Alexandrite rings are among the most popular and beautiful engagement rings because of their colourful characteristics. Known by the name’ emerald by Day and ruby by night,’ this fabulous stone has drawn the interest of jewellers and collectors. Alexandrite rings are what one might consider uniquely special for any of the purposes it can be used, be it engagement, statement or to complete any fine jewelry line. So, here we present all the information you should know about this specific stone as well as its history, symbolism, and the major reasons for its fascination.
Table of Contents
The Origin of Alexandrite: A Rare, Natural Marvel
Alexandrite was founded in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and is named after the czar Alexander II of Russia. This mysterious change in colour is due to the presence of a small proportion of chromium in terms of a mineral called chrysoberyl. Such distinct changes are related to the light to some degree and include green or blue-green tinges within daylight and red or purplish-red in incandescent or artificial light.
As already known, alexandrite is originally from Russia; however, it can be mined in Sri Lanka, east African nations and Brazil. Nevertheless, natural alexandrite stays rare, and it is one of the costliest gemstones; therefore, the alexandrite rings denoting good quality are considered exclusive in jewelry.
Understanding Alexandrite’s Unique Color Change
Alexandrite’s unique colour-changing quality, or the “alexandrite effect”, is its most fascinating feature. If the gemstone is lightly held or observed in daylight or fluorescent light, it has a greenish-blue to blue-green colour. When lit by incandescent light, like candle light, or ordinary light bulbs, then the stone changes into shades of red, purplish- red or raspberry color.
This change is attributed to chromium in the chrysoberyl where the density of this element alters color according to the range of light. The change of colors is very rare in most gems and therefore owning an alexandrite ring even more fashionable.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Alexandrite Rings
In general, alexandrite is an icon of transformation and transition, meaning balance and change. It is believed to enhance creativity, intuition or clarity and allows one to easily transition into change. Most of the time, alexandrite is linked with happiness and self-assurance, which originate from the rich and flashing hues.
Alexandrite has magical properties but this gem is now the June birthstone and it is perfect for a special someone born in this month. It is also worn to mark people’s 55th wedding anniversary because of the rarity, color and form of the stone.
Types of Alexandrite Rings
Different settings define the Alexandrite rings and how the gem’s properties are displayed. Here’s a look at some popular designs:
Solitaire Alexandrite Rings:
The main idea in construction of these rings is to have a solitary alexandrite stone. The solitaire setting permits most of the light to pass through it and therefore increase the color shift ability of the stone.
Three-Stone Alexandrite Rings:
Most of the time accompanied by two other diamonds or other precious stones, the ring symbolizes the past, the current time and the future. They find that the diamonds’ fire is stunning and matches well with the colour change trait of alexandrite.
Vintage Alexandrite Rings:
Many designs incorporate the beauty of the stone with classical appeal, such as designs that are reminiscent of vintage or antique, filigree work and unusual metalwork settings. These rings are an acknowledgment of the history of the gemstone especially in the 19th century Russia colonies.
Halo Alexandrite Rings:
Where available, the halo rings enhance the entire sparkle around the center alexandrite and the contrasting aspects of the gemstone’s color changing abilities with small diamonds or gemstones placed at the periphery.
Alexandrite Engagement Rings:
More and more often, Alexandrite is selected as an engagement ring stone substitute. The Hardness and the beauty of the gemstone as well as its association with equilibrium and change make it a very appropriate stone for engagements earrings.
Alexandrite Rings in Jewelry and Fashion
Alexandrite rings are appreciated as gloves, signature and wedding/birthstone rings. Color change ability of the gemstone makes it versatile for informal occasion as well as for the rather formal one, making it mysterious yet elegant. Alexandrite, being 8.5 on the Mohs scale, is not only less available but also quite resistant for ordinary wearing, unlike many more sensitive stones.
Because of their scarcity and the beauty of the color change phenomenon many an Alexandrite ring rises to be the pride of most personal collection Under particularly favorable conditions the stone can become the center piece of piece of most jewelries because it brings out the magical feel behind owning an unusual gemstone.
How to Care for Alexandrite Rings
Alexandrite is a durable gemstone, but it still requires proper care to preserve its beauty:
Cleaning:
Cleaning of alexandrite rings should be done with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are quite safe but, care should be taken supplement with, especially when the stone contains inclusion.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
The gemstone alexandrite does resist most household chemicals; however, it will fry if exposed to bleach or any type of acid for an extended period of time.
Storage:
Alexandrite rings should also be stored separately from other pieces of jewelry as to avoid scratching. Cases made of soft pockets and lined jewelry box are suitable for containing the stone and the metal setting.
Buying Alexandrite Rings: What to Look For
When buying alexandrite ring, consult a professional jeweler who is in the position to authenticate the gemstone, their color changeability and their source. High value stones must always come with certification to show its natural or synthetic nature and details about the color change, clarity and many other features.
Final Thoughts on Alexandrite Rings
An alexandrite ring is not just a piece of jewellery but is a sign of a statement that depicts rarer than the diamond, transformability and beauty. The beauty of this stone is even further heightened by its ability to change colour and placed on a higher pedestal of most gemstone enthusiasts due to its connection with Russia, as well as its popularity for not being so easily found in the market like other stones. No matter if purchased as a beautiful birthstone ring, an exquisite engagement ring or a valuable collector’s item, an alexandrite ring will be a legacy of admiration and sophistication.
FAQs about Alexandrite Rings
Q1. How much is real alexandrite worth?
Alexandrite can cost between $10,000 per carat and $50,000 per carat and more depending on some factors. For instance, 1 Carat Size Alexandrites have a close range of $3000 to $20000 per carat depending on their origin, clarity, and colour change intensity.
Q2. Is alexandrite cheaper than diamond?
It is advisable to take a glance at that generalisation – is Alexandrite more expensive than rubies and diamonds? Although alexandrites are rarer than diamonds, the price for them tends to be higher. In other words, for an alexandrite, you will part with at least three times the amount you would expend on a normal-sized diamond. Burmese rubies are rarer and costlier than alexandrites when they are of sizes larger than or equal to 4 carats.
Q3. How can you tell if alexandrite is real?
The visible inclusions under magnification are critically important to reveal the nature of natural alexandrite. For natural alexandrite inclusions, curved growth lines typical of the synthetic material are absent. These, jewelers use equipment to ‘discover’ these inclusions to establish if an alexandrite is natural.
Q4. Should not wear alexandrite female?
According to astrologers, if you are Taurus, Sagittarius, Cancer or Virgo, you should not be careless with alexandrite. These signs should not wear alexandrite The one drawback associated with alexandrite is that it takes a rather brilliant setting to make the color of the stone really stand out.
Q5. Why is alexandrite so expensive?
As one of the least known-colored gemstones, natural alexandrite has several aspects that make it a hot favorite among collectors and connoisseurs, these include its scarcity, its color-changing capability and its hereditary origin. Alexandrite with Natural color change and having very low inclusions is very rare in the case of the present stone.
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