10 reasons to choose Alexandrite engagement rings

Alexandrite is a fascinating gemstone, steeped in history and possessing unique characteristics. Here are some intriguing facts about Alexandrite:

1. Color-Changing Marvel: The most defining characteristic of Alexandrite is its ability to change color. In daylight or fluorescent light, it appears green or bluish-green. Under incandescent or candlelight, it shifts to a red or purplish-red hue.
2. Birthstone Status: Alexandrite is one of the birthstones for June, sharing this honor with pearl and moonstone.
3. A Symbol of Change: Given its unique color-changing ability, Alexandrite has been regarded as a stone symbolizing change, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life.
4. Rarity: Genuine Alexandrite is rarer than diamonds. Its scarcity, combined with its unique optical properties, makes it one of the most valuable gemstones on the market.
5. Origins Matter: Alexandrite can now be found in other parts of the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa. However, many gem enthusiasts believe that the most vibrant color-changing Alexandrites still come from the Ural Mountains.
6. Mystical Beliefs: In certain cultures, Alexandrite is believed to bring luck, good fortune, and love to its wearer. Some even believe it has the power to boost one's intuition.
7. Synthetic Versions: Due to its rarity and high cost, synthetic Alexandrite has been created in laboratories. While these synthetic versions also show a color change, the phenomenon is often not as distinct as in natural stones.
8. Engagement Popularity: Alexandrite's increasing popularity as an engagement ring gemstone is not just due to its beauty, but also its symbolic representation of change and adaptation — key elements in a successful marriage.
9. Hardness: Alexandrite has a rating of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the harder gemstones. This hardness not only adds to its durability for daily wear but also contributes to its desirability for jewelry.

Engagement rings are a symbol of love, commitment, and the promise of a future together. While diamonds have long held the title as the most popular choice for engagement stones, there is a precious gem that has been quietly gaining traction for its beauty, rarity, and meaning: Alexandrite. Here are some compelling reasons to consider Alexandrite engagement rings for your special occasion.

1. Unique Color-Changing Ability. Alexandrite is renowned for its incredible ability to change color depending on the lighting conditions. In daylight, it can appear green or bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it takes on a red or purplish-red hue. This color-changing phenomenon is a result of the stone's rare chemical composition and the way it absorbs light. Imagine the delight of having a ring that displays different colors in various environments!

2. Rare and Precious. Alexandrite, a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, is rarer than diamonds. Its rarity adds to its allure and prestige, making it a unique and treasured choice for those looking to stand out from the crowd.

3. Symbolism and Meaning. The stone's ability to change colors has made it a symbol of flexibility, adaptability, and transformation. It is believed to bring balance in the realm of emotions, helping one to move through life with grace and ease. What better symbol for a marriage, which thrives on understanding, adaptation, and growth?

4. An Investment. Due to its rarity, the value of Alexandrite has been on the rise. Choosing this gem for an engagement ring is not just a statement of beauty but also a wise investment that can appreciate over time.

5. Environmentally Friendly Choice. While diamond mining has often been linked with environmental degradation, Alexandrite's primary sources do not have the same level of environmental impact. This makes it an eco-friendlier choice for environmentally-conscious couples.

6. A Conversation Starter. Thanks to its unique properties and the stories attached to it, an Alexandrite engagement ring is bound to catch attention and be a conversation starter. Each time someone admires your ring, you have a beautiful story to share.

7. A Wide Range of Design Options. Although Alexandrite is rare, it can be found in various cuts and settings. Whether you prefer a vintage look or a modern design, there's an Alexandrite engagement ring that will suit your personal style.

8. It's Hypoallergenic. For those with sensitive skin, Alexandrite set in hypoallergenic metals like platinum or 18k gold can be an excellent choice, ensuring no allergic reactions and lasting comfort.

9. A Touch of Mystique. Throughout history, Alexandrite has been associated with luck, good fortune, and love. Many believe that the gem can intensify feelings of love and sensuality, making it an enchanting choice for an engagement ring.

How to Choose Alexandrite Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are an embodiment of the promise and commitment two people make to each other. While diamonds have long dominated the engagement scene, more couples are venturing towards unique and rare gemstones. One such gemstone that has been steadily gaining popularity is Alexandrite. Its mesmerizing color-changing properties, coupled with its rarity, make it a sought-after choice. If you're considering Alexandrite for your engagement ring, here's a comprehensive guide to making an informed decision.

1. Understanding the Stone

Before diving into the purchasing process, familiarize yourself with the gemstone. Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl that changes color based on the lighting. Typically, it appears green in daylight and turns to a purplish-red under incandescent light. This property is due to its unique chemical composition and how it absorbs light.

2. Quality and Authenticity

• Color Change: A genuine Alexandrite will showcase a clear and noticeable color change. The more distinct and vibrant the change, the higher its value.
• Clarity: Like all gemstones, the clearer and freer from inclusions the Alexandrite, the better. However, minor inclusions are often forgiven if the color change is spectacular.
• Certification: Ensure that your Alexandrite comes with a certification from a reputable gemological institution. This attests to its authenticity and quality.

3. Size Matters

Remember that Alexandrite is rarer than diamonds. Finding a large Alexandrite stone can be challenging and expensive. Decide on a carat size that balances your budget and aesthetic preferences.

4. Setting and Metal

The choice of setting and metal can enhance the beauty of Alexandrite. Consider settings that allow light to pass through the stone, maximizing its color-changing effect. Popular choices are white gold and platinum, which complement the stone's hues, but rose or yellow gold can create a distinct look as well.

5. Budgeting

As with all precious gemstones, Alexandrite's price increases with quality. Set a realistic budget, keeping in mind the rarity and the specific characteristics you desire in the stone.

6. Source Responsibly

Ensure you purchase from reputable dealers or jewelers who can vouch for the stone's authenticity and ethical sourcing. Beautiful stones from Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa are also available.

7. Customize for Personal Touch

Given the uniqueness of Alexandrite, you might consider custom designing the ring. This ensures a personal touch, resonating with your story and the symbolism you attach to the stone.

8. Care and Maintenance

Alexandrite is relatively hard, scoring 8.5 on the Mohs scale, but it still requires care. Ensure you store it separately to avoid scratches from other jewelry and clean it with mild soap and lukewarm water, using a soft brush.

9. Consider Complementary Stones

While Alexandrite is stunning on its own, you might want to accentuate its beauty with complementary gemstones like diamonds. Side stones can enhance the center stone and create a dazzling effect.

10. Understand its Symbolism

Beyond its beauty, Alexandrite's color-changing ability can symbolize the many facets of a relationship, the ups and downs, and the evolving nature of love. This understanding can make the ring even more special.

Lab grown alexandrite

Alexandrite is a captivating gemstone, naturally found but incredibly rare. Given its scarcity, a demand for lab-grown alexandrite has emerged, making it a favorable choice for jewelry. Such is the allure of this gem that it's often chosen as an alternate for June's traditional birthstone, the pearl.

While these gemstones are lab-grown, they possess the identical optical and physical characteristics as their naturally occurring counterparts. Produced using the same chemicals and conditions as natural stones, only at a quicker pace, these synthetic alexandrites are genuine alexandrites.

Do Synthetic Alexandrites Exhibit the Same Color-Change Trait as Natural Ones?

A notable attribute of natural alexandrites is their capacity to change colors. Synthetic versions share this mesmerizing trait. The most sought-after color transition is from daylight green to incandescent light red, a phenomenon gemologists dub the "alexandrite effect." This effect is also observed in other gem types like garnets and sapphires.

One can find alexandrites in Brazil's Espírito Santo, which showcase a green hue under white light and turn red under ultraviolet longwave light. The blue-to-purple shift in some gems is typical of natural alexandrites, but this is a rare occurrence, mostly seen in newer African deposits. If your ring is several decades old, it probably didn't originate from these sources. It's more probable that you own a hydrothermally grown alexandrite.

What's the Worth of Synthetic Alexandrite?

While hydrothermally produced alexandrites rank among the pricier synthetic gemstones, they can't match the value of their natural counterpart per carat.

For a detailed understanding of alexandrite pricing, you can refer to our purchasing guide.

Which Gemstones Can Mimic Genuine Alexandrite?

Even if you find out your gemstone is synthetic, rest easy knowing it's still genuine alexandrite and not a mere imitation.

There are instances where jewelers market stones as alexandrites, but they're actually color-changing chrysoberyls (of which alexandrite is a type). Additionally, some inexpensive "alexandrite jewelry" might just incorporate synthetic color-changing corundum. There's also a type of color-altering glass called zandrite. These imitations don't hold a candle to the value of either natural or synthetic alexandrite.

Be vigilant as some sellers might market these fakes as "synthetic alexandrites" since they can command higher prices than synthetic corundum or zandrite. Always proceed with caution when purchasing.

An Insight into Alexandrite Engagement Rings

In the dazzling world of gemstones, Alexandrite stands out with its mesmerizing color-changing abilities. An engagement ring, beyond its beauty, is a symbol of love, commitment, and the promise of a shared future. As such, choosing the perfect gemstone becomes an essential part of the journey. With Alexandrite gaining popularity, many questions arise about its suitability and value for engagement rings. Let's delve into some of these frequently asked questions:

1. Is Alexandrite suitable for an engagement ring? Yes, Alexandrite, with its unique color-changing properties and rarity, offers a distinctive choice for those seeking something unique and meaningful.
2. How much is a 1 carat Alexandrite worth? The value of a 1 carat Alexandrite can vary widely based on its quality, clarity, origin, and color-change intensity. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per carat.
3. Are Alexandrite more expensive than diamonds? While diamonds have a broad price range based on their quality, Alexandrite, due to its rarity, can sometimes be pricier than diamonds, especially for high-quality stones with pronounced color changes.
4. Is it worth it to buy Alexandrite? Absolutely. Alexandrite is not only stunning but also a sound investment given its rarity. Its unique attributes make it a treasured gemstone for many.
5. Why is some Alexandrite cheap? The cost of Alexandrite can vary based on its origin, quality, and the authenticity of the stone. Synthetic Alexandrite or those with less pronounced color changes tend to be cheaper.
6. Is Alexandrite good for daily wear? With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, Alexandrite is durable and suitable for daily wear. However, like all gemstones, care should be taken to avoid rough handling.
7. Is Alexandrite good for engagement rings? Its symbolism of change and adaptability, combined with its rare beauty, makes Alexandrite an excellent choice for engagement rings.
8. How much is an Alexandrite ring worth? The worth of an Alexandrite ring depends on the quality of the gemstone, the design, metal used, and additional stones in the setting. Prices can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.
9. Alexandrite stone qualities? Alexandrite boasts a unique ability to change colors based on lighting conditions, typically appearing green in daylight and turning to purplish-red under incandescent light. Its clarity, origin, and intensity of color change are critical factors determining its quality.
10. Alexandrite engagement ring quality? The quality of an Alexandrite engagement ring depends on the stone's quality, the craftsmanship of the ring setting, and the choice of metal and accompanying stones.

In conclusion, Alexandrite engagement rings offer a blend of beauty, history, symbolism, and rarity. If you're searching for a ring that truly embodies the magic and promise of love, Alexandrite is a gemstone that deserves serious consideration. With its captivating hues and rich history, it promises to be a timeless choice, telling a story of love that is as unique as the gem itself.