Alexandrite ring

A girl's best friend is diamonds. As well as sapphires, emeralds, alexandrites .. The opinion that diamonds are the most expensive stones is erroneous. The cost of an alexandrite ring can exceed the cost of a similar diamond ring by several times. Alexandrite is much less common in nature, and the deposit with the most beautiful stones (Russia, the Urals) was developed in the 90s of the XX century.

The first owner of an alexandrite ring in Russia was Emperor Alexander II, after whom the stone was named, since it was found shortly before the tsar came of age and served as a wonderful gift for this event. The alexandrite ring became the emperor's talisman. Alexander II almost never took it off, which helped him survive several assassination attempts. From here came the designation of alexandrite as the stone of the emperor.

Since then, not only rings with alexandrites have come into fashion, but also other products with this mineral. But only the royal family and the nobility close to it could afford them, since an alexandrite ring in a gold setting cost a fortune.

Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl.Its uniqueness is that it is able to change color from dark bluish-green, bluish-green, dark grassy green, olive green (why it was first mistaken for an emerald) in natural light to pinkish-crimson, reddish-violet, purple in the evening or under artificial light. This ability in science has acquired the name of color reverse. There are rare minerals that give the impression of a "cat's eye". This is opalescence.

Like any rare valuable and therefore expensive mineral, alexandrite is often counterfeited. Artificial cobblestones, natural minerals, much inferior in quality to alexandrite, and even ordinary glass are used. This has led to the fact that jewelry, including rings, with natural alexandrite today is no more than 10% on the jewelry market.

Alexandrite is famous for more than just changing hue from emerald green to purple with yellow in between. The ring with alexandrite will change color not only from the lighting, but also from the well-being of its owner. It is believed that the yellowness of alexandrite appears before trouble. If the crystal does not change color, the ring is not alexandrite, or rather, its fake.

The difference between these gems is that they are small in size, up to 1 carat, stones of 2-3 carats are quite rare. When there is a rather large mineral in a ring with alexandrite, then this is a reason to think. Natural stones are not widely sold, so a ring with natural alexandrite cannot be found in an ordinary jewelry store.

The frame of the stone should also alert. Ordinary silver is not the best companion for such an expensive stone, unless it is the whim of an oligarch. But these items are made to order.

In the Soviet Union, there were many owners of wonderful sets of a ring with alexandrite and earrings of 583 samples, which had magnificent stones due to their cutting. But not everyone knows that the change in color of the stone from pink to lilac indicates its artificial origin. After all, not a single gem from the deposits of the Urals penetrated the retail network. Jewelry factories processed exclusively synthetic minerals.

Artificially created alexandrites are rare, because. the production of these minerals is an expensive, lengthy and complex process. And it is difficult for an ordinary person to distinguish them from real ones, since modern synthetic stones, especially well-made ones, are almost absolutely identical to natural alexandrites. Therefore, in the matter of authenticity, it is better to trust professional gemologists.

There are the following materials for fake alexandrite:

• Spinel (used most often - up to 99%). Spinel can be identified in a ring with alexandrite by shades of color. Natural alexandrite has three colors, and changing the shade, the gem gives off yellowness. Spinel can only show two colors.
• Corundum. It also has three colors, like alexandrite, but yellow is predominant. Alexandrite has red and green hues in the foreground.
• Glass. Used for cheap products. To determine the authenticity, you just need to scratch the stone with a knife. Alexandrite, unlike glass, will not be harmed.
• Tourmaline is a natural mineral that is similar to alexandrite.The main difference from natural stone is that with clearly defined transitions it gives a bright orange tint.
• Andalusite, which changes color not from the type of lighting, but from the viewing angle.
• Fluorite differs from alexandrite in its softness and is easily scratched.

Before buying an alexandrite ring, you must require a certificate that shows the main indicators of the stone: its color, degree of transparency, type of cut and place of extraction. Do not choose large stones or unverified sellers. It is necessary to give preference to well-known jewelry brands or auctions.

Connoisseurs advise choosing an alexandrite ring based on your feelings. The stone that pleases the eye will be sweeter to the heart, even if it has flaws, than the highest quality crystal of excellent cut.

An alexandrite ring set in gold or silver is not a regular piece of jewelry. The presence of such a ring testifies to the subtle artistic taste of its owner, who has grace, elegance, and wealth. It is useful to wear this mineral for people suffering from a constant change of mood.

Astrologers have expressed their opinion on who is more suitable for alexandrite. It is advised to wear a ring with alexandrite for Taurus and Sagittarius, it will suit Scorpions and Gemini, Leo and Aquarius, but is contraindicated for Pisces, Cancers and Virgos.

Even people who are indifferent to stories about the magical properties of the stone will not pass by the magnificent rings with alexandrite. Modern jewelers offer a huge selection of jewelry with this bewitching crystal. Alexandrites are framed in silver and gold, both white and yellow.Alexandrite rings will appeal to lovers of the classics, who prefer graceful and elegant models, and trendy originals, who like unusual ornate pieces. An alexandrite ring is distinguished by its ability to brighten up any outfit: from stylish or casual to elegant formal or vintage.

A better gift than an alexandrite ring, and it's hard to come up with. It would not be superfluous to hint to the donor that it is not customary to wear alexandrite without a pair. Although the legend that it is an adornment of widows has not been confirmed by anything.

In the ring, alexandrites often coexist with:

1. diamonds,
2. grenades,
3. emeralds,
4. pearls.

The alexandrite ring should be put on last and removed first.

Since alexandrite is the most beautiful and very rare mineral, its prices are 5000-40000 dollars. per carat. An elegant ring with a natural gem is available only to very wealthy people, because it will have to be made to order.

Minerals, much lower in quality (small reverse, grayish color), cost like synthetic alexandrites: from 200 to 500 dollars. per carat.

Jewelry stores sell rings with artificial alexandrites. In appearance, a synthetic pebble cannot be distinguished from natural ones. When natural minerals are of poor quality, then synthetics will be more pleasing to the eye.

You can buy a gold ring with artificial alexandrite for $300.