Purple gemstones range from soft lilac to deep royal violet, a colour long linked with royalty. Common choices include amethyst, purple sapphire, purple spinel, lavender spinel, kunzite and tanzanite with its violet-blue tones.
How to choose a purple gemstone
- Pick red or blue leaning: some purples look warm and plum-like, others cool and violet.
- Think about daily wear: sapphire and spinel are the hardiest picks here, and amethyst is fine with a little care.
- Keep amethyst out of strong sun: long exposure can pale its colour.
- Check colour evenness: amethyst can show zones of lighter and darker purple.
- Look at lavender spinel: it gives soft lilac colour with the hardness of spinel.
Explore purple amethyst, purple sapphire and lavender spinel for three very different purples.