“Emerald by day, ruby by night”
Alexandrites are beloved for their extremely rare color change property– they appear teal or green in daylight and purple or red in incandescent light. Alexandrite is made of chrysoberyl, like the golden gem with its distinctive stripe, Cat’s Eye. Due to many properties of the stone– like the presence of trace chromium, the stone’s pleochronism (it appears to be different colors from different angles), the absorption band (relating to the wavelengths the material absorbs), and even the skill of the gem cutter– this stone has just the right combination of rare scientific factors to be color changing- (source GIA).
History
These beautiful gems were discovered in the Ural mountains of Russia in the 1830s and named after Tsar-to-be Alexander II. When first discovered, a Finnish gem expert had thought it was an emerald, but was confused by its hardness. As he studied the stone and day turned to evening, he lit a candle to further examine it. To his surprise, the “emerald” turned red! As it was identified as a new stone, it was presented to the Imperial family to honor the coming of age of the heir-apparent to the throne. Their red/green color was especially appreciated because these were the national colors of Imperial Russia.
The natural deposits in the Ural mountains were soon depleted, but miners have discovered other locations for alexandrite mining in Sri Lanka and Brazil.
Alexandrite, along with pearl, is the traditional June birthstone. Because of its rarity and considerable expense, it’s common to find simulants or even lab-created varieties of alexandrite instead of the natural stone.
What to look for when buying an alexandrite
The color change phenomenon is the most exciting and sought-after quality of an alexandrite, but not all colors are equally valued. Saturated, juicy colors have more value.
This beautiful alexandrite changes from a rich sea-green to a lovely purplish red. These colors are very sought after in alexandrites. (Source – GIA)
This is an example of a not so amazing alexandrite color change. This stone changes from greenish brown to reddish brown, hardly an emerald-to-ruby transformation. This brownishness lowers the value significantly (Source – GIA).
For most stones, clarity (the lack of inclusions or imperfections in the crystal) is a desirable attribute. Alexandrite, however, is an exception. Alexandrites with no inclusions are definitely valued, but sometimes alexandrites can have a special type of needle-shaped inclusions which create a desirable cat’s eye effect.
This is an example of a beautiful and rare chatoyancy (cat’s eye) effect in Alexandrite. (source – GIA)
Most alexandrites are under 1ct, so larger stones with good clarity are exceptionally valuable. If you’re looking to purchase an alexandrite, prioritize color and cut over size. A well-cut beautiful alexandrite can be accentuated no matter what its size through accent stones and thoughtful design.
Famous alexandrites
The earliest alexandrites that were mined in Russia for the Tsar and his family seem to be lost to history in several ways. After the Russian revolution, the royal family’s jewels were looted or seized by the new socialist government. Of the treasures seized by the Bolsheviks, many were auctioned off in a campaign called “treasures for tractors” conducted by the CCCP, leading to a few breathtaking discoveries over the years (like a Faberge egg found in a scrap metal heap), while others are still guarded by the Kremlin.
This rare 1925 photograph of the Russian crown jewel collection gives a glimpse of some of the riches that have been lost or sold over time (Source – USGS.gov).
This 17.04ct alexandrite is known as the Whitney Alexandrite and is housed at the Smithsonian here in Washington, DC. This exceptionally large, clear, and beautiful example was found in Brazil. (Source – si.edu)
This amazing Louis Comfort Tiffany necklace, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a large alexandrite surrounded by beads of gold, opals, garnets, tourmalines, carnelians, and amber. The large size of this stone is significant, while its color is more subtle, changing from olive green to ambery orange (Source – metmuseum.org).
The Norwegian King’s Crown features many gems, including an alexandrite. (Source – royalcourt.no).
The world’s largest cut alexandrite is here in Washington, DC, at the Smithsonian. The 65.08ct massive stone, top center, holds that record. Also photographed here is a 16.69ct cushion cut and a 4.84ct emerald cut alexandrite. (Source – si.edu)
A June birthstone
Secrete custom made this beautiful alexandrite engagement ring featuring a 0.95ct Gubelin certified natural color change alexandrite in the center.
This gorgeous stone displays strong color change depending on the light source. In warm light, it’s a vibrant purple. In cooler lights, it’s a deep aqua green.
If you are coveting this incredibly rare stone, contact us today. Our design team can help make your dreams of this beautiful stone into reality.
