An engagement ring in itself is a prized possession but when it’s an alexandrite engagement ring it becomes even more valuable due to the rarity of the gemstone which is fondly called ‘chameleon of all gemstones’ due to its color-changing properties.
Here Step-by-Step Guide Before Buying Alexandrite Engagement Ring
Color Change
Color is the primary driver of value in the case of color gemstones. If the color is vivid and the saturation is high, the gemstone is valued highly. In the case of alexandrite, it’s the color change from green or bluish-green to red or purplish-red that determines the value of an alexandrite.
The presence of chromium in the mineral chrysoberyl renders it the unique characteristic of exhibiting different colors under different lights. Under daylight, it shows green whereas under incandescent light it appears red. That is why alexandrite is also called ‘emerald by day and ruby at night’.
In order for the mineral chrysoberyl to be termed alexandrite this color shift must be at least 30%. If it’s less than this value, then it’s simply a color-changing chrysoberyl but not an alexandrite. The higher the shift from pure green to pure red, the higher the value of that gemstone.
GemsNY has a wide variety of color-changing alexandrite in its inventory which you must check out for your vintage alexandrite engagement ring.
Carat Weight
The next important factor after the color change is the carat weight of the gemstone. However, this parameter cannot be looked at in isolation. A low color-change alexandrite, even if it is considerably large, commands less price per carat as opposed to one where this color shift is more profound.
You can find an alexandrite for as low as $1000 per carat and at the same time there are stones that sell for more than $15000 per carat, and this can go even higher. To put things into perspective take a look at the two pictures below. The 1st one is a 2.05ct GIA-certified alexandrite priced at $30,320 on GemsNY and the 2nd one is a 0.24ct alexandrite stone available for $639 on the same website. The difference in quality and price per carat is visibly evident.
Clarity & Cut
The next important parameters to gauge the value of alexandrite are clarity and cut. Clarity refers to the absence or presence of inclusions (or blemishes) in the stone. A gemstone with fewer inclusions is valued more as compared to one with more apparent imperfections.
Even though alexandrite is a pretty hard gemstone measuring 8.5 on the Mohs scale, its cleavage properties make it somewhat difficult to work with while cutting. Depending upon the shape of the rough material, a custom cut is performed so that the stone’s brilliance and color change attributes are maximized. For this reason, engagement rings that hold this enigmatic stone weighing over a carat are somewhat pricey.
Rarity
Alexandrite is a very rare gemstone — rarer than a diamond. It was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and in less than two centuries after its discovery, the mines are already exhausted. Due to its rarity, it is witnessing an increase in value with time even though other sources in Brazil, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe have emerged.
Alexandrite is the modern birthstone for the month of June and it is often associated with bringing luck and fortune to the wearer. You can find your real Alexandrite ring in a variety of settings at GemsNY.
Imitations or Simulants
This guide would be incomplete without a mention of imitation or simulants of alexandrite because these are around for a long time. A common man lacks the expertise to differentiate between a fake and a genuine natural alexandrite, so it becomes extremely important that you purchase your stone from a reputed source such as GemsNY, Blue Nile, James Allen, and Angara where every alexandrite gemstone is certified and appraised.
Buying an engagement ring is an affair for life and so you should choose the best within your financial resources. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to expert gemologists at GemsNY.
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