February Birthstone Catholic Jewelry — Amethyst

Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It is one of the most ecclesiastically significant stones in the Catholic tradition — bishops have worn amethyst rings as a sign of their office for over a thousand years, the stone appears in the Old Testament description of the High Priest's breastplate, and its violet color is the liturgical color of both Lent and Advent in the Roman Rite. No other birthstone carries such specific Church history.

St. Valentine was a Roman priest executed on February 14th around 269 AD during the persecution of Emperor Claudius II. The historical basis for his association with romantic love is that he continued to perform Christian marriages in secret when Claudius forbade soldiers to marry. He died as a martyr of Christian marriage. Browse our St. Valentine medal collection for devotional pieces that reflect this deeper history.

February contains the feast of the Presentation of the Lord (February 2nd), one of the oldest Marian feasts in the Church, as well as the feast of St. Blaise on February 3rd — when throats are blessed — and the Chair of St. Peter on February 22nd. Lent often begins in February with Ash Wednesday, making the amethyst's penitential violet color especially resonant during this month.

It is one of the most meaningful Catholic anniversary gifts. Amethyst's connection to St. Valentine — the martyr of Christian marriage — combined with its Lenten and episcopal significance makes it a stone that speaks about the seriousness and permanence of the vow rather than mere sentiment. A sterling silver or gold filled amethyst crucifix necklace is a gift that will be understood more deeply every year.

Every piece in this collection is handcrafted in the USA by Bliss Manufacturing. Amethyst birthstone necklaces, crucifixes, and bracelets are available in sterling silver and 14kt gold filled. All orders arrive in gift-ready packaging and orders over $40 ship free.