Alexandrite Ring

For thousands of years people have been fascinated and sometimes dazzled with colored gemstones. The different colors are represented differently in many different countries. Blue sapphires would be of the sky and heavens. Red rubies were of love and fire. The green emeralds would represent birth and life. The golden tourmalines spoke of the sun.

Alexandrite was discovered in the Ural Mountains in Russia in the early nineteenth century. It was said to be named after the boy Czar, Alexander the second. Only the royalty could own an alexandrite gem. The Russian mines were thought to produce the most beautiful alexandrite in the world until the nineteen nineties. Then they discovered excellent quality of alexandrite in Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, Ceylon Zimbabwe and many other countries.

Each country the alexandrite has a slightly different color due to the mountains or the earth from where they come from. In Brazil they have yellowish hues and a color changes raspberry tones. From Ceylon the alexandrite has a grayish color.

Now is the time to buy that dazzling alexandrite ring. There are a few tips that you should know about before spending that hard earned money. Alexandrite gem is a phenomenal gem that is unlike any other. It displays different colors depending on the light passing through the stone. Most alexandrite cuts are by the native gem cutters of that country. Since alexandrite is so rare, it is found in smaller crystal sizes, so most are designed in an oval shape. As in diamonds; remember the four C’s, color, cut clarity and carats.

When buying an alexandrite ring, be sure it is not lab made in Russia. A true natural alexandrite ring in the daylight will produce a green or bluish color. The closer to an emerald green color is best. When an alexandrite ring is run across a surface, it will leave a white streak. If the ring is pinkish or amethyst, they will be fakes. If you should see bubbles in a natural alexandrite ring, take it back. It is synthetic or lab created.

Prices will vary on an alexandrite ring. They can start from seventy dollars and go up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Usually the higher the price of an alexandrite ring is the rarer it is. If you can afford a rare one take it to a trusted gemologist. Have them test it for originality. Once tested, get a Certificate of Authenticity.

Find a good reputable jewelry store and look at the alexandrite ring you want. They will usually state if they are natural or created. There is one for you just waiting to be slipped on your finger. There is nothing wrong in buying a lab made alexandrite ring. Just remember the color of the gem should be as close to emerald green as possible. There many different styles and cuts to choose from. Men also enjoy wearing an alexandrite ring; some say they are very masculine looking.

Remember lab made and natural alexandrite ring will almost look the same. It’s the cost you see determines the difference. An alexandrite ring is not for everybody, some do not like the green color. But for those who do there is one just for you.