits varying levels of pleochroic behavior.
Jewelers like to facet this purple gemstone to improve its pleochroism and brilliance. They also use it to make specific types of jewelry. Purple tourmaline measures around 7 to 7.5 on the hardness scale, and thus most of them have to be treated with heat. Anytime you are buying purple tourmaline, be sure to ask the jeweler more about the heating process.
Features
- Very durable
- Not popular
- Brilliant gemstone
Price
- Between $400 – $2,000
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Accepted durability
Cons
- A few varieties carry a high price tag