The ultimate guide to Alexandrite wedding rings
It all begins with a skipped heartbeat, and suddenly you realize that you have found your one & only. We can say both for your life partner and your wedding ring. But is it that simple?
To have that one glorious moment knock on your heart, you must select the best option. That is why there is a whole research story behind the scenes. You need to land your eyes on "The one" to be able to tell if it is meant for you or not.
This is the ultimate guide to your wedding ring, which will surely lead you to the best decision of your life.
The starting point:
1. Buy yourself some time
How to buy a perfect wedding ring for yourself? I'm sure this question has a lot of weight and will surely put you under stress, but the best decisions are always made with a clear head. Give yourselves some time and note down your choices.
• What do I desire from my wedding ring?
• What inspires me?
• What should my dream wedding ring look like?
It is best to note down everything and make sure you don't rush; after all, this is a decision of a lifetime. However, if you are in a hurry, you can ask for help from the Alexandrite team to help craft one for you on short notice.
2. Set your budget
The first thing you need to do is determine your budget, or you will end up being lost in the sea of rings without any direction. Sure, you are on the lookout for your dream wedding ring, but the best practice is never to stray from your budget. There are still lots of unique and exciting options that are eye-catching but still within your budget.
3. Long-term care
For most people, their wedding ring is usually the most cherished piece in their jewelry collection that witnesses the ups and downs of life with them. Hence, your wedding ring needs a regular annual checkup to stay good as new. Another vital piece of advice by the experts is to invest in the new ring rather than vintage because vintage pieces had already experienced their fair share of wear and tear.
Choose it wisely
There is a lot to consider when choosing your metals as well as the perfect stones. The selection of your wedding ring is based on four essential components. This section will give you a brief on each with pros and cons.
Metals
It's vital to know your metals beforehand. It's not only about considering the color of the metal, but also the longevity and purity of your metal make a massive difference in how your metal handles everyday wear and tear. There are several options; we will describe each of them in detail.
Purity
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Gold is measured in karats. Pure gold is measured in 24 karats, the purest form of gold, but gold cannot be used in its purest form due to its soft nature. Gold is the most malleable and ductile metal and can be easily scratched, scuffed, and dented, which meddles with the durability and finish of your gold jewelry. That is why gold needs other alloys to maintain its longevity and allure.
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14 Karat gold
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14k gold is the most convenient option when it comes to wedding rings for many reasons. 14k gold has 14 parts of gold and a part of the supportive alloy, including zinc, copper, nickel, etc.
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Pros
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14k gold wedding band is easy on your budget and gets you almost the same sparkle. The warm hue of 14k gold retains its glossy finish due to other metals used in the making. Someone with an active lifestyle will have no issue with a 14k gold band regarding scratches and denting. You can have your dream ring without breaking the bank, as 14k gold has a very noticeable price difference.
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Cons
Wedding rings crafted in 14k gold lack the luster and the stunning yellow hue of gold compared with 18k gold. Some people might be sensitive to zinc, copper, and nickel alloys and might get skin allergies.
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18k gold
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An 18k gold wedding ring has 18 parts out of 24 with other supportive alloys, which means your dream ring will have an Uber finish with an apparent vibrancy of extra warmth and glow of gold almost near to its purity.
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Pros
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18k gold is excellent for those with skin allergies as a minor portion of the alloy is present. The undeniable appeal of 18k gold is more captivating for some people than 14k gold. The most significant advantage of 18k gold wedding rings is their purity.
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Cons
18k gold is more expensive than 14k, which can put a strain on your budget. 18k gold is not as durable due to more gold than alloys and might get occasional scratches and wear tear.
Yellow gold VS white gold VS rose gold.
We always associate gold with the warm yellow color; however, pure gold is almost orange-ish, which means you need other metals to get your desired color.
• To get that icy white luminosity, white gold is mixed with nickel
• Yellow gold is mixed with copper for a brilliant warm yellow shine
• The gold gets the rosy tint when copper is carefully mixed in the making, but you are still getting a portion of pure gold in your ring
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Platinum
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Luxurious with a royal feel, the platinum wedding ring is a splendid choice to celebrate your union.
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Pros
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The most significant advantage of getting a platinum wedding ring is the charismatic appeal. The longevity of the metal is bound in comparison. The metal retains its color for a long time. Platinum handles scratches with wear and tear better than gold.
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Cons
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Platinum rings are highly costly due to the rare nature of the metal. A platinum wedding ring is not a budget-friendly option. You might need to search the market to get the best platinum ring as the metal is a rare find.
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Pro tip:
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Always choose the metal that can be resized if you put on weight or lose some because these things will naturally happen to each one of us.
Contrasting metals
Paired with white gold, Alexandrites emits a cool-toned charm. It's the best option for those who want a timeless classic. Alexandrites with rose and yellow gold give a warm radiance and a fiery hue, which is great for the lovers of something unique.
The multitone gold rings are especially gorgeous and breathtaking.
PICTURE
Stone settings
Pavê style
The arrangement of small gemstones in a patterned or grid format is pave setting. Pave style is the most favored due to its sparkle and delicate appearance; however, the stones might come loose over time.
Basket halo 18k rose gold ring with pave setting.
Bezel settings
The bezel setting enables the perk of rare stone checkups as the stones are ideally encased around the thin metal layer. It casts a perfect illusion and gives the stone a lot of attention.
Clean contrast of bezel setting on two-toned metal
Channel setting
This is a setting in which stones are secured within the walls of the metals in a suspended setup. The stones are well protected and can withstand wear and tear.
A perfect blend of channel setting with a princess cut on an 18k white gold ring.
Beaded setting
In a bead setting, many tiny metal beads hold the stones in their cocoon with perfect precision. This type of setting is more favored these days as it gets the stones' well-balanced attention. Less metal is holding the gemstone, so be ready for some regular stones checkups.
A stunning mix of beaded and prong settings of alexandrite stones.
Flush/Burnish setting
Modern yet classic, this setting is perfectly creative to give your stones the safety of the metal claws. The stones are set inside four to six metal prongs. This type of setting is easily customizable is a perfect way to show off the stone's sparkle.
An oval cut prong setting on 18k white gold
Shape
Curved wedding band
A wedding ring looks promising with curves. A curved wedding band is simply creative with the delicate curve of metal and the intricate stone setting. There are a lot of options to consider if you want to get a curved wedding ring.
• Do you want to pair it with your engagement band? (Might look out of place without the engagement ring)
• Will you get stones or just the engravings? (Make sure you get the proper stone cut and setting to avoid fallouts from the curvy side of the metal)
Straight band
Thin or thick straight bands know their value. They can elevate the look of your ring with its simple shape, and not to forget, they will forever remain in the list of favored by most brides.
• Whether you pair it with your engagement band or not, this shape fits both ways
• Straight band comes with a long term promise and is hardly affected by the change in trends
Round bands
Simplicity is the ultimate luxury, and the same can be said about round wedding bands. The shape is widely popular amongst brides because it doesn't need stones to bring the class.
• Round bands look sophisticated and elegant
• Round Bands create a perfect standalone ring that can easily be pair with the engagement ring
Stones
There is a vast selection of breathtakingly beautiful stones that will speak to your soul in an instant if given a chance. Diamonds are now used to accentuate other gemstones, so your wedding ring doesn't strictly have to be made of just diamond stones.
A Trending gemstone in wedding rings
Each with its uniqueness and beautiful meaning, gemstones carry special love and will grace your wedding ring with their magnificent presence. Alexandrite is one of the trending gemstones that will adorn your wedding ring with its exquisite color-changing look. Alexandrites on your wedding ring are usually enhanced by diamonds to accent your wedding ring look.
A famous saying about Alexandrite:
"Emerald by the day and ruby by night"
The description perfectly fits this mesmerizing color-shifting stone. Naturally sourced Alexandrite is exceptionally rare, but you can't miss one when you look at it.
A complete Guide to Alexandrites stones
While diamonds might be all sparkles in any piece of jewelry, Alexandrites add a mysteriously mystical vibe to a wedding ring. After diamonds, alexandrites are great to keep your wedding ring versatile and trendy for the years and generations to come. The ever-changing magnificent hue of the stone makes it a unique gem.
The rare background
Known for its rare nature, Alexandrite is popular in the world of gemstones for its unique and luxurious hues that will leave you in awe of its presence. The stone is from the pleochroic family, which helps them in color change. The composure of Alexandrite has chromium that gives this gemstone a brilliant hue of emerald in daylight that changes color to fiery raspberry purple with reddish flashes in incandescent light.
History
Alexandrites were first discovered in Russia, a stone so rare that not many people have seen it. This beautiful stone was named after Alexander II and is one of the June birthstones, promoting healing energy.
Symbolism
Due to the color-changing ability of Alexandrites, the stone is spiritually very active. Alexandrites are the stone of good fortune. These June birthstones are excellent in promoting calmness and balance for both the mind and soul. If you are looking for a happy and healthy relationship, these stones are fantastic to have in a wedding ring. The stone is perfect for both men and women with no strict gender bounds, and you can enjoy it with your partner.
When it appears reddish-purple, the gemstone promotes love, passion, and self-expression. Having this stone around you will keep you aware of your sensuality and self-worth.
The bluish-green emerald hue of the stone can ward off stress which brings clarity to the mind, enhances intuition, and promote success.
Finally, the stone is said to soothe doubts about marriage and love. It introduces the couple to compassion, joy, and harmony.
You can read more about the metaphysical quality of Alexandrite here.
Different cuts on the stone
An actual alexandrite stone has unique cleavage properties, which makes it hard for the cutter. A typical Alexandrite stone is cut into a shape known as a mixed-cut. It features a brilliant-cut-crown and step-cut pavilion.
The highly included cat's eye cabochon makes for an excellent cut as it reflects the beauty of Alexandrites to the finest. Alexandrites are challenge stones for the cutters. The brilliant cuts are recognized as kite-shaped and triangle-shaped facets, while the step-cut has concentric rows of parallel facets.
How to check for clarity?
Unlike diamonds, there is no GIA standard system to classify colored gemstones for clarity. Instead, the clarity of alexandrites is classified with the following methodology:
1. 100% eye clean
These stones are 100% clean to the naked eye but not necessarily under magnification.
2. Very slightly included
Under a close inspection, only tiny inclusions are visible by the unaided eye.
3. Slightly included
Small numbers of inclusions are eye visible.
4. Moderately included
The moderate amount of inclusions are somewhat visible.
5. Included
Inclusions in these stones are obvious to the eye.
Pros and cons of Alexandrites
Like any other gem, alexandrites have their pros and cons.
Pros
• Extremely rare and unique among the gemstones.
• Magnificent color-changing ability
• Highly durable than most stones with 8.5 on Mohs scale of hardness
Cons
Natural Alexandrites are quite expensive due to extreme scarcity.
Care instructions
Alexandrites are quite easy when it comes to caring. Due to their hardness and durability, these stones do not require too much attention. However, like any other ring, these stones can have a build-up of dirt from time to time. Here are a few tips for cleaning them with ease.
• Take off your ring when working with something that can easily stick to the metal or stone, such as makeup, dough, paint, harsh chemicals, and chlorine in swimming pools.
• Shake the ring close to your ears to hear if there are any rattles of the loose stones so that you can get them tightened in time.
• For regular cleaning, dip your Alexandrites in lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Leave it until the dirt softens, and then gently clean it with your hands.
• An annual check and professional cleaning is a must for your alexandrite wedding ring.
Tips to remember while shopping for Alexandrites:
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Always look for the purity of color to get the best Alexandrite. Alexandrites with a pure green or pure purple color are more valuable than Alexandrites with bleeding colors.
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Make sure that Alexandrite has been inspected and certified by a reputable gemological laboratory.
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The color-changing ability of the stone is measured from 5% to 100%. The strength of color change is the most important factor defining the value of Alexandrite.
