Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Alexandrites are best known for both their intense color and dramatic color changes from green to red when viewed under different wavelength of light. They are called the chameleon of gemstones and also termed emerald by day and ruby by night.
Alexandrite was discovered in the mid-1800s and is named after Tsar Alexander II of Russia,
Alexandrite receives its color and the color change ability from the presence of the element chromium in chrysoberyl. When viewed in sunlight it shows green color that may vary in shades and when viewed under incandescent light it exhibits red which may also have different undertones. The most valued alexandrites have a deep green or blue-green color that changes to red or purple-red. It's almost like getting two gems in one!
Alexandrites score 8.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the most durable gemstones in the world.
Due to its durability, alexandrite has become a popular choice not just in necklaces and earrings, but especially in engagement rings. Its association with luck, fortune, and love has only bolstered Alexandrite's popularity amongst the newlyweds.
Though all gems are rare to a certain extent, alexandrite is one of the rarest. In order to be classified as alexandrite there must be a particular degree of color change else it’s simply called a color changing chrysoberyl.
Its rarity can be gauged from the fact that within two centuries of its discovery in Russia, the mines there are already almost exhausted. This is truly a one-of-a-kind gemstone.
Alexandrite is the birthstone for the June born and it is the 55th wedding anniversary stone.
The price of an alexandrite depends on its quality which in turn depends on three important factors: color (and color change), clarity and transparency. Other factors such as origin, weight and treatment also considerably affect the price of an alexandrite. All these factors are detailed here under:
The price of an alexandrite depends directly on its color and the color changing ability. The increase in color saturation results in a corresponding increase in price. A similar weightage is of color change - the more dramatic the change is between incandescent and daylight, the more valuable the gemstone becomes.
We have developed our own color-change grading system for grading alexandrite:
| Intense | These stones display the finest color change |
| Strong | High degree of color change. Top 25% of all Alexandrites |
| Medium | Average color change |
| Light | Commercial quality color change. Still desirable due to the price point |
Clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal or external imperfections in a gemstone. Unlike diamonds, in color gemstones there is no universal clarity grading system. We evaluate the clarity of an alexandrite in the following manner.
The clarity grades for alexandrite which we use and are common in the trade, are given hereunder.
| Grading | Description |
|---|---|
| Eye Clean | 100% clean to the eye, but not necessarily under magnification |
| Very Slightly Included | Very tiny inclusions are eye visible under close inspection or when tilting the gem |
| Slightly Included | Tiny inclusions are eye visible |
| Moderately Included | Inclusions are eye visible |
| Included | Significant inclusions are eye visible |
Transparency refers to the attribute of a gemstone to let the light pass through. The more light passes through, the more transparent the stone. Everyone loves transparent gems because the colors appear vivid. The only problem with higher transparency is that the flaws in the gemstone are more visible as compared to less transparent stone.
The rough of alexandrite is cut in a way to obtain the desired color saturation of the gem since the price is primarily dependent on the color and in this case color change. Lighter material is cut deeper to allow the gem to hold more light and increase saturation, whereas darker material is cut shallower to allow more light to pass through the stone.
Cutting a gemstone requires a high degree of skill which is mastered with years of practice and patience.
Carat (ct) is the primary unit to measure the weight of a gemstone. One carat equals one-fifth of a gram or one gram has five carats. The deep or the shallow cut of an alexandrite will have a bearing on its apparent size thereby making it important to consider other measurements such as length and width which are expressed in millimeters. A 7x5mm Oval can weigh 0.80cts or 1.5cts, depending on its depth and cutting style.
Alexandrites are mined in various places around the world. Gemstones of varying quality can be found in all origins. The alexandrite’s origin might affect its value, especially in higher quality gemstones. Even if they are mined from a rare and prestigious location, alexandrites that are low in quality, will not command a significant premium price.
The following are some of the places where alexandrites are mined:
| Alexandrite Origins | |
|---|---|
| Russia | Very prestigious origin producing top quality alexandrites. Original alexandrites were sourced from Russia but there are no new gems being recovered from the region. |
| Brazil | Very prestigious origin producing top quality alexandrites. |
| Ceylon | Typical color change tends to be from greenish yellow to brown. Green to purple color changes do exist. |
| Africa | Typical color change tends to be from greenish yellow to reddish brown. Green to purple color changes do exist. |
| India | Typical color change tends to be from greenish yellow to brown. Green to purple color changes do exist. |
Alexandrites from desirable mines such as Russia and Brazil generally command a higher price than those from other countries. As the quality improves and the size of a gemstone increases, the premium goes up. Gemstones of low, medium, and high quality are produced by all origins. For the most part, provenance should not influence a customer's decision but rather the quality of gemstone that is required.
Alexandrites are often found and marketed as untreated because there are no accepted treatments for these gems. Customers should avoid alexandrites treated in any manner such as dying as it would send the price south.
A letter grading system is used by several local jewelers to educate their consumers about the quality. We've included an overall grade to help our customers understand the jeweler's grading system and make an informed decision.
| Grading | % of All Alexandrite | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
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AAAAA (Collector Gems) | Extremely Rare | These alexandrites are of Brazilian or Russian origin and are the rarest and highly sought out by collectors. They have rich color and 90 to 100% color change, very slightly included to eye clean clarity and exhibit nice sparkle. These gems tend to appreciate most in value over time due to rarity and high demand. |
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AAAA (Heirloom) | Top 1% | Fine quality alexandrites that are typically found at higher end boutiques. They have rich color and 80 to 100% color change, very slightly included to eye clean clarity and exhibit nice sparkle. |
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AAA (Excellent) | Top 10% | High quality alexandrites that are typically found in high end stores such as on 5th Avenue. They have medium to intense color change and slightly included to very slightly included eye clarity. |
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AA (Very Good) | Top 25% | These gems have medium to light color change and typically have moderate to slightly included eye clarity. These gems are usually found at medium to high end jewelers. |
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A (Good) | Top 50 to 75% | These gems have light color change and tend to be included. Typically found in commercial quality jewelry. |
AAAAA (Collector Gems)
Extremely Rare
These alexandrites are of Brazilian or Russian origin and are the rarest and highly sought out by collectors. They have rich color and 90 to 100% color change, very slightly included to eye clean clarity and exhibit nice sparkle. These gems tend to appreciate most in value over time due to rarity and high demand.
AAAA (Heirloom)
Top 1%
Fine quality alexandrites that are typically found at higher end boutiques. They have rich color and 80 to 100% color change, very slightly included to eye clean clarity and exhibit nice sparkle.
AAA (Excellent)
Top 10%
High quality alexandrites that are typically found in high end stores such as on 5th Avenue. They have medium to intense color change and slightly included to very slightly included eye clarity.
AA (Very Good)
Top 25%
These gems have medium to light color change and typically have moderate to slightly included eye clarity. These gems are usually found at medium to high end jewelers.
A (Good)
Top 50 to 75%
These gems have light color change and tend to be included. Typically found in commercial quality jewelry.
Alexandrite is a pretty hard gemstone and doesn’t require much care. But here are a few things that you can do to keep your alexandrite jewelry looking new.
