Alexandrite ring

Girls' best friends are diamonds. As well as sapphires, emeralds, alexandrites .. The opinion that diamonds are the most expensive stones is wrong. The cost of a ring with alexandrite can exceed the cost of a similar diamond ring several times. Alexandrite in nature is much less common, and the deposit with the most beautiful stones (Russia, the Urals) was developed in the 90s of the XX century.

The first in Russia owner of a ring with alexandrite is Emperor Alexander II, in whose honor the stone was named, since it was found shortly before the age of majority of the king and served as an excellent gift for this event. The ring with alexandrite became the emperor's mascot, because Alexander II did not shoot him almost never, which helped him survive several assassinations. Hence the designation of alexandrite as the stone of the emperor.

Since then, not only rings with alexandrites, but also other products with this mineral have become fashionable. But only the royal family and the nobility close to it could afford them, since the gold-framed ring with alexandrite was worth a fortune.

Alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl. Its uniqueness is that it is able to change color from dark bluish-green, bluish-green, dark grass-green, olive-green (which is why it was taken for emerald first) under natural light to pinkish-crimson, reddish-purple, purple in the evening or in artificial light. This ability in science acquired the name of the color reverse. There are rare minerals that give the impression of a "cat's eye." This is opalescence.

Like any rare valuable and therefore expensive mineral, alexandrite is often forged. Artificial cobblestones, natural minerals, in quality are far behind alexandrite, and even ordinary glass are used. This led to the fact that jewelery, including rings, with natural alexandrite today is not more than 10% on the market for jewelry.

Alexandrite is famous for not just changing the shade from emerald to purple with gaps of yellow. Ring with alexandrite will change color not only from the lighting, but also from the well-being of its owner. It is believed that the yellowness of alexandrite appears in front of trouble. If the crystal does not change color - in the ringlet is not alexandrite, more precisely, its fake.

The difference between these gems and that they are small, up to 1 carat, 2-3 carat stones are quite rare. When there is a rather large mineral in the ring with alexandrite, this is a reason to think. Natural stones are not widely marketed, so a ring with natural alexandrite cannot be found in an ordinary jewelry store.

Should also guard the rim of the stone. Ordinary silver is not the best companion of such an expensive stone, unless it is the whim of an oligarch. But such products are made to order.

In the Soviet Union there were quite a few owners of remarkable sets of a ringlet with alexandrite with earrings of 583 samples, having magnificent stones thanks to their faceting. But not everyone knows that the change in color of the stone from pink to lilac indicates its artificial origin. After all, from the deposits of the Urals, not a single gem penetrated the retail network.Jewelry factories processed exclusively synthetic minerals.

Alexandrite, created by artificial means, is rarely met, because The production of these minerals is an expensive, lengthy and complex process. And it is difficult for an ordinary person to distinguish them from real ones, since modern synthetic stones, especially well-made, are almost absolutely identical to natural alexandrites. Therefore, in the matter of authenticity, it is better to trust professional gemologists.

There are the following materials for faking alexandrite:

• Spinel (used most often - up to 99%). You can determine spinel in the ring with alexandrite by shades of color. In natural alexandrite three colors, and changing the shade, the gem gives yellow. Spinel can show only two colors.
• Corundum. It also has three colors, like alexandrite, but yellow is predominant. In alexandrite in the foreground red and green shades.
• Glass. Use for cheap products. To determine the authenticity, you just need to scratch the stone with a knife. Alexandrite, unlike glass, is not harmful.
• Tourmaline is a natural mineral that is similar to alexandrite. The main difference from a natural stone is that with clear transitions it gives a bright orange tint.
• Andalusite, which changes color not on the type of lighting, but on the angle of view.
• Fluorite differs from alexandrite in its softness, it is easy to scratch it.

Before buying a ring with alexandrite, you need to require a certificate in which the main indicators of the stone are presented: its color, degree of transparency, type of cut and place of extraction. Do not choose large stones or unverified vendors. Preference should be given to well-known jewelry brands or auctions.

Experts advise to choose a ring with alexandrite, based on their feelings. The stone that pleases the eye will be nicer to the heart, even if it has flaws than the highest-quality crystal of excellent cut.

A ring with alexandrite in a gold or silver frame is not among the usual jewelry. The presence of such a ring testifies to the subtle artistic taste of its owner, who has grace, elegance, and wealth. It is useful to wear this mineral to people suffering from constant mood swings.

Astrologers expressed their opinion about who is more suitable alexandrite. It is advised to wear a ring with alexandrite to Taurus and Sagittarius, it will suit Scorpios and Gemini, Lions and Aquarius, but is contraindicated in Pisces, Cancers and Virgos.

Even people who are indifferent to the stories about the magical properties of the stone will not pass by the magnificent rings with alexandrite. Modern jewelers offer a huge selection of jewelry with this fascinating crystal. Alexandrite framed in silver and gold, both white and yellow. Rings with alexandrites will appeal to lovers of the classics, who prefer elegant and elegant models, and trendy originals who like unusual ornate products. The ring with alexandrite distinguishes its ability to decorate any outfit: from stylish or casual to elegant solemn or vintage.

A gift is better than a ring with alexandrite, and difficult to come up with. It would not be superfluous to hint the donor that alexandrite is not customarily worn without a pair. Although the legend that it is a decoration of widows, is not confirmed by anything.

In the ring, alexandrites often coexist with:

1. diamonds
2. grenades
3. emeralds
4. pearls.

The ring with alexandrite needs to be put on last, and removed first.

Since alexandrite is a beautiful and very rare mineral, its prices are between 5,000 and 4,000,000 dollars. per carat. An elegant ring with a natural gem is available only to very wealthy people, because it will have to be made to order.

Minerals, the quality is much lower (small reverse, grayish color), are like synthetic alexandrites: from 200 to 500 dollars. per carat.

In jewelry stores sell rings with artificial alexandrite. By sight synthetic stone can not be distinguished from natural. When natural minerals are of poor quality, synthetics will be more pleasing to the eye.

A gold ring with artificial alexandrite can be bought for 300 dollars.