Purple Gemstones - The Definitive Guide (2025)

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by Suzanne Sachs — 5 min read

THE BASICS--

Purple gemstones can add a stunning touch to engagement rings and jewelry, but what makes them so captivating? Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or another significant moment, the allure of a purple gemstone is undeniable. This enchanting color is found in many beautiful gems, making it a perfect choice for any occasion and a wide variety of personal styles.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• Shades of Purple
• Unique Purple Hues and Their Stunning Hues
• 4 Most Popular Purple Gemstones
• Amethyst
• Purple Sapphire
• Purple Garnet
• Purple Tourmaline
• Purple Symbolism
• Meanings & Symbolism
• Birthstones
• Famous Purple Gemstones
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What Purple Gems Will You Wear?

Shades of Purple

While purple is less commonly found in nature than other colors, it boasts a captivating range of shades, from the lightest lavender and soft lilac to rich amethyst, deep violet, and royal purple. This broad gradient includes hues such as plum, orchid, magenta, violet-blue, and more.

Some shades of purple are named for their origins or affiliations, such as Tyrian, Persian, or Imperial purple, while others are associated with cultural or historical references, like Royal, Lakers, or Byzantine purple.

Purple is generally considered a rich and regal color, with undertones of blue, red, or even gray that add depth and distinction to specific shades. With such a wide variety of hues, there are stunning purple gemstones to match any jewelry preference.

Unique Purple Gemstones and Their Stunning Hues

The most popular purple gemstone is amethyst, the February birthstone admired for its rich, vibrant hues, but other stunning purple gems like alexandrite, purple sapphire, spinel, and tanzanite also captivate with their unique shades.

• Amethyst: The most popular and widely recognized purple gemstone, known for its deep violet hues and rich history.
• Purple Sapphire: A less common variation of sapphire, offering striking purple shades with the durability of traditional sapphires.
• Spinel: Known for its vibrant purple tones, spinel is a durable gemstone often mistaken for other precious stones.
• Purple Garnet: A rare form of garnet, prized for its striking, vivid purple tones and excellent brilliance.
• Tourmaline: A rare and captivating variety of the tourmaline family. It is celebrated for its vibrant purple hues, which can range from soft lavender to deep violet. 
• Alexandrite: A rare and valuable gemstone that changes color depending on the light, often shifting between purple and red or green.
• Other Gems: Fluorite, lepidolite, and sugilite also feature stunning purple shades.

While some purple gemstones are rarer than others, each one offers a stunning option for unique and beautiful purple jewelry.

4 Most Popular Purple Gemstones

Amethyst

Renowned for its stunning beauty and durability, amethyst is a highly prized gemstone available in a variety of colors, with purple being the most iconic.

• Symbolism: Amethysts are often used in jewelry to symbolize peace, protection, and clarity of mind.
• Enduring Quality: Known for their durability and rich color, amethysts represent strength and stability, making them a timeless choice for meaningful jewelry.
• Purple: The most iconic amethyst color ranges from light lavender to deep violet. This hue is prized for its soothing qualities and brilliance, often enhanced by skilled cutting to showcase the gemstone’s natural beauty.

Purple Sapphire

Known for its mesmerizing violet to deep purple hues, purple sapphire is a captivating gemstone that exudes both elegance and mystery.

• Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 9, purple sapphire is incredibly durable, making it ideal for everyday wear while retaining its brilliance and luster.
• Symbolism: Highly valued for its associations with wisdom, strength, and spiritual insight, purple sapphire symbolizes clarity of mind and purpose.
• Versatility: A unique and bold choice for engagement rings, purple sapphire adds a vibrant touch to a variety of jewelry designs.

Purple Garnet

A vibrant gemstone celebrated for its rich and captivating purple hues, offering natural beauty and a distinctive charm that has been admired for centuries.

• Color: Striking shades of deep purple to violet, often displaying a vivid, bold color that sets it apart from other gemstones.
• Mineral Inclusions: Inclusions may include unique minerals, adding character and enhancing the gemstone's individuality, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
• Appearance: Vibrant and distinctive, purple garnet stands out for its bold hue, making it an exceptional and eye-catching choice for jewelry.

“My experience with Vintage Diamond Ring was so excellent I really had to think about it for a while. First their selection of jewelry is profound. The quality is superior.”

—Claude P verified buyer

Purple Tourmaline

Also known as Siberite, is a rare and captivating variety of the tourmaline family. It is celebrated for its vibrant purple hues, which can range from soft lavender to deep violet. This gemstone is prized for its beauty and versatility, often used in fine jewelry and cherished by collectors.

• Color and Fire: Known for its rich purple to violet hues, purple tourmaline radiates with captivating color and subtle brilliance, offering a stunning visual appeal in various lighting conditions.
• Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, purple tourmaline is relatively durable and suitable for everyday wear, though it should be handled with care to prevent scratches.
• Symbolism: Believed to inspire creativity, emotional balance, and inner peace, purple tourmaline is a gemstone with deep symbolic meaning, promoting personal transformation and healing.

Purple Symbolism

But why do we love purple so beloved? The answer may vary depending on one's culture, faith, and personal preferences.

• Meaning & Symbolism

Purple is a color rich in symbolism, often associated with royalty, luxury, and power due to its historical rarity and cost. It evokes a sense of mystery, spirituality, and creativity. In various cultures, purple symbolizes wisdom, dignity, and ambition. Lighter shades, like lavender, are linked to calmness, romance, and delicate beauty, while deeper shades are often tied to strength, transformation, and independence. Purple is also seen as a color of introspection and spiritual awakening, making it a meaningful choice for those seeking depth and personal growth.

The official symbolism of the color purple is similarly broad and diverse. It is traditionally linked to royalty, nobility, and wealth, stemming from the rarity and expense of purple dyes in ancient times. Purple also represents creativity, wisdom, and spirituality, making it a popular choice in religious and ceremonial contexts.

• Birthstones

Certain purple gemstones are also official birthstones — amethyst is the birthstone for February, and alexandrite, which can appear purple in certain lighting, is one of June's birthstones. Purple gemstones are also tied to wedding anniversaries — amethyst is the gem for the sixth anniversary, while alexandrite is associated with the 55th anniversary. Other purple gems, like purple sapphire and purple spinel, are cherished for their beauty and symbolism, making them popular choices for both special occasions and meaningful gifts.

With so much symbolism, there are many reasons to choose a purple gemstone, no matter what you may want it to represent.

“I've purchased two vintage rings from Suzanne over the past decade and my wife has loved both. Great service, communication and speedy delivery.”

—Lee S verified buyer

Famous Purple Gemstones

Another part of the allure of purple gemstones is their popularity in royal, historical, and celebrity circles. Different stunning purple jewels have featured prominently in some of the most famous jewelry pieces of all time.

One of the most famous purple gems today is Queen Silvia's Amethyst Tiara. This iconic tiara features a series of large amethyst stones, highlighting the deep royal connection and timeless elegance of purple gemstones.

Other notable examples of famous purple gemstones include:

• The Russian Amethyst: Part of the historic Russian Crown Jewels, this deep purple amethyst has been cherished for centuries for its stunning color and exceptional size. It symbolizes the opulence and power of Russian royalty
• The Amethyst of Catherine The Great: This large, vivid purple amethyst was once part of Empress Catherine the Great's personal collection. It is celebrated for its rich color and historical significance in Russian royalty.

These examples highlight the timeless appeal and elegance of purple gemstones, celebrated in royal and celebrity circles throughout history.

“Suzanne was amazing! I utilized the layaway service and it was a breeze. Ring made its way to Texas and was even more gorgeous in person."
—Chloe G verified buyer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of purple gemstones?

Purple gemstones are often associated with royalty, luxury, wisdom, and spirituality. Historically, purple was a rare and expensive color, making it a symbol of wealth and power. Today, purple gems like amethyst and purple sapphire are prized for their beauty and deep symbolic meanings, such as inner strength, peace, and transformation.

What is the birthstone for February?

The birthstone for February is amethyst, a stunning purple gemstone known for its calming properties and connection to spiritual wisdom.

What anniversaries are associated with purple gemstones?

Amethyst is the traditional gemstone for the sixth wedding anniversary, while alexandrite, which can display purple hues, is linked to the 55th anniversary. These stones symbolize lasting love, wisdom, and strength in relationships.

What Purple Gems Will You Wear?

These are just a few of the most famous purple gemstones in history; many more adorn the wrists, fingers, and necklines of celebrities, royalty, and those special people who just love the rich and variable color. Purple gemstones captivate with their rich hues and profound symbolism, making them a timeless choice for engagement rings and jewelry. Whether you're drawn to their history, symbolism, or simply their beauty, purple gemstones are a truly unique and captivating choice. What blue gems will you wear? Explore our collection today and find the perfect piece to add to your jewelry collection!

Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:

No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.

Find The Perfect Engagement Ring:

Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you're looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Purple Gemstones today!

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.

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