It is also said that through the stone, joy enters the lives of people with too much self-discipline. The stone reminds us of our purpose in life and our origin. It gives hope to those who are in despair about their lives.
It brings strength and constantly reminds them of the light. With its changing color, it is a reminder that life is not only what it seems to be. There are many ways alexandrites are said to aid in physical ailments. They are recommended for those recovering from surgery or a prolonged illness.
They have the ability to aid the system in restoring internal and physical energy. They may also be of value to those who face chronic disorders. Contemporary practitioners of crystal healing claim the gemstone is helpful in treating afflictions of the spleen and pancreas as well as the regeneration of neurological tissues and in treating Leukemia.
Alexandrites can aid in centering oneself. Physical Properties and Science of Alexandrite Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. This combination of elements results in the green color of the gemstone. Alexandrite can be almost emerald colored, but is more often yellowish green or brownish green. This metamorphosis is called Pleochroism. Under such light, such as candlelight, or artificial light, the stone turns red or reddish.
This pronounced color change is highly prized. The most valuable alexandrites are brilliant green, and change color to a fiery red under light.
The most drastic color changes are the most desirable, as if you were watching a traffic light change color. Usually there is a color bleed through from one color to the other, or there is too much impurity to start with to permit such a drastic color change.
Alexandrite is usually found in sizes smaller than five carats. Sizes over five carats are usually considered large and will command a proportionally higher price.
In Ceylon, some of the largest Alexandrites in the world are found, some weighing up to 60 carats each. These stones are of a darker color. Wise, Secrets of The Gemstone Trade, Top quality Brazilian Alexandrites appears rich bluish-green under daylight, and transforms into an intense purple in incandescent light. Although labs will never rely on appearance alone to classify this origin, once you see a Brazilian Alexandrite, its specific color becomes a unique hue in your color palette.
This is what it looks like. Since the discovery of the deposit, production of over 1 Carat Quality Size Alexandrites has been nearly extinct. Blue Sapphires have Kashmir. Rubies have Burma. And Paraiba Tourmalines have Brazil. One could argue that for Alexandrites this would be Russia, but the truth is that the current most exceptional looking Alexandrites are from Brazil. From a strictly color-change point of view, you be the judge of whether the Russian Alexandrite or Brazilian Alexandrite is more impressive.
The Brazilian Alexandrite has yet to be fully appreciated by the gem world. This is probably due to its exorbitant price. Good-quality, carat-size Alexandrites from Brazil can exceed Diamond carat-size equivalents. However, it appears that quality Alexandrite is becoming more and more difficult to find everywhere. Additionally, like the Russian Alexandrite, the Brazilian Alexandrite has already steadily declined in quality production. While origin can seem important in buying an Alexandrite, labs will likely charge extra for this determination.
It may be worth the additional fee for someone claiming an Alexandrite is from Brazil, or Russia. However, a reputable lab report is essential for truly identifying the stone as natural without any treatments. The original reference to qualify an Alexandrite, as a Chrysoberyl that changes from green to red, is far too restrictive.
Moreover, Mr. Dunaigre thinks most Alexandrites have modifiers and seldom have pure changes that are limited to one hue. Gem identification reports almost never limit themselves to just one color when describing the color shift under white daylight light and incandescent light lamp yellow light. Anna Malsy. Malsy has written extensively about colored gemstones, and has published a thorough article discussing how to identify the difference between synthetic Alexandrites and genuine Alexandrites.
The best way to look at an Alexandrite is under two different lighting conditions: 1. Labs are in the best position to make this determination. Gem labs have the right equipment to distinguish between chrysoberyl, alexandrite, and lab created alexandrite. It is always in your best interest to use a gem lab to identify rare gemstones like alexandrite.
The purpose of a gemstone lab report is to ensure that the authenticity is verified, and the quality of a gemstone is evaluated and characterized.
Therefore, while reports are reliable, Gem Labs relieve themselves on liability for mistakes. While lab reports seem to be quite detailed, the most important piece of information to look for is: Enhancement or Treatment.
The American Gem Trade Association is well-known in the gemstone and jewelry industries for maintaining and educating the highest ethical standards in colored gemstones. Although there are many types of treatments, the most valuable gemstones will always be ones that are free from any. As a rule of thumb, any gemstone that is enhanced will be less valuable than an equivalent one that is untreated. Since the inception of The Rare Gem LLC , we have prided ourselves on gathering only Natural Alexandrites, that is, without any type of treatment whatsoever.
All the Alexandrites in our collection have been, and continue to be completely natural. The Rare Gem LLC believes that every gemstone should be backed by at least one reputable independent lab. We further emphasize that high-quality, investment-grade gemstones should include at least 2 independent lab reports.
This provides confidence at the highest level. We strongly believe that American Gemological Laboratories AGL is the most reputable independent and trustworthy labs that a gemstone collector can use. This fact alone lends credence to the quality of their analysis. However, credibility should be given to all members as well. The member labs include:. CGL Laboratory Japan.
The lab itself is well recognized in Asia, and maintains an office in New York. Lastly, SSEF is an important lab that must be mentioned. AGL has a reputation as the premier colored-stone lab in the U.
Headed by Christopher Smith today, many auction houses emphasize the need for an AGL lab report for any listings. The integrity, authenticity, and expertise of this laboratory is well respected in the gemstone industry.
GIA is the arguably the most well-recognized lab for diamonds. GIA is also a non-profit organization, allowing it to pursue leading research and education on all gem and jewelry related matters.
In , GIA announced that it will start identifying Alexandrite origins. GIA reports are known for their beautiful presentation, and are nearly universal in their recognition. GRS is among the most internationally recognized labs in the industry. Directed by Dr. Today, GRS is a trusted leaders in color classification and color nomenclature. Most recently, GRS opened a New York based branch, further stretching its reputation and presence across the globe.
Gubelin Pricelist. Dunaigre is one of the only premier and well known gemologists relied upon by dealers in the gemstone trade. His experience identifying gemstones dates back over 25 years. In Mr. Dunaigre set up an independent Swiss based gem lab company, which offers onsite gem testing service. He regularly travels internationally to provide direct in house gem identification services. His main offices being in Thailand and Switzerland, but commonly visiting New York to work with many of the global leaders of the gemstone trade.
At all times, this concept of market desirability must be considered through a lens of an informed collector. A round shape white diamond, 1. An oval shape Tanzanite gemstone, over 3 carats, with intense purple color, and no eye visible inclusions, has market desirability because of its exotic origin only found in Tanzania. However, while Tanzanites are sought after, there is an abundance of availability, moving it towards the bottom of the Rarity Pyramid.
The Rarity Pyramid is our graphic guide to some of the most and least common gemstones based on their availability. We believe educated collectors will have to use their own judgment to determine which of the rare characteristics is the most important when deciding on beginning a collection.
Treatments will often include a notation paragraph on whether it is synthetic or lab created under the treatment heading of the report. The average person who may not know anything about gemstones will no doubt understand that a bigger gemstone is more valuable. While each gemstone varies, consideration must be given for differences between 2 to 3 carats.
Two gemstones that share identical attributes of size, weight, shape and appearance can potentially have two completely different values based on what country they came from.
Part of the reason for the difference in value comes from the scarcity associated with certain territories. Today, many people might not realize that a family ring might come from an exotic country that is desired by collectors. One of the biggest differences between a gemstone and a diamond is the ability to trace where they come from. More often than not, particular origins will only be accepted by certain laboratories with the highest reputation for accuracy.
For what they lack in origin, diamonds have been useful in contributing to the understanding of clarity. The cutting of a gemstone dramatically effects how the gemstone appears. When a gemstone first makes its way from mine to market, a lot of emphasis is placed on maximizing the carat weight. The person who makes the initial investment in rough uncut gemstone material will always make more money when the stone weighs more.
A stone that weighs more will fetch a higher per carat price. As a result of this, some gemstones might have their beauty slightly compromised. Luster comes from well proportioned gem. Light is better able to reflect throughout the gemstone and appear brilliant. This might also happen because the cutter may look at a piece of rough and determine that the color is concentrated at at certain area of the stone. In this scenario, cutting the gemstone proportionally might have an adverse effect of diluting or even worse, removing the color altogether.
For example, a 5 carat stone with a very heavy bottom, may look like it is only 3 carats in size because the diameter is the same as well proportioned 3 carat stone with great cutting. The opposite example of above, where a 2 carat stone is cut in a way that it looks like its 3 carats when mounted in jewelry. Again, bad cutting can cause the face of the stone to look much smaller than the actual weight it has. While most people dream of owning an Alexandrite, we wish to make that reality come true by offering a natural alexandrite every so often to our fans.
The internet is flooded with claims of rarity when it comes to gemstones and jewelry. Self supplied appraisals further create an illusion of value. An educated consumer should do as much research as possible when deciding what gemstone is right for them. Some being rare, and others quite common. Red by Night. Star-shaped Twin. Brazilian Gem. Re-entrant Angle. Treatments There are a number of processes used to alter the color, apparent clarity, or improve the durability of gems.
Learn More Synthetics Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, but are grown by man in a laboratory. Learn More Imitations Any gem can be imitated—sometimes by manmade materials or by natural materials chosen by man to impersonate a particular gem. Learn More. Color Fine alexandrite is green to bluish green in daylight and red to purplish red in incandescent light.
Clarity Good quality alexandrite has few inclusions. Cut Alexandrite is most often available in mixed cuts. Carat Weight Most cut gems weigh less than one carat. Larger, higher-quality gems rise in price dramatically. Read Article.
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