Elle's May issue focuses on the royal lure of amethysts. Purple is one of the fashion world's "it" colors this year. The color works well with black, and women are wearing it mostly in blouses, scarves, handbags and shoes. What better to match with these items than amethyst jewelry, which can also be had in big statements due to the gem's reasonable price.

Pictured here, clockwise from top left: Hand-engraved cuff by Steven Webster, ring by Verdura, crystal and chunky amethyst necklace by Versace, double-pronged hairpin by Pippa Small, ring by H. Stern, briolette earrings by Laura Mady for Boucher, and 22k gold and amethyst drop necklace by Julie Baker Design.

- by Peggy Jo Donahue