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Alexandrites are among the rarest, most spectacular and expensive gemstones in the world.  The earliest important source of them was the Ural mountains of Russia.  The gem became a favorite of the Russian royal family and was named after the Russian Czar, Alexander II.  This gem is special mostly because of the enchanting way in which the color changes dramatically according to the light it is in.  Alexandrite is a form of chrysoberyl and in addition to the Ural Mountains, quality alexandrites are found in Brazil, and sometimes Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania and India.

6 Things You Should Know Before Buying an Alexandrite:

1. Color-Change: The more dramatic and complete the change of color in an Alexandrite gemstone, the more valuable it is.  Color change is often noted in the description or lab certificate of an alexandrite in terms of percentage, with 100% being the ideal. Learn more about how color change affects the value of alexandrite
   
2. Color hues: Alexandrites, like so many gemstones range widely in available colors.  The most desirable colors of alexandrite are bright, richly saturated and without tones of grey or brown. Reds and greens are the most expensive and sought after. Learn more about how color affects the value of alexandrite
   
3. Size: Large alexandrites are very rare. Any quality natural alexandrite over 1 carat is hard to find, and more expensive than any diamond of similar quality.
   
4. Clarity: As with all crystaline gemstones, the fewer internal imperfections, the more valuable the alexandrite gemstone. how clarity affects the value of alexandrite
   
5. Cut: And again, a good cut is not as important inan alexandrite as it is in many other gemstones, but whenever present, a perfect cut will significantly increase the value of the gemstone. Read about how cut affects the value of alexandrite.
   
6. Treatments, Synthetics and Imitations: Alexandrites are treated sometimes to improve their appearance.  Because of their high price tag and beauty that everyone loves, they are also widely synthesized and imitated.  An honest seller will clearly explain the difference, but sadly, many do not.  Read here to learn about treatments, synthetics and imitations of alexandrite and how to tell the difference.
   
7. Meaning and Symbology: Alexandrites are special gems, which, despite their relatively recent discovery already have a rich folklore and history.  Learn more about alexandrite meaning and symbology to see if it''s something you relate to.

Most Valuable Alexandrite

The most valuable alexandrite is natural, usually mined is Russia, and has perfect clarity, ideal cut, large size (over 1 carat), and most importantly, has a dramatic 100% color change from a bright rich green to a bright saturated magenta-red.

Lower Value: This alexandrite gemstone is small (about .10 carat), they have poor clarity, and worst of all, their colors are not bright, but greyish.  The best thing about this stone is the relatively strong color change.	Medium Value: This alexandrite is large (1 ct.) and it has relatively good clarity and an okay cut.  Its biggest detractor is the color: though it is bright, the change is from blue to purple - the two colors are not very different from each other.	High Value: Here is an alexandrite gemstone that is about half the size as the previous stone and has poorer clarity, but the color change is more dramatic, making it more valuable.	Highest Value:   Most people will go their whole lives without ever seeing an alexandrite like this.  It is about 3 carats, well cut, perfect clarity, with a dramatic and total color change from bright green to bright magenta.

 

 

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