Alexandrite is a beautiful gemstone that can be set in various settings. The gemstone is typically set in white gold or yellow gold and surrounded by small diamonds in halo settings. A yellow gold band complements the rich blue color of the alexandrite. When purchasing alexandrite jewelry, one thing to remember is that it’s a rare gemstone. Prices can be astronomical if you choose a two-carat stone. Alternatively, you can choose to wear one of the elaborate alexandrite rings from Aurelius Jewelry, for example an oval alexandrite is set in an intricate gold band with small diamonds. Alexandrite is a member of the chrysoberyl family and falls on the Mohs hardness scale. Diamond is the hardest mineral on the scale. The higher the hardness, the less likely it is to scratch. So, if you want to wear jewelry often, you may look for an alexandrite ring.
This unusual gemstone was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia by a peasant farmer in the 1830s. The peasant farmer gave it to the royal family of Czarist Russia, who owned an extensive collection of stones from the same region. As the stone was colored in colors of Imperial Russia, the royal family gave it a name, Alexander. Today, the gemstone can be found in South Africa, East Africa, and Brazil. It was discovered in Russia in 1830, and artificial alexandrite was developed to mimic the stone’s natural properties. In addition to being the birthstone of Gemini and Aries, Alexandrite also serves as a healing stone for several physical ailments. Those who wear alexandrite jewelry are believed to be more focused, centered, and appreciative of the world around them. Additionally, alexandrite is said to improve one’s mental abilities. It is also said to help one overcome depression and enhance their sense of well-being.
However, despite the pleochroic property of alexandrite, a natural stone is still the better choice for jewelry. Its rare nature makes it valuable and sought-after in high-end jewelry. The gleaming green color can be dazzling when worn in sunlight and pinkish-red when worn in candlelight. If you choose to wear an alexandrite yellow gold ring or bracelet, make sure it is authentic to avoid any confusion. The gem is relatively hard, ranking 8.5 on the Mohs scale, and therefore, safe for storing in a jewelry box. However, it can damage softer stones, so make sure to keep your alexandrite jewelry separated from them and wrap it in soft cloth while not in use. It’s best to clean alexandrite jewelry regularly with a certified fine jewelry cleaner. If you have a question, you can ask one of the licensed jeweler sellers for a free jewelry cleaning service.
The gemstone is tough to find in natural form, so unless you’re lucky enough to come across a piece of alexandrite in the wild, the only way to buy it is in a jewelry store. The gemstone is quite rare in the wild, but you can buy an excellent example in the form of a jewelry set featuring a natural alexandrite center stone. However, if you’re looking for something a little more unusual, you can try a gemstone ring or bracelet made from the stone.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.