In the mesmerizing world of natural gemstones, some are known for their beautiful range of colors while others exhibit unmatched brilliance. But only a few are able to make a distinct name for themselves because of their phenomenal optical attractions. One such gemstone is alexandrite which is famous for its chameleon-like color-shifting capabilities. The rare gemstone is a celebrated center stone for engagement rings, wedding rings, and couple rings, among modern couples. So let’s check out why you should invest in one.
What Makes Alexandrite So Special?
Alexandrite is a one-of-a-kind gemstone and we are not saying this without proof, the pointers below will justify our claim.
Color-Changing Mechanism
Known as “emerald by day, ruby by night”, alexandrite is extracted from the mineral chrysoberyl which is pleochroic in nature. This means that alexandrite crystals can reflect different colors when viewed under different lighting conditions. The color change is typically from green to bluish-green in daytime to red or purplish-red under incandescent light.
Rarity
The limited supply and high demand for natural alexandrite make it one of the most valuable and expensive gemstones over several others in the race. Most of the stones found are either very light or dark in color which are less valuable.
Durability
As far as durability is concerned, alexandrites are quite durable with a score of 8.5 on the 10-point Mohs hardness scale. This means wearing a ring with alexandrites every day is safe since the stone will not get chipped or cracked easily.
How to Choose Ideal Alexandrite Rings?
Choosing the best alexandrite ring depends on the following factors, however, the final call will still be yours.
Metal Choice
The warm shades of alexandrite look great with dark metals such as yellow gold and rose gold. However, white metals such as white gold, silver, and platinum will give a contemporary touch to your alexandrite ring.
Pricing Factor
The price you would pay for your alexandrite ring will depend on the quality factors of the stone. An ideal alexandrite crystal will have the finest of hues, medium to dark tones, and vivid saturation along with the highest intensity to shift colors. Such crystals are quite rare and command exceptional prices.
Do’s & Don’ts for Purchasing Alexandrite Rings
Don’t Invest in Treated Alexandrites: The actual physical composition of not-so-ideal crystals is altered in several ways to enhance the clarity, durability, or even color-shifting capabilities of the stone. Though these treated stones are quite affordable, you should never waste your money on purchasing something that has been enhanced by artificial means rather than natural processes.
Do Consider Synthetic Species
Synthetic alexandrites are always a better choice if you are short on budget since artificial stones are both physically and chemically identical to their natural counterparts but still many times less expensive.
Do Ensure High Quality
Ask your seller for an authentic grading lab report or certification from a reputable gemological laboratory for your alexandrites before making any purchase. Such a report will state genuine facts about the origin and quality factors of the stones thus ensuring a genuine and high-quality purchase.
Conclusion
Alexandrite is a forever-trending gemstone that ranks as one of the most popular choices for engagement ring centerstones. If you are also looking for a pair of brilliantly shining alexandrite wedding rings to exchange vows with your significant other then switch to the magical island of flashy gemstones and jewelry.