Alexandrite Rings

Alexandrite rings hold a prized and rare gemstone that is a color change variety of the Chrysoberyl gemstone; through natural processes which add the elements chromium and iron into Chrysoberyl, the color change characteristics form and the result is alexandrite.

Genuine alexandrite is one of the truest examples of a color change gemstone. Alexandrite sparkles in various shades of green during the daylight, or in fluorescent light, and at night the gemstone transforms into shades of red or purples under incandescent light.

While a true alexandrite ring may be high in price, this gemstone contains all the qualities needed for a perfect gemstone wedding ring: beauty, durability, fantastic color, and quality.

Alexandrite was first discovered in the mid-1800's in Russia's Ural Mountains. For many years this area was considered the only source for true alexandrite gemstones, but high quality alexandrite has also been found in Brazil, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe (*Note: Until improvements in ethical mining standards in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe occur, consumers should not purchase alexandrite gemstones from these countries).

Durability = Excellent

Hardness = 8.5

Refractive Index = 1.746 - 1.755

Specific Gravity = 3.68 - 3.80

Enhancements = Genuine alexandrite is not enhanced in any way.

Special Care = Due to this gemstone's high hardness rating and excellent durability, alexandrite rings require no special care.

Alexandrite Price Guide:

Low quality alexandrite may be found for as little as $500.00 a carat, but high quality alexandrite is on average around $5,000 - $10,000 per carat and may go up to as much as $15,000 per carat depending on the gemstone's clarity, cut, and, most importantly, color and color change characteristics.

Above all other factors, the color and color change properties of an alexandrite gemstone are the more important characteristics of this gemstone's value.

The more highly valued alexandrite gemstones are a true green color in the daylight (similar in color to an emerald) and change to a red to purplish red under incandescent light (similar to the color of a ruby). Lower valued alexandrite is a lighter green or blue green, and change to a paler red or light purple color.

The amount of color change that must occur in order for the gemstone to be classified as an alexandrite is 30%. If less than 30% of the stone changes color than the gemstone is only a color change chrysoberyl, it is not alexandrite.

The highest valued alexandrite gemstones change in color 100%; lower valued alexandrite stones will have a lower percentage of color change in the stone when exposed to different lights.

After color and color change properties, alexandrite is valued heavily on carat size. Most alexandrite gemstones are under one carat, and alexandrite rings that contain a stone less than one carat may be found in the $2,000 - $5,000 dollar range for a stone with a quality color change, good clarity, and nice cut.

Genuine alexandrite rings which hold an alexandrite gemstone weighing over one carat are usually priced in the hundreds of thousands of dollars price range.

After color, color change, and carat weight, clarity and cut characteristics are used to value the stone. An alexandrite gemstone with a high clarity rating (little to no blemishes or inclusions) is much higher valued than one with visible imperfections; a custom cut which maximizes the stone's brilliance and color change properties will also increase the value of the gemstone.

Meaning of Alexandrite:

Due to its rarity, Alexandrite has always been associated with luck and fortune. It is also considered to be a gemstone that brings love and pleasure to the wearer.

Alexandrite is the modern birthstone for the month of June.

Shopping Tips for Alexandrite Rings:

Unfortunately, due to the rarity of this gemstone, and it's high value, synthetic alexandrite is sometimes sold as genuine alexandrite; color change chrysoberyl which is not alexandrite is also, unfortunately, often marketed as alexandrite.

To avoid purchasing a stone that is not true alexandrite, keep in mind the cost of a genuine alexandrite ring and the colors and color change properties of this gemstone (shades of green/blue to shades of red/purple).

If anyone is trying to sell you an alexandrite ring that is green in color but changes to other shades of green, yellow, gray, brown, or any other color other than shades of red/purple - this is not alexandrite, it is only a color change chrysoberyl; more than 30% of the gemstone needs to exhibit a color change as well or it is not true alexandrite.

If someone is trying to sell you a genuine alexandrite ring for less than $1,000 dollars, it is most likely a synthetic or color change chrysoberyl ring; alexandrite is one of the most highly valued gemstones, so if it sounds to good to be true - it is.

Always make sure that you buy your ring from a reputable seller, and always have at least a 30-day return policy with the purchase of the ring. This will give you time to have the gemstone examined by an independent appraiser (due to the value of this gemstone it pays to be sure you are buying a real alexandrite gemstone), or to return the ring if there is any problem with the ring's size or quality.

Recommendations for Alexandrite Wedding or Engagement Rings:

Etsy: A few jewelery artists with Etsy stores sell handmade alexandrite rings, some are made with real alexandrite and others are made with lab created alexandrite.

MiaDonna & Co: Carries a small selection of lab created alexandrite cut gems, some in heart shapes, which can be crafted into engagement rings or wedding bands.

Green Karat: Has a small selection of engagement rings made with lab created alexandrite gemstones.

Mardon Jewelers: Specialize in handcrafted rings, customers can order rings made with natural alexandrite.

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