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Summary: Buying Alexandrite Jewellery can be a daunting task. Simply because, authentic stones are very rare and highly priced. There are plenty of imitations of this eye-catching stone and spotting a genuine gem requires skill and knowledge about
Alexandrite.
If you want to feel like Royalty, invest in some genuine Alexandrite
Jewellery. This enchanting stone, was discovered in the Russian Ural mountains,
was named after Alexander. It is a unique co-incidence the stone was discovered
almost at the same time as his ascension to the throne at a young age. The
colors of the Alexandrite are Red and Green, which were also the colors of the
Russian Royalty in the 18th century. This captivating color-changing stone takes
on a Greenish-Blue shade in the daylight and a Reddish- purple color under
artificial light. The Russian Empress Catherine, on discovering these gems were
being sold to other countries, is said to have slain the culprits who dared sell
the Royal stone outside of the Royal Family. For this reason, a major part of
the Russian Alexandrite could not be readily found in the market. Although now
many pieces from the Royal collection have found their way into collector's
coffers.
Many Gemstones exhibit a color change, but it is very weak and sometimes an
untrained eye can miss the color transformation, but this is not the case with
Alexandrite. This wondrous gem has a strong color change with exquisite shades
of Red, Green, Blue and Purple. An Alexandrite of high quality is a pleasure to
watch.
Buying Alexandrite Jewellery can be a daunting task. Simply because, authentic
stones are very rare and highly priced. There are plenty of imitations of this
eye-catching stone and spotting a genuine gem requires skill and knowledge about
Alexandrites. If you wish to own an entire Alexandrite ensemble, you would have
to spend a small fortune or even a large fortune depending on the quality of the
stones. Like with all gemstones, color change is the most important aspect that
will decide the superiority of the gem. A strong color change from
reddish-purple to blue-green in daylight will command a higher price than a
stone with a weak color-change. Secondly, the origin of the stone is also
important. Alexandrites from Russia will be more valuable, since Russian stones
are very rare and of superior quality. Alexandrite deposits have also been found
in Sri Lanka, India, parts of Africa and Brazil.
Making a statement about your personal confidence and panache was never so easy.
A large Alexandrite ring with matching single stone large earrings can speak a
million words. Catching the eye, with a glint of green or red, Alexandrites can
add to your style quotient. Large signet Alexandrite Rings are also a popular
choice amongst men who dare to be different.
If you are buying expensive Alexandrite Jewellery, always ask for a Certificate
of Authenticity from a reputed Gem Laboratory. Most reputed stores selling
Alexandrite always sell the Jewellery with a Certificate. The most popular
Jewellery created from Alexandrite is Rings. Large stones are set as cabochons
(single stones) in Gold or Platinum. Since the price per carat of the
Alexandrite is high, large uncut stones are more expensive because some of the
stone is wasted when it is cut to bring out its best facets. Smaller stones are
set in necklaces and bracelets too.
Some people consider buying Alexandrite Jewellery as an investment since
Alexandrite deposits are not readily found and there is always a scarcity of
good quality stones, both these factors increase the price of this gem
considerably. Owning an Alexandrite can be a good omen. It is said to have
healing properties and has positive vibrations to aid the nervous system. The
stone is also said to boost a person's self-esteem and confidence.
Although Alexandrite is a semi-precious stone, it commands a very high price
almost equivalent with the four most expensive gemstones Sapphires, Rubies,
Emeralds and Diamonds. The Alexandrite is a chrysoberyl - stones which change
color with change in the light source. Most chrysoberyls have a very small color
change and the highest quality chrysoberyls with a distinct color change are
termed as Alexandrites.
With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, Alexandrite is durable and perfect for
Jewellery. It does not need too much care, but be sure to protect it from harsh
chemicals, scratches, hard knocks and extremes of climate which could blemish
the beauty of this gem. Washing in soap and warm water will suffice for cleaning
an Alexandrite.
Synthetic Alexandrite stones are most often treated low quality Sapphires. Low
quality Alexandrite stones are also treated to improve the gemstone's appearance
by filling the fissures on the surface with colorless oil or wax or other
substances. It is also possible to be fooled with glass and plastic imitations,
although it is easy to spot a cheap imitation because it will not have the
required color change. Low quality stones will have a weak color change and may
retain either a greenish tinge or a brown color even after the light source is
changed from daylight to fluorescent.
Rings or Earrings, these exquisite gems are considered to be collector's items
and many connoisseurs are always on the prowl for high quality Alexandrite
Jewellery to be worn at special events as conversation pieces.
If you wish to feel Royal and feel a connection with King Alexander, invest in
some Alexandrite for its changing colors and scarce availability and links with
the Russian Royalty.
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Belly Button Piercing
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