Alexandrite jewelry stands out because of its ability to never stay ordinary. At one point, this stone had a green hue. The next moment, it changes to teal. When the light changes, the stone has a rich red shade. This color shift makes the stone give a fascinating experience to the wearer, always.
Alexandrite offers much more than this exciting color transition. It is also highly long-lasting. This makes it practical to be used as everyday jewelry. Many people choose it for rings, pendants, and so much more.Â
But buying this gemstone requires some homework on your part. Every stone has a different quality. It’s crucial to comprehend what affects the stone’s value. This is what will help you make a good decision.Â
Alexandrite: A Gem of Meaning and Change
Amexandrite is called the gemstone of change. This name is directly tied to its unique trait of changing colors. The gemstone responds differently to the light around it. This effect is not seen in many other stones. It is the reason behind its rare appeal.Â
What Makes Alexandrite So Unique?
Most gemstones display one main color. This is not the case with alexandrite. In daylight or fluorescent light, it usually appears green or bluish-green. Sometimes, it can also appear teal.
Under warm indoor lighting, it shows yet more colors. This includes shades of red, raspberry, or purplish-red. This color change is termed as the alexandrite effect.
High-quality stones can show an impressive change between lighting conditions. This is why it remains a rare gemstone.
Why Does Alexandrite Change Color?
Alexandrite contains small amounts of chromium. Chromium absorbs certain wavelengths of light. At the same time, it reflects others. Natural daylight contains more blue and green light. Incandescent lighting contains more red wavelengths. Alexandrite reacts differently to each light source. Thus, its color appears to change.Â
The gemstone itself never changes. Only the light reaching your eyes changes. That makes every viewing experience feel slightly different.
The Story Behind Alexandrite
Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains during the 1830s. Legend says the gemstone was named after the future Tsar Alexander II. Its changing colors matched the military colors of Imperial Russia. This made alexandrite a prized gemstone among Russian nobility.
Today, natural alexandrite is found in several countries. Important sources include:
- Brazil
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Madagascar
- India
- Zimbabwe
Russian alexandrite remains highly admired because of its historical significance. However, fine stones also come from other regions. Each source may produce slightly different color features.
What Does Alexandrite Symbolize?
Alexandrite has long been associated with change and growth. Common symbolic meanings include:
- Balance
- Good fortune
- Creativity
- Confidence
- New beginnings
- Inner strength
Its changing colors naturally connect it with life's transitions. Thus, its a thoughtful gift for many milestones. It is often chosen for:
- Engagements
- Wedding anniversaries
- Graduations
- Career achievements
- Personal celebrations
What to Look for When Buying Alexandrite Jewelry
Here’s what to consider when buying this gemstone.
Check the Color Change First
Fine alexandrite changes from green, bluish-green, or teal in daylight to red or purplish-red under warm indoor light. The stronger the change, the more valuable the stone. The finest stones show an impressive 85% to 100% color change. A weaker shift usually lowers the stone's value.
Look carefully at both colors. A high-quality stone should display attractive colors in every lighting condition. The green should appear bright and not look brownish or dull. The red should appear vibrant and not nearly black. View the stone under varied light sources and then decide.
Understand Whether the Stone Is Natural or Lab-Created
Natural alexandrite is one of the world's rarest gemstones. Large, high-quality natural stones are especially difficult to find. That rarity makes them highly valuable.
Lab-created alexandrite offers another option. It has the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural gemstone. It also has the same physical properties. It also displays the famous color-changing effect.
The difference is how the stone formed. Natural stones develop deep within the earth. Lab-created stones are grown under controlled conditions. Neither choice is better. The right option depends on personal preference and budget.
Look for Eye-Clean Clarity
Natural gemstones contain small internal features. These are called inclusions. Alexandrite has them, too.These are normal in natural stones. However, they should not be obvious without magnification. Experts describe the best stones as eye-clean. It means no visible inclusions can be seen with the naked eye. Eye-clean alexandrite is much more desirable. It allows the gemstone's color and brilliance to stand out. If visible inclusions distract from the beauty, the value decreases.
Consider Durability for Everyday Wear
Alexandrite performs very well in daily jewelry. It ranks 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. That makes it harder than many popular colored gemstones.
For comparison:
|
Gemstone |
Mohs Hardness |
|
Opal |
5.5 to 6.5 |
|
Tanzanite |
6 to 7 |
|
Emerald |
7.5 to 8 |
|
Alexandrite |
8.5 |
|
Sapphire |
9 |
|
Diamond |
10 |
This durability makes alexandrite a practical choice for:
- Engagement rings
- Wedding jewelry
- Daily rings
- Earrings
- Pendants
Choose a Setting That Shows the Color Change
The setting influences how the gemstone looks. Alexandrite is pleochroic. It can display different colors when viewed from different directions. A well-designed setting allows more light to enter the stone. That helps highlight its famous color shift.
Open settings usually perform best. Popular choices include:
- Prong settings
- Bezel settings with open backs
- Cathedral settings
A beautiful alexandrite deserves a setting that lets its unique character shine.
Natural vs. Lab-Created Alexandrite: What's the Difference?
Both are genuine alexandrite. However, they have different origins.
Natural Alexandrite
Natural alexandrite formed underground over millions of years. Finding a natural stone with excellent color change and strong clarity is extremely uncommon. That rarity makes natural alexandrite highly sought after.
Natural alexandrite usually offers:
- Exceptional rarity
- High collector value
- Natural formation
- Strong long-term desirability
Because supplies are limited, prices can be very high. Larger natural stones often cost much more than similarly sized diamonds.
Lab-Created Alexandrite
Lab-created alexandrite is produced in a controlled laboratory. Although its origin differs, its composition does not. It shares the same:
- Chemical composition
- Crystal structure
- Hardness
- Optical properties
- Color-changing effect
This makes it a genuine alexandrite rather than a look-alike gemstone. Its biggest advantage is affordability. Lab-created alexandrite allows buyers to enjoy the same remarkable color shift at a much lower price. It is also easier to find in larger sizes.
Is Alexandrite a Good Choice for Your Jewelry?
The factors below can help you decide if alexandrite is the right choice.
Choose Alexandrite if You Want a Durable Gemstone
Alexandrite is much tougher than many popular colored gems. It ranks 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. That makes it highly resistant to everyday scratches. It performs well in jewelry worn often.
Choose Alexandrite if You Love Changing Colors
Alexandrite offers an experience that feels different every day. Step outside, and the gemstone often appears green or teal. Walk into a warmly lit room, and rich red or purplish-red tones appear. Few gemstones create this kind of surprise. That changing appearance keeps the jewelry interesting for years.
Choose the Right Origin for Your Budget
Both natural and lab-created alexandrite offer beautiful color change. The difference lies in rarity and price. Natural alexandrite is exceptionally rare. Fine stones often cost more than diamonds of similar size. Collectors value these gemstones because very few exist.
Lab-created alexandrite provides another excellent option. It is chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural alexandrite. The main difference is where it formed.
Lab-created stones usually cost 60% to 70% less than comparable natural stones. That makes them a practical choice for many buyers. You can enjoy the same remarkable color-changing effect while staying within budget.
Think About the Size You Want
Natural alexandrite becomes much rarer as carat weight increases. Fine stones weighing more than one carat are very uncommon. As size increases, prices rise quickly. If a larger center stone is important, lab-created alexandrite provides more options.
Understand Alexandrite's Unique Beauty
Alexandrite creates beauty differently. Its greatest strength is rich color rather than intense white brilliance. The changing shades become the center of attention. Many jewelry lovers prefer this softer, more mysterious appearance.
A Gemstone That Keeps Surprising You
Few gemstones continue to surprise long after they are purchased. Alexandrite does exactly that. Whether you choose a natural or lab-created stone, understanding its qualities helps you choose correctly.
If you are ready to explore alexandrite jewelry, Dunkin's Diamonds offers beautifully crafted alexandrite jewelry designs. Our experienced team can help you compare styles and understand your options. You can thus choose a piece you will enjoy for years to come.
FAQs
How Rare Is Alexandrite Compared to Other Gemstones?
Natural alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Fine-quality stones are difficult to find, especially above one carat. This rarity makes them highly valuable. Lab-created alexandrite is much easier to find and offers the same color-changing beauty at a more affordable price.
Can Alexandrite Be Worn Every Day?
Yes, alexandrite is an excellent gemstone for everyday jewelry. It ranks 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it resistant to scratches from normal wear. It is a popular choice for rings, pendants, and earrings. Simple care and regular cleaning help keep it looking beautiful.
Does Alexandrite Change Color All the Time?
Yes, alexandrite changes color whenever the lighting changes. In daylight, it usually appears green, bluish-green, or teal. Under warm indoor lighting, it shifts to red or purplish-red. The gemstone itself never changes. Only the light around it creates this fascinating effect.
How Should Alexandrite Jewelry Be Cleaned?
Warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush are usually safe for cleaning alexandrite jewelry. Rinse the piece well and dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Having your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected occasionally also helps keep it in excellent condition.
