Top 5 Best Amethyst Necklaces To Buy (2024 Review)

Last Updated on September 26, 2022 by Juli "Jewels" Church

Looking for the best amethyst necklaces?

Perfect you're in the right place!

In my latest Learning Jewelry product breakdown you'll learn:

  • What exactly are amethyst necklaces (vs other types)?
  • If amethyst necklaces are expensive or cheap
  • How to clean an amethyst necklace
  • As well as our top picks and much more!
Best Amethyst Necklace
ImageProduct
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Fine Jewelry 925 Sterling Silver Natural Gemstone Pendant Necklace
  • A quite large amethyst at this price
  • Tasteful and attractive setting
  • Quality of the cut is very good
  • A quite large amethyst at this price
  • Tasteful and attractive setting
  • Quality of the cut is very good
View on Amazon
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14k White Gold Amethyst and Diamond Bail Birthstone Necklace
  • 14K white gold setting and chain
  • Tasteful, classy design
  • Genuine diamonds
  • 14K white gold setting and chain
  • Tasteful, classy design
  • Genuine diamonds
View on Amazon
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Star K 8mm Heart Shape Solid 14k Gold Classic Heart Pendant Necklace
  • A nice pendant design
  • Great rose gold setting and chain
  • It would benefit from a more enclosed setting
  • A nice pendant design
  • Great rose gold setting and chain
  • It would benefit from a more enclosed setting
View on Amazon
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Amethyst Necklace with Diamond Accent in Sterling Silver
  • Heart cut contrasting amethysts look very good
  • The inclusion of genuine diamonds adds to the appeal
  • The rhodium plating on the setting and chain is a nice finishing touch
  • Heart cut contrasting amethysts look very good
  • The inclusion of genuine diamonds adds to the appeal
  • The rhodium plating on the setting and chain is a nice finishing touch
View on Amazon
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SERAFINA Women’s Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver
  • Very nice setting
  • The stones offer excellent light performance
  • Simulated, as opposed to natural stones
  • Very nice setting
  • The stones offer excellent light performance
  • Simulated, as opposed to natural stones
View on Amazon

There are few, if any, jewelry items that make a better statement piece than a necklace.

Sure it can’t match the versatility of a pendant, doesn’t complement the face like earrings, and doesn’t carry the same status as a ring, but as a statement piece there are things that can be achieved with the right necklace that set it apart from all other items of jewelry.

Perhaps our love affair with necklaces stems from the fact that they are thought to be the earliest adornment of jewelry – prehistoric remains have been identified wearing necklaces of bone and feather.

Whilst the material of the necklaces we wear has changed dramatically, the effect is still the same. So without further ado, let’s explore the best necklaces that showcase the natural beauty of amethyst.

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On March 8, 2024

  • 14K white gold setting and chain
  • Tasteful, classy design
  • Genuine diamonds
  • Exceptionally beautiful amethyst, even by James Allen’s high standards

Our overall number 1 pick is the beautiful 14K WHITE GOLD AMETHYST AND DIAMOND BAIL BIRTHSTONE NECKLACE from James Allen. It is a truly exquisite piece of jewelry that will delight the wearer.

What Are Amethyst Necklaces?

Amethyst is one of the most popular gemstones in the world today, and it’s not hard to see why – it possesses beautiful color, is relatively cheap when compared to the cardinal gemstones of diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald, and since 18th Century is in relatively abundant supply for a gemstone.

In the amethyst earrings buying guide we briefly discussed the main sources of high quality amethyst. Broadly speaking, the best quality amethyst is thought to possess a deep purple hue of approximately 80% purple.

This type of high quality amethyst was predominantly found in Siberia, and hence the shade developed the name ‘Siberian amethyst’. Whilst large amounts top quality amethyst are now extracted at different sites around the world, the term ‘Siberian amethyst’ remains. (https://www.gemsociety.org/article/amethyst-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/ )

Are Amethyst Necklaces Expensive Or Cheap?

Amethyst necklaces are relatively cheap, in comparison to necklaces that feature the cardinal gemstones. The main determinants of the cost of an amethyst necklace are the material (and craftsmanship) of the necklace chain itself, and the quality of the amethyst relative to the benchmarks of amethyst quality in the marketplace.

The price of the chain should be commensurate with the material it is made of (white gold is more expensive than silver, for instance).

Are Amethyst Necklaces Expensive Or Cheap?

Amethyst necklaces are likely to be more expensive than some of the other amethyst jewelry pieces that we have reviewed, for two main reasons. First and foremost, where the setting for a smaller item of jewelry (ring, pendant, earring etc.) is itself very small, there is a substantial amount of precious metal in a necklace chain.

For example, the amount of white gold required to craft an 18-inch necklace chain is significantly more expensive than for a pendant setting.

Secondly, you will find a tendency amongst jewelers and retailers to use higher quality amethyst stones in necklaces than for other smaller jewelry items (aside from, perhaps, rings). It goes without saying that the higher the quality of the amethyst stone in the piece, the more expensive it will be.

What Should You Look For In The Best Amethyst Necklaces?

Most amethysts in the marketplace are eye clean – that is to say that they don’t have any inclusions that are visible to the naked eye without magnification.

Broadly speaking, there are two main types of amethyst necklace that you are likely to purchase. First, is the amethyst pendant necklace, and second, is an amethyst necklace that features multiple amethyst stones set throughout the chain – not unlike the so-called ‘diamond tennis necklace’.

This second style of necklace is much less common than the pendant style, and is much less common even relative to similar necklaces of different gemstones.

Whilst deep purple amethyst has traditionally been prized by jewelers and customers for centuries, it is important that the amethyst is not too dark, as this begins to inhibit the light performance of the stone. What’s more, through careful marketing, lower quality amethyst that displays very pale pinkish-purple tones has successfully been sold as ‘Rose de France’ amethyst (not unlike the selling of traditionally poor quality pale brown diamonds as ‘Champagne Diamonds’).

This does present an opportunity for a bargain though. As the price of amethyst is much more dependent on color than the cardinal gemstones (which are much more dependent on carat weight), you can make a tradeoff between carat and color. If you happen to be fond of the less saturated, or more translucent, shades of amethyst, and you can find a necklace in this shade that hasn’t been explicitly marketed differently, you will be able to buy a bigger stone in the shade you prefer, compared to the costlier, darker purple stones.

The nature of an amethyst pendant necklace is such that you can experiment with other shapes and cuts that wouldn’t work as well with other pieces of jewelry. For instance, the movement of the pendant can encourage experimentation with different styles of cuts also; a nice checkerboard cut can reflect lots of light and make a statement when placed in a pendant. (https://www.gia.edu/amethyst-quality-factor )

How To Clean Amethyst Necklaces?

Whilst amethyst is a relatively tough and durable gemstone, there are some key things to keep in mind when cleaning and maintaining it.

In our articles on amethyst earrings and amethyst pendants, we discussed the best methods for cleaning amethyst stones themselves, but there are additional considerations to be aware of when cleaning an amethyst necklace.

When cleaning precious metal chains, it is always a good idea to start with the same advice as for amethyst stones, namely, clean in a solution of warm water and gentle dish soap. Given how delicate some chains are, they may be difficult to effectively handle whilst cleaning.

Therefore, for these items it can be helpful to place them in a sieve or strainer within the cleaning solution. The use of a soft bristle detailing brush can also help to gently agitate any dirt or fluff out of the links.

Do also keep an eye on any chains that have rhodium plating – given the manner in which the necklace rubs against your neck, they can be prone to wear through the rhodium plating faster than on other types of jewelry. (https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-tips-caring-jewelry)

Where To Buy Amethyst Necklaces?

Generally, we recommend either buying from Amazon as they have a decent selection of eye-clean jewelry at a price point most people can afford.

If you're looking to invest a bit more in a quality amethyst necklace, then James Allen is our recommended vendor and an excellent and reputable jewelry retailer, who combine the discount prices of a big chain, with the expertise and reliability of a local expert.

Product Reviews

This is our best value pick. This necklace features a very nice oval amethyst that has a very good cut. The quality of cut, combined with the accompanying cubic zirconia, makes this a great necklace that sparkles brilliantly in the light.

Another pleasant surprise – especially at this price – is that the amethyst stone is natural and untreated.

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  • A quite large amethyst at this price
  • Tasteful and attractive setting
  • Quality of the cut is very good, which leads to excellent light performance
  • Whilst the silver chain saves cost, it would have benefitted from rhodium plating

Our best of the best selection is beautiful 1.26 carat oval cut amethyst pendant necklace. It doesn’t have the largest physical footprint (at only 8 x 6mm), but what you are paying for with this necklace is the quality of the amethyst – it is a truly exceptional deep, rich purple hue. Add to this the accompanying diamonds, tasteful white gold setting, and 18-inch white gold chain, and it makes for an exceptional piece of jewelry.

  • 14K white gold setting and chain
  • Tasteful, classy design
  • Genuine diamonds
  • Exceptionally beautiful amethyst, even by James Allen’s high standards

Next is a brilliant amethyst pendant necklace from New York company Star K (via Amazon), and it is one for the fans of rose gold. This necklace features a 1.20 carat, heart cut amethyst in a rose gold setting. The pendant itself is not unsubstantial at nearly half an inch from top to bottom, and it is accompanied by a diamond also. It’s a shame that the diamond is only graded I3 (albeit you’re unlikely to see inclusions in such a small stone).

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  • A nice pendant design
  • Great rose gold setting and chain
  • It would benefit from a more enclosed setting, especially given how heart cut stones are more prone to chipping
  • The I3 grade of the diamond is a little disappointing at this price

Something slightly different from the other selections on this list, is this lovely necklace featuring an amethyst and diamond pendant.

The pendant includes two heart cut amethysts of different shades which provides a nice contrast, and they are accompanied by some small diamonds.

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The rhodium plated sterling silver setting offers a pleasant design, and should afford good protection to the enclosed stones. The setting is quite long and narrow, again offering something different to the other selections.

  • Heart cut contrasting amethysts look very good
  • The inclusion of genuine diamonds adds to the appeal
  • The rhodium plating on the setting and chain is a nice finishing touch
  • It’s hard to have any complaints for this quality of item at this price

Last but not least is this very attractive ‘dancing amethyst’ pendant necklace from Serafina. This necklace is the only one on our list that contains lab grown amethyst. The amethyst is set within a very interesting setting, and surrounded by a halo of lab created white sapphires. Whilst the artificial stones won’t be to everyone’s taste, they offer great appeal to those who do like them.

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  • Very nice setting
  • The stones are made and arranged in a manner that offers excellent light performance
  • Simulated, as opposed to natural stones
  • The silver setting would benefit from rhodium plating

Our Top Pick: 14k White Gold Amethyst and Diamond Necklace

Overall, the 14k White Gold Amethyst and Diamond Bail Birthstone Necklace is our top pick. There’s a lot that could be said about the quality and craftsmanship of the James Allen piece, or the tasteful addition of diamonds, but in truth all of this is secondary to the truly outstanding purple hue of the featured amethyst.

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