Alexandrite Rings – Your Comprehensive Guide To Buying
Are you looking for the perfect ring to symbolise your love? If so, you may want to consider an alexandrite ring. Named after the Russian tsar Alexander II, this stunning gemstone comes in a variety of colours, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring or just a beautiful piece of jewellery to add to your collection, read on for everything you need to know about buying alexandrite rings.
What Is Alexandrite And Where Does It Come From
Alexandrite is a natural gemstone that belongs to the chrysoberyl family. It’s known for its stunning colour-changing properties, which means that it can appear in any of three different colours – green under natural daylight or fluorescent lighting, blue-green or purple when exposed to incandescent light.
How Rare Is Alexandrite And Why Is It So Expensive
Alexandrite is considered to be very rare – in fact, natural alexandrite only comes from the Ural Mountains of Russia. A natural alexandrite engagement ring is therefore among the most expensive gemstone rings on the market.
Different Types Of Alexandrite Rings Available On The Market
Alexandrite rings come in many different forms – natural alexandrite gemstones can be set into engagement rings or any other type of jewellery you choose, while natural alexandrite gemstones that have been cut, polished and carved into the shape of a ring may also be sold. There are also lab-created alexandrites and natural alexandrite gemstones that have been treated with dye to enhance the natural colour – this type of Alexandrite is known as ‘colour change’ or ‘lab-created.’
Natural Alexandrite
Natural alexandrite comes in two different colours: green and purple. When exposed to natural daylight, natural alexandrite can appear in any of three different colours – both natural green under natural daylight or fluorescent lighting, natural blue-green or natural purple when exposed to incandescent light.
Lab-Created Alexandrite
Lab-created alexandrite gemstones are typically cut, polished and/or carved into shapes other than natural stones. As a result, they may not have the same appearance as natural alexandrite stones.
Buying Genuine Alexandrite Ring
Natural alexandrite will only come from Russia, so check where the natural alexandrite gemstone used in your ring was mined. If it came from somewhere else, then it’s likely that you’re not buying a natural alexandrite ring. Natural and lab-created alexandrites are available at some online retailers and some brick and mortar stores; make sure to buy only from a reputable dealer.
Caring For Your Alexandrite Ring
Alexandrite rings and natural alexandrite gems, in general, need the same kind of care that you provide for natural diamonds. You should never wear your natural alexandrite ring while undertaking strenuous activities, such as household chores or sports, when washing your hands, or when swimming. Wearing jewellery makes it likely that the natural gemstone will be scratched or damaged while doing these things.
Alexandrite rings and natural alexandrite gemstones should only be cleaned using a natural detergent and warm water – not with toothpaste or any other kind of cleanser that might contain abrasives. If you do end up cleaning your alexandrite ring in this way, make sure to remove it before washing your hands or showering.
Choosing The Right Ring Size & Style
Natural alexandrite is a natural gemstone, which means you’ll need to get your natural Alexandrite ring sized by a jeweller before proposing. Most natural alexandrite rings require a sizing of between 6 and 7 for women. As natural alexandrite can be quite brittle, it’s best to ask your jeweller to use the smallest prongs possible when setting an alexandrite gem.