Traditionally, pink or red heart-themed manicures reign supreme in February—thanks to Valentine’s Day, of course. And while we love classic red or pretty pink polish color or dainty nail art any time of the year, a decidedly untraditional (but still attention-grabbing!) manicure idea to consider this February is the month’s richly-hued birthstone, amethyst.
Amethyst: A Gemstone with a Rich History
Amethyst is a decadent purple gem that ranges in hue from lilac and grape to plum and eggplant. According to the Geological Institute of America (GIA), early Greek mythology associated the gem with Bacchus, the god of wine, while others had a more practical idea of its influence; Renaissance Europeans thought it “calmed lovers overrun by passion.” It also had royal approval—Catherine the Great reportedly had a major penchant for the gem. Maybe that was because lore claimed it had “mystical powers” and would convey “strength and wit to those who wore it.”
Inspiring Amethyst Nail Looks
To help inspire your anything-but-pink February manicure, we compiled nine fitting amethyst nail looks, plus nine polishes that you can grab to create a rich and royal look at home.
Chrome and Marble
- Purple Chrome: Want to get in on the hottest nail trend of the moment? Make your manicure chrome. Here, celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton uses OPI’s Complimentary Wine ($12) with a chrome nail powder to create a unique purple-glazed look.
- Purple Marble: Shelton is also behind this stunning amethyst-hued mani with OPI’s Eco-manicac ($13) and Right As Rain ($13) from The Nature Strong collection. To see exactly how she created the look, click here.
Pure Purple and Iridescent Magic
- Pure Purple: In what may be a nod to amethyst’s “mystical” powers, this rich hue from Manucurist is called Mystic.
- Iridescent Magic: Nail artist Alexandra Teleki created this captivating pink and purple “thermochrome manicure” using a color-changing gel polish and this this pearl chrome powder. To see the transformation, click here.
Abstract Amethyst
- Abstract Amethyst: Leaning into the lilac facets of the gemstone, Shelton creates a simple but striking abstract nail design with Ella + Mila’s Mauve Over ($11).
More Amethyst-Inspired Polishes
- OPI’s Complimentary Wine ($12)
- OPI’s Eco-manicac ($13)
- OPI’s Right As Rain ($13)
- Manucurist’s Mystic
- Ella + Mila’s Mauve Over ($11)
Conclusion
This February, why not shake things up with a bold and beautiful amethyst manicure? From classic purple to iridescent magic, there are countless ways to incorporate this stunning gemstone into your nail art. Whether you’re looking for a subtle nod to the birthstone or a full-on statement piece, we hope these inspiring looks and polishes help you create a look that’s truly fit for a queen.
FAQs
Q: What is the birthstone for February?
A: Amethyst is the birthstone for February.
Q: What are some popular ways to wear amethyst in nail art?
A: Amethyst can be worn in a variety of ways, including as a classic purple polish, as a chrome or marble finish, or as an abstract design.
Q: Can I use amethyst polish to create a bold and beautiful manicure?
A: Yes! Amethyst polish can be used to create a bold and beautiful manicure. You can also pair it with other colors, such as pink or purple, to create a unique and eye-catching look.