How to Pick an Alexandrite Birthstone

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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Alexandrite is the "magic" birthstone, for it changes color depending on the time of day or light source under which it is viewed. Daylight or fluorescent light shows its unique shade of emerald green, and incandescent light or candlelight turns it a deep ruby red. A rare and costly gem, the alexandrite shares the month of June with other honorary birthstones pearl and moonstone.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Reputable dealer
  • Synthetic and natural light
  • Documentation of authenticity

Learn What to Look for in Quality Alexandrite

Step1
Pick an alexandrite birthstone for rarity. Alexandrite is mostly mined in its country of discovery, Russia. Russian alexandrite will be much more rare and costly than gems mined in Brazil, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Burma or Sri Lanka.
Step2
Choose an alexandrite for color. The truest hues of green and red, uncompromised by brown or black, are the most desirable. Those with the most dramatic color change will be the most expensive.
Step3
Select an alexandrite for price. When your budget is a greater priority than gem quality, choose lesser stones, such as those with windows or synthetic gems.

Shop Safely for an Alexandrite Birthstone

Step1
Choose a local dealer with a good reputation when buying an expensive and complex gemstone such as alexandrite. Look for a dealer associated with local, national or international business bureaus or gem trade associations.
Step2
Ask to view genuine natural alexandrite and the documentation that authenticates it.
Step3
Assess the color and brilliance of the birthstone under changing light conditions.
Step4
Assess the impact of "inclusions." These natural fault lines can diminish a gem's reflective qualities. A good jeweler will disclose a stone's inclusions and be able to discuss their impact on brilliance and price.
Step5
View a wide variety of stones before you pick one. The "phenomenal" color-changing quality of alexandrite can awe a first-time buyer.

Tips & Warnings

  • An alexandrite variant is chrysoberyl cat's eye, which features a striking lighter vertical streak down the center, usually in a contrasting color.
  • A birthstone with a "window" means that a gem has been cut so shallow that you can see through to the bottom of it. This affects its brilliance, and therefore its price.
  • Alexandrites are considered by the industry as "phenomenal" gems, or those with changing visual properties.
  • Genuine natural alexandrite does not need to be heat treated to achieve its colors. For the best quality, pick unenhanced alexandrite.
  • Laboratory-made, synthetic alexandrite is difficult for the consumer to distinguish from the true gem. A knowledgeable and trustworthy dealer is your best defense against fakes.

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eHow Article:  How to Pick an Alexandrite Birthstone

eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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