June Birthstone

Alexandrite is the birthstone of June. 

Alexandrite is one of the most if not the most unique, rare and valuable stone, known as the color changing stone.  The color of the stone changes drastically depending on what lighting it is under.  The more drastic the color change the higher the quality.  In its finest qualities, alexandrite looks green in sunlight, and purplish red under incandescent lights.

The gem was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 on the 12th birthday of the Czar Alexander II.  Due to its representation of both Russian imperial colors- red and green- it became the national stone of tsarist Russia.  In Russia, alexandrite is considered to be of very good omen.  It brings balance in the interaction between the physical and spiritual world.  It opens the crown chakra, which gives access to the healing energy and love from the universe.  It is also said to strengthen intuition, creativity and encourage romance.

Prices for natural alexandrite start at $1,500 per carat and can go over $20,000 per carat depending on size and quality.  Alex is currently working on a ring for a client with a very fine quality alexandrite.  Alex was able to acquire the stone from a close source at a gem show resulting in thousands of dollars in savings for his client.  This stone holds the same color changing qualities of the finest alexandrite.

Today the finest alexandrite stones are sourced from Brazil.  There are alexandrite stones which come from Asia and Africa that are lesser quality and retail at a much lower price point.

Alexandrite is the most valuable and exotic variety of chrysoberyl.  Not all color changing chrysoberyl can be called an alexandrite.  When buying an alexandrite, you must be careful that it is not mistaken for a regular color changing chrysoberyl, which displays different color change.

Pictured is a very fine Russian Alexandrite.  To the right is a fine 2 carat Brazilian alexandrite ring with diamonds in platinum.

By Viktoriya Gulko