Everything You Need to Know About Alexandrite Gemstone

One of such gemstones that instantly give a sense of mystery is Alexandrite. It may occur as green, bluish green and teal in the daytime. When warm in indoors, it can change to reddish purple, raspberry or plum. It is this color effect, seldom seen, which causes most collectors to refer to it as one of the most interesting gems in the world.

When you have in mind an Alexandrite Gemstone Ring, pendant or even engagement ring, you are likely to wonder why it is so valuable, quality criteria and what to look into before purchasing it. This guide expounds on the meaning, rarity of the product, factors of price, factors of durability, and how to buy them practically in a straight forward and easy to understand manner.

What Is Alexandrite Gemstone?

Alexandrite is a rare mineral of chrysoberyl. Change of colour is the most renowned characteristic of it and this implies that the stone may appear in various colours depending on the source of light.

Alexandrite can appear green or bluish-green in natural daylight. In incandescent or candle-like light, it can be red, purplish red or violet. The larger and purer this change of color the better the stone tends to be.

This gem is also linked to balance, change, good luck and self development. Alexandrite is regarded by many as a sign of flexibility and emotional complexity due to its varying colors.

Why Is Alexandrite So Rare?

Alexandrite is a rare mineral since it takes geological conditions which are very specific to form. This is a result of the presence of chromium which provides the color-change effect but the right mineral environment must exist as well. The combination of that is not a frequent occurrence.

There are particularly few high-quality natural stones available. There are lots of alexandrites in the market which are small, included or have low color change. The presence of larger stones with large color change and good clarity is even less frequent.

This rarity is among the reasons why alexandrite is commonly likened with other luxury colored stones such as ruby, sapphire, emerald, and even a green diamond to a buyer looking to have something out of the ordinary and something valuable to themselves.

What Makes Alexandrite Valuable?

All alexandrite is not equal. There are some of modestly priced stones and fine natural pieces are extremely valued.

Main Quality Factors to Check

1. Color Change: The most critical value factor is strong color change.

2. Color Quality: Vivid shifts, green-to-red or teal-to-purple are better.

3. Transparency: The fewer the noticeable inclusions, the better.

4. Cut: A good cut enhances brightness and displays the color change in a better way.

5. Carat Weight: Large natural stones are hard to come by and thus the prices increase very fast with size.

6. Origin: There are more collectible origins, particularly those that are recorded.

7. Certification: Lab reports used to ascertain the natural or synthetic nature of the stone.

Alexandrite Price and Buying Expectations

Prices of alexandrite per carat can be fluctuated. Weakly colored changeable small stones are cheap, whereas fine quality natural alexandrite is priced in the thousands of dollars per carat. The possible value of the exceptional stones is much higher as they are rare, big, and/or they perform well in color.

A clever buyer cannot just multi purposely look at carat weight. A stone of smaller size which has a dramatic variation of colour may be more beautiful and valuable than a stone of larger size but dull colour.

Practical Buying Tips

Questions to consider before purchasing include:

1. Is it a natural or lab-created stone?

2. Is it accompanied by a gemological report?

3. The intensity of the change of color when exposed to various lighting conditions?

4. Can you see the inclusions with the naked eye?

5. Does it have a return policy?

6. Does seller disclose origin and treatment?

These questions need not be pressed upon and vague claims should be avoided by a reputable jeweler.

Alexandrite in Jewelry

Alexandrite is an excellent choice to use in fine jewellery as it is as rare and also hardwearing. Having a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, it can be worn in rings, pendants, earrings, and daily-wear jewelry expected to last long depending on the way they are set.

Alexandrite Rings and Engagement Styles

Natural alexandrite rings are beloved by many individuals due to their sense of personal and uniqueness. The color of the stone changes depending on the light and this will make the ring vary in the mood depending on the light and this will make it more interesting than the traditional gemstones.

A natural alexandrite engagement ring can be a valuable decision in selecting an individual who would prefer a unique colored stone rather than a traditional diamond. It also goes well with yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, and white gold.

To wear long-term, match the centre stone to secure settings and well-suited wedding bands. Shielding on the walls or low profile environment may assist in minimizing day-to-day shocks.

Is Alexandrite a Good Gift?

Alexandrite is an excellent choice of a gift as it is both unusual and symbolic and personal. It may be a lovely and gift jewelry on birthdays, anniversaries and milestones.

Alexandrite, whose change of color symbolizes progress, change and permanence, could be quite a special first wedding anniversary present, should you ever want something extraordinary and memorable.

It is also the modern June birthstone and diamond is well known as the birthstone of the month of April. This is why alexandrite is particularly attractive to individuals, who prefer to wear a birthstone jewelry but do not want something usual.

Natural vs Lab-Created Alexandrite

The most significant purchasing choice is how an individual is going to decide on whether to buy a natural alexandrite or a laboratory-created alexandrite stone.

The earth forms natural alexandrite which is rarer. Artificial alexandrite is as beautiful and changes color, but is generally cheaper. The two can be appealing, yet they do not have an equivalent value.

Natural alexandrite is typically the better option should investment value, rarity, or collectability be a concern. In that case, a struggling price means you want the appearance less expensive, lab-grown alexandrite could have a place in your price-saving strategy alongside other less expensive engagement rings.

How to Care for Alexandrite Jewelry

Though it is very strong, it should not be handled without care.

Apply these easy-going care guidelines:

• Wash with soft soap, warm water and soft brush.

• Do not use rudimentary chemicals and bleach.

• Take rings off prior to strenuous work or exercise.

• Keep in different places to avoid scratches.

• Get jeweler to check prongs occasionally.

Careful attention will maintain the beauty and security of the stone.

The Bottom Line

An Alexandrite Gemstone is beautiful, valuable and aesthetically memorable. Its changing of color adds some personality to it and its strength enables it to be practical with fine jewelry. High quality color change, excellent clarity, skilled cutting and consistent certification are the factors that need to be considered as the most significant.

When you need alexandrite to make an engagement ring, economical engagement rings or even to add it to your collection, you should take your time and compare stones. A properly selected alexandrite is not only gorgeous, but it is a gem that has a soul, is unique and has permanence.

FAQs

What is alexandrite?

Alexandrite is a rare color-change chrysoberyl. It may be seen as green or bluish green during daytime and change to reddish purple or even violet when under warm indoors lights.

Is alexandrite expensive?

Indeed, natural alexandrite can be costly particularly when it is heavily colored changed, with excellent clarity, larger size, and with an appropriate certification. Artificially produced alexandrite is typically a lot less costly.

How much is alexandrite worth?

The worth of Alexandrite is based on color change, size, clarity, cut, origin and whether it is natural or of lab origin. High-end natural stones may be in the thousands of dollars per carat and lower grade or artificial ones are cheaper.

How rare is alexandrite?

Alexandrite is regarded as one of the rare coloured gemstones particularly in large size with strongly changed colour. The good quality natural alexandrite is rather rare when compared to many other stones used in jewelry.