One of the most fascinating gemstones you can find is the natural alexandrite. It’s a unique gem and the color-change phenomenon it has makes it more desirable.
Color-changing gemstones are rare, and natural alexandrite is the rarest of them. In daylight it reads green; by candlelight in a dark room it turns to purple — in the finest stones, a purple with flashes of red. The stronger and more complete that change, the rarer and more valuable the stone.
The supply of natural alexandrite is very limited. The world mines a limited number of carats of this gemstone in a year, so it’s not surprising that this gem is very expensive. Because of its rarity, in-depth research is necessary before buying any alexandrite pieces of jewelry. Though it’s a bit hard to determine how it will look like, there are a lot of variables that must be considered before buying the natural alexandrite.
The Origin of Alexandrite
Alexandrite was first found in Russia’s Ural Mountains, and fine stones have since come from India, Brazil, Sri Lanka and East Africa. Origin shapes character, but what matters most is how the individual stone performs — a top Indian stone can outshine a mediocre Russian one, so judge the change itself rather than the passport.
The Clarity of The Alexandrite
Inclusions are expected in natural alexandrite — nearly every stone has some. A stone that is clean to the eye is the exception and is priced accordingly. What to avoid is a crack or an inclusion that reaches the surface, since that can affect durability.
The Size of The Alexandrite
The size of the alexandrite will affect its appearance when you wear it. A large alexandrite will have a different appearance from that of a small one. You should choose the size of the alexandrite that fits your jewelry or carat preferences.
The Color Change
Color change is the single biggest factor in an alexandrite’s value. The finest stones move from a true green in daylight to a rich purple by candlelight, with nothing muddy in between; weaker stones shift only partly, or from brownish green to brownish purple. Always see the change for yourself — ask for video in daylight and by candlelight in a dark room before you buy.
Because there are countless options out there on the market, choosing the perfect ring for that special someone can be quite a daunting task. Check out our tips below on what to look for when shopping for a natural Alexandrite ring.
SHAPE
Before anything else, you have to consider the shape of the stone before choosing a ring to go with it! It is essential that you choose a shape that will best complement the stone you are going to buy. You can start by looking at some of the different color charts that would help you pick which one is best for the stone you would want to buy.
SETTING
Next, you need to think about your setting option! For a natural Alexandrite ring specifically, you have to consider whether or not you want a platinum or gold ring, that is either single-stone or multi-stone. You can also choose which shape will be best for the setting you have chosen.
CUT
The cut of the stone is another essential consideration to make! The best cut for an Alexandrite stone is typically a six-sided or octagon cut. The cut is also essential for the hardness and durability of the stone.
METAL CHOICE
Finally, last but definitely not least, you need to choose the perfect metal for your ring! There are so many different types of metals available on the market. Your choice of metal, especially for the band, should reflect your personality and your style. You can start by looking at the color and the weight of the metal and then decide from there.
Take your time and find a ring that you love and that your partner will love too! The Alexandrite stone is perfect for couple’s bands. Check out our collection here for a natural Alexandrite ring. We are dedicated to providing the best quality jewelry for you at the most competitive prices.
Shopping for A Natural Alexandrite Ring
