Alexandrite Jewelry: How to Choose Your Perfect Chameleon Stone

Most people have never heard of Alexandrite. Because of its physical composition, it is a very rare stone and relatively hard to come by on the jewelry market. Alexandrite is only produced under very special circumstances when the chemicals aluminum and beryllium combine with elements like chromium, iron and titanium. Chromium, an extremely strong chemical element that resists tarnishing and can lend intense colors to its compounds is very rarely found in nature. When it has been discovered naturally, it has only been in some parts of the world—Russia, southern Africa, India, and Turkey are all countries in which chromium has been found, and consequently, produce the largest quantities of the Alexandrite stone.

Alexandrite is said to have been discovered on the birthday and coming of age of the famous Russian tsar, Alexander II in 1834. While the details of this claim are up for debate amongst scholars and historians, it is generally believed that some time during this year, this gemstone was, indeed, discovered in the emerald mines in the Urals of Russia and named for the then-tsar, Alexander. Today, the stone is also found in significant quantities in parts of Africa, Sri Lanka, and Brazil.

While the chromium in Alexandrite lends hardness and exaggerated color to each gemstone, it is also responsible for what most believe to be the true distinguishing characteristic of the gemstone in its color-changing abilities. Alexandrite has been known to have chameleon-like qualities, able to change color in varied light. In daylight, the stone emits a blue to emerald-green color and can be cut to intensify these shades even more. In incandescent light, it turns into a red or purple stone, emitting hues reminiscent of raspberries and rubies. This very exceptional characteristic of Alexandrite is what makes the gemstone so valuable, and each stone’s individual capacity to change color is usually proportional to its worth.

Alexandrite, however, does not always take these purer forms, as those found in different parts of the world can have many variations that degrade the beauty and value of the stone. Because of the varying chemical composition of the Earth, the stones can appear brownish and have yellow tones not commonly seen in some of the other Alexandrite pieces found in other places. Other stones that have been found are either too light or dark in color to show the true color-changing abilities. A quality piece of Alexandrite jewelry should display the color change in different lighting quite well, and buyers should take this factor into account before all others.

Clarity and cut are other factors that are important in choosing a piece of Alexandrite jewelry. A very common cut for Alexandrite is known as a “mixed cut,” which allows the stone to glitter and gleam to its full potential. This cut very often integrates brilliant cuts that create kite and triangular shapes on the surface of the stone. The clarity is also another very important feature when shopping for jewelry. For most Alexandrite jewelry, the improved clarity of each stone will increase the value of the piece, whether it is an Alexandrite pendant, ring, or set of earrings. One exception is if a stone contains the cat’s eye effect, or what is more formally known as chatoyancy, in which case a thin inclusion cuts through the center of the stone, leaving two parallel sides cut in two. This phenomenon drastically increases the price of Alexandrite jewelry and can be an absolutely stunning feature in Alexandrite earrings.

Company BioAlaska Jewelry was started in Sitka, Alaska in 1990 by local operators Chris and Tamara Fondell. Featuring hand-carved, Northwest native Alaskan jewelry as well as popular and luxury brands like John Hardy and Simon G., the company expanded its clientele with the introduction of its online presence in 2000. It is the only locally owned jewelry operator in Sitka, Alaska and features a special miles program with Alaska Airlines and all its airline partners exclusively for Alaska Jewelry customers.