Amethyst in small sizes is quite easy to obtain, but as the sizes increase so does the gemstones scarcity.

This has a logarithmic effect on the price, which is not in proportion or relative to the prices of the smaller sizes. For example, if you paid $20 for a 1 'Carat' Amethyst you won't be paying $20 per 'Carat' for a 4 'Carat' Amethyst: You'll probably be paying $40 per 'Carat' as the prices go up according to the scarcity of the gemstone in large sizes.

If you do your shopping wisely then the $160 that you could spend on a 4 'Carat' Amethyst could buy you seven or eight 1 'Carat' Amethysts, or two or three 2 'Carat' Amethysts.

Another little tip is that when a gemstone hits the 'Carat' marker its price increases considerably, so if you buy a gemstone that's a little below the 'Carat' mark, say 0.95 or 1.95 etc, you will be making a nice little saving. The reason for this is that prices increase in a steep curve, see the diagram above for the general idea.

Be warned that the gem dealers and cutters are well aware of this little trick, and they will try to cut as closely as possible to the 'Carat' mark in order to get a better price.