Alexandrite is one of the most compelling and mysterious gemstones in the world.
It is the ideal choice for an engagement ring if you’re looking for something unique. These one-of-a-kind stones are rare and have an ever-changing hue. So, it comes as no surprise that they are quite popular among fiancées across the globe!
While a diamond ring is seen as the ultimate classic, alexandrite is a delicate stone that will stand out from the rest. Natural alexandrite is also the June birthstone, making these gemstones perfect for various jewelry pieces.
Keep reading to discover our complete guide to Alexandrite engagement rings.
Alexandrite is known for its changing colors.
The color of each stone depends on its setting and lighting, making it a pleochroic stone. At nighttime or in incandescent light, an alexandrite ring will appear pink, purple, or red. In sunlight or natural light, it will appear blue or green.
Discovered in 1834, Alexandrite was named after the Russian tsar Alexander (the second). They were found while mining for emeralds near the Tokovaya River.
According to legend, they were discovered on the day the young tsar came of age. During this time, alexandrite also became the national gemstone of Imperial Russia.
Combined with its stunning appearance and rarity, this regal history makes the stone even more special.
One aspect of an alexandrite engagement ring that makes it so popular is how alternative it is. Choosing alexandrite makes the perfect ring if you want something different, yet elegant.
Alexandrite also feels more exclusive than traditional diamonds. It is rare, valuable, and unusual – perfect for people who are out of the box.
While diamonds are the most durable stones on the market, alexandrite isn’t far behind. It scores an 8.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, meaning it can withstand some wear and tear.
Because alexandrite naturally changes color, the choice of setting, cut, and precious metal should be carefully considered.
The price of alexandrite is determined by its color.
The best alexandrite stones are those with a strong saturation in color and a medium to dark tone. Other alexandrite stones are considered too light or desaturated. Some alexandrite gems also have a purple or brown hue. These stones typically cost less.
Alexandrite stones that change from green to red typically sell at the highest price. Shoppers can expect to pay more for gems that display both warm and cool tones.
To ensure the stone is of high quality, many experts recommend buying from a certified, reputable laboratory. These labs grade gemstones, and their reports will include unbiased information about your gemstone. In this way, you will be able to make an educated choice before purchasing.
Alexandrite rings are softer than traditional diamonds, and more susceptible to wear than diamond rings. Because of this, it may be a good idea to have it set in a harder precious metal.
The color-changing aspect of alexandrite can make it challenging for cutters. It is most common to see alexandrite stones in mixed cuts – with crowns in brilliant cuts and pavilions in step cuts.
Because alexandrite can be a different color depending on light and variations in the stone itself, the gem is oriented to show its most saturated colors through the crown before cutting.
In recent years, art deco and vintage settings have also become popular. A pear-shaped alexandrite center stone surrounded by a halo of diamonds is a great example of this.
A pear-cut alexandrite stone will have a teardrop shape, making it even more unique. These pair well in an engagement ring set with wedding bands that contain small, round diamonds. This adds some extra sparkle to the overall appearance.
Some budget shoppers also opt for a plain wedding band and an engagement ring with a cluster of smaller alexandrite gems, as opposed to a ring with a solitaire gem.
Alexandrite pairs well with yellow and rose gold. The warm tones of the metal contrast beautifully with the stone’s cool hues and complement the warmer hues well.
Similarly, the reverse is also true. A cool-toned metal like white gold or silver may also complement the stone’s green/blue hues and contrast with its red hues.
Many professionals recommend steering clear of treated and lab-grown gemstones. However, they can be a great choice for a person on a tighter budget.
Treated alexandrite has been altered to change the clarity, durability, or color of the gems, which can lower their value. Treated alexandrite is, therefore, often cheaper than natural alexandrite stones.
There is also the option of buying synthetic (lab-created) alexandrite. It is chemically identical to its natural counterpart and costs a lot less. The only con to these stones is that they are much less unique, and you may purchase a stone that looks exactly like one of its siblings.
If you’re looking for an engagement ring that contains your birthstone, but alexandrite is too expensive, you can opt for one of the other June birthstones. These include pearl and moonstone.
Our top picks for alexandrite alternatives include:
Many jewelry makers offer an in-depth cleaning service with the purchase of a ring. However, between sessions, you may find it necessary to clean your alexandrite ring yourself.
It is best to wash your alexandrite engagement ring with mild soap, room-temperature water, and a soft brush.
You may also soak your ring in a bowl of warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Afterward, you can rinse it with clean water and dry it with a cloth.
Always remove your ring before exercising, going swimming, or doing heavy cleaning with harsh chemicals.
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