It is very unlikely that even an old alexandrite ring could contain a natural alexandrite. Natural alexandrites, especially large clean stones are extremely rare and almost never available at any price. Most old inherited alexandrite rings are actually sy
Alexandrite gemstone buyer and jewelry collector guide holds information on history, lore, value and properties of the chrysoberyl varieties, including alexandrite and cymophane gemstones.
First and foremost, we need to look at the quality and strength of the color change. A strong change where the colors are bright and attractive under any kind of light is most desirable. Many stones are either a beautiful green in daylight or a nice pinki
Several other well known gemstones, including diaspore, sapphire, garnet and spinel may also change color as a function of the light source but the color change of top alexandrites is distinctive and attractive under any light conditions.
The mining of alexandrite in Russia lasted less than 100 years from the time it was discovered in 1833 to the early 1900’s. It was George Kunz, the gemologist/gemstone buyer for Tiffany & Co that probably did the most to popularize this unique gemst
Alexandrite gemstone buyer and jewelry collector guide holds information on history, lore, value and properties of the chrysoberyl varieties, including alexandrite and cymophane gemstones.
Although Russian alexandrites have the most historical value, fine stones are occasionally available from deposits in Brazil, India, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, there has been little production of alexandrites from any deposit in r
Chrysoberyl is the species name and Alexandrite is the variety name. Alexandrite is that variety of chrysoberyl that changes color as a function of the light source; green in daylight and red under incandescent light.
Natural alexandrite is not better than synthetic alexandrite but natural alexandrite is very rare and uncommon in modern jewelry because it is hardly ever available and because it is too expensive for the general public to buy. Even lower quality more inc
An aluminum oxide, it occurs as shapeless grains and masses (emery), rhombohedral crystals. Ruby contains traces of chromium oxide, when red and Fe2O3, which modified the color. The color of sapphire results from a combination of titanium and iron oxides,
Along with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, top quality alexandrites are among the most expensive gemstones in the world. In larger sizes over 4.00 or 5.00cts., Burmese rubies are more rare and expensive than alexandrites but in sizes below 1.00cts., alexa
With a hardness of 8.5, Alexandrite is a tough, hard, and durable gemstone that doesn't require any special attention. Still, even the hardest gemstones can shatter with a single well-placed blow so caution is always a good idea. Washing dishes with your
The retail replacement cost for a 1ct. alexandrite could be anywhere between $500 to $12,000 per carat. The intensity of the color change and the attractiveness of the colors are the most important factors in determining the value of an alexandrite. With
Cat's eye is the popular name for an optical effect known as chatoyancy in the gemological nomenclature. Microscopic needle-like inclusions inside the stone reflect a streak of light that appears to open and close as the stone is rotated -- hence the eye