Although it is widely available, synthetic amethyst remains challenging to identify. The use of infrared spectroscopy, particularly the absorption band near 3543 cm^-1, has become established as a feature indicative of synthetic amethyst. The article by Dr. Vladimir Balitsky and co-authors in this issue explores the limitations of infrared spectroscopy in separating natural from synthetic amethyst and recommends a combined approach. Shown here is a collection of fine natural amethyst jewelry and loose faceted stones. The amethyst pendant at left is courtesy of Barbara Westwood Designer Jewelry, Monument, Colorado; the ring and the pendant on the right are courtesy of Schneider Design Studio, Long Beach, California. The loose stones (11.40–43.79 ct) are, from the top, GIA Collection nos. 13143, 12554, 14034, and 12667. Photo © GIA and Harold & Erica Van Pelt.