Things To Know About Alexandrite Rings Before Buying One

Everything is extraordinary about alexandrite rings. Perhaps it’s the hue shifting properties of the stone or its rarity, but they possess an almost mysterious aura. If you want to turn heads and embody sophistication, wearing this ring is the way to do it. But what makes rings with alexandrite so remarkable? What are its properties, and what are the things you should keep in mind while vintage engagement rings buying one? Find out below.

What is the Alexandrite Gemstone?

Alexandrite is a color-changing variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. It is different from other gemstones because it also contains chromium, apart from titanium and iron. All three combined give it an emerald-green hue when seen in the daylight. Naturally found alexandrite is even rarer than diamonds.

A Short History of the Gemstone

The color-changing stone was first discovered in 1830 in the emerald mines in the Ural Mountains of Russia. In 1839, it was identified and named alexandrite, after Tsar Alexander II. It became the national stone of Tsarist Russia since it had the same colors as Imperial Russia: red and green.

Things to Remember While Buying an Alexandrite Ring

Noticeable Color Change

Pure alexandrite rings will always show a substantial color change under any light. The stone will take on a greenish-blue or beautiful green color during the daylight, while it will show a purple-red or ruby red color under candlelight or incandescent light. If the stone does not offer a significant change of hue, then it would be best to avoid it.

Check the Cut of the Stone

Apart from color change, the stone’s cut also plays a crucial factor in choosing an alexandrite ring. It is vital because the finish and proportions influence the overall appearance of the stone. Most of the jewelry rings made from alexandrite are mixed cuts, with brilliant-cut crowns and step-cut pavilions.

Look for Clarity

An alexandrite ring with a high clarity rating is the most desirable. Alexandrite is regarded as a Type 2 gemstone and has internal markings called inclusions. However, they also occur in eye-clean stones where inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. While selecting a ring, go for an eye-clean stone or one where the inclusions are not visible or distract from its overall beauty.

Weight of the Stone

Alexandrite gemstones are cut in the shape of crystals to avoid any weight reduction. However, most of them found in jewelry will weigh less than one carat. Those more than five carats will hardly be seen.

What is the Cost of an Alexandrite Ring?

Since one of the most attractive properties of this ring is color change, the stronger it is, the costlier the jewelry will be. Because it is such a rare stone and is found in exclusive locations worldwide, one carat can cost up to 15,000$USD. Size also affects the value of a ring with this gemstone. Those with 1-carat or 2-carat stones are priced at 6,000$USD. Rings with less than 1 carat are priced between 2,000 to 5,000$USD.

Is an Alexandrite Ring Long-Lasting?

Alexandrite enjoys a high ranking on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness at 8.5. That makes it highly durable and long-lasting. Since it does not have any cleavage, it will not break into two even pieces when struck hard. That makes it a suitable choice for jewelry.

These are some things that you should know about alexandrite rings before deciding to buy one for yourself. Once you have it on your ring finger, you should flaunt it with pride as anything rare and valuable must be.