Alexandrite

Gemstones

Alexandrite

Finely faceted alexandrites above one carat are among the most expensive gemstones in the world, rarer than fine ruby, sapphire or emerald. Alexandrite is considered to be a stone of very good omen. In critical situations it is supposed to strengthen the wearer’s intuition, and thus help him or her find new ways forward in situations where logic will not provide an answer. It is also reputed to aid creativity and inspire the imagination. Alexandrite is an alternative birthstone for June, and the zodiacal stone for Gemini. It is also suggested as the gemstone for a 55th wedding anniversary.

Colors:	Alexandrite is green or bluish-green in daylight, changing to raspberry red or purplish-red in incandescent light. Because of its color change, alexandrite has sometimes been referred to as emerald by day and ruby by night. The more distinct the change of colour, the more valuable the stone. A fine alexandrite should show a vivid bluish-green in daylight and a purplish-red in artificial light, without any trace of undesirable brown or grey.
Shapes:	Available in a variety of shapes, usually oval.
Origin:	Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe & Tanzania. Very Limited Quantities.
Care:	Alexandrite is hard, tough, and durable enough for daily wear. It requires no special or unusual care.
Notes:	This extremely rare gemstone owes it's name to the fact that it was first discovered in the Urals in 1830, on the day of Prince Alexander's of Russia's coming of age. The few people who have seen one have marveled at it's beauty & luster. Because of it's rarity, Alexandrite is a collectors item.