Sapphire Engagement Rings
Tough enough for a ring worn every day. Hardness 9.
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Gemstone engagement rings / Amethyst
Is an amethyst engagement ring right for you?
Amethyst is purple quartz. It costs little per carat, so you can have a big, bold stone. The trade-off is how it wears over decades. Here’s the honest picture.
PK
Parth KananiOctober 2026 · 5 min read
In short: Amethyst (7 on the hardness scale) is fine in a ring worn with care, but it will slowly lose its sharp edges and polish over the years. Strong sunlight can fade it. It’s a lovely choice if you accept it may need re-polishing one day.
Purple
Illustration
Everyday wear
How well does amethyst wear?
Fine in a ring, worn with some careGood in a ring with some care. Strong sunlight can fade the colour over time.
Amethyst7 / 10 hardness
Diamond10 / 10 hardness
Hardness (Mohs scale) is resistance to scratching. Toughness, how well a stone resists chipping and cracking, matters too, which is why our verdict isn't based on hardness alone.
What to know
What jewellers don't always tell you about amethyst
Why it wears down
Everyday dust contains tiny bits of quartz, the same hardness as amethyst. Over years, that slowly dulls the polish and rounds the edges. A jeweller can re-polish it.
Colour can fade
Long exposure to strong sunlight can lighten amethyst. It isn’t a problem for normal wear, but don’t leave it on a sunny windowsill.
February’s birthstone
Amethyst is the February birthstone and the traditional 6th wedding anniversary stone.
Prices
What amethyst engagement rings cost in the UK
Real prices, not estimates: the range across 7 UK retail listings we checked in October 2026.
From
£375
Typical
£922
Up to
£2,122
Gold and platinum rings only: we left out sterling silver rings, which start around £130. High-street 9ct rings run £375–£500.
For comparison: a 1ct round diamond solitaire in 18ct white gold costs about £3,900–£5,600 in Hatton Garden, or £1,650–£2,850 with a lab-grown diamond. See our Hatton Garden price guide.
Before you buy
What to ask and check
- 1Choose a deep, even purple. Paler stones and ones with brownish tints are worth less.
- 2Pick a setting that protects the edges, and take the ring off for the gym and gardening.
- 3Ask the jeweller what a re-polish would cost in a few years’ time.
Which metal?
Yellow and rose gold make purple look rich and warm. White gold and platinum give a cooler, more modern look.
Which setting?
A bezel or a diamond halo protects the edges. Larger amethysts look good as a simple solitaire.
Ready to look at real rings?
Coloured stones vary far more than diamonds, so see the actual stone in daylight before you commit. Many Hatton Garden jewellers will source a amethyst for a bespoke ring. Compare them in our independent jeweller reviews, or start designing online.
Compare other gemstones
Or see every stone side by side in our gemstone engagement ring guide.
Common Questions
Is amethyst durable enough for an engagement ring?+
For a ring worn with some care, yes. It’s a 7 on the hardness scale, so it will gradually lose its polish with daily wear. Re-polishing every few years keeps it looking sharp.
Does amethyst fade?+
Long exposure to strong sunlight can lighten its colour. Normal daily wear is fine.
How much does an amethyst engagement ring cost?+
Across 7 UK retail listings we checked in October 2026, amethyst engagement rings ranged from £375 to £2,122, with a typical (median) price of £922. Gold and platinum rings only: we left out sterling silver rings, which start around £130. High-street 9ct rings run £375–£500.
How hard is amethyst?+
Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, where diamond is 10. Our verdict: fine in a ring, worn with some care. Good in a ring with some care. Strong sunlight can fade the colour over time.