Understanding Alexandrite: The World's Rarest Color-Change Gemstone
Alexandrite is one of the most coveted gemstones in the world, famous for its remarkable ability to change color from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. As Singapore's luxury gemstone specialists since 1991, we've helped countless collectors and jewelry enthusiasts select the perfect alexandrite. This guide will help you make an informed decision when choosing your alexandrite gemstone.
The Four Key Factors in Selecting Alexandrite
1. Color Change Intensity
The most important characteristic of alexandrite is its color-change effect. Look for:
- Strong colour change - The best alexandrites show a dramatic shift from bluish-green or teal in daylight to purplish-red or raspberry under incandescent light
- Vivid saturation - Both colors should be rich and saturated, not pale or washed out
- Distinct difference - A clear, obvious change between the two colors indicates higher quality
- Colour Change colour - The classic colour is from Shades of Green to Shades of red tend this tend to be more valuable.
Tip: Always view alexandrite under both natural daylight and incandescent light before purchasing. The percentage of color change can range from 5% to 100%.
2. Clarity and Inclusions
Natural alexandrite typically contains inclusions, as completely flawless stones are exceptionally rare:
- Eye-clean stones - Premium alexandrites have no visible inclusions to the naked eye
- Minor inclusions - Small inclusions that don't affect brilliance are acceptable and confirm natural origin
- Avoid heavily included stones - Excessive inclusions can diminish color change and durability
Natural alexandrite often displays characteristic needle-like inclusions or fingerprint patterns that gemologists use to verify authenticity.
3. Carat Weight and Size
Alexandrite is extremely rare in larger sizes:
- Under 1 carat - More readily available, excellent for rings and pendants
- 1-3 carats - Considered medium-sized, significantly more valuable
- Over 3 carats - Rare and command premium prices, ideal for collectors
- Over 5 carats - Museum-quality pieces, investment-grade gemstones
Price increases exponentially with size, especially for stones showing strong color change.
4. Cut Quality
Proper cutting maximizes alexandrite's color-change effect:
- Precision faceting - Well-cut stones display optimal color change and brilliance
- Popular shapes - Oval, cushion, and round cuts are most common; emerald cuts showcase color beautifully
- Proportions matter - Proper depth and symmetry enhance the color-change phenomenon
Origin: Does It Matter?
Alexandrite sources include Russia (the original and most prized), Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and East Africa. While Russian alexandrites are historically valued for their strong color change, exceptional stones can come from any origin. Focus on the individual stone's characteristics rather than origin alone.
Natural vs. Synthetic Alexandrite
Lab-created alexandrite exists and can be difficult to distinguish without gemological testing:
- Natural alexandrite - Rare, valuable, contains natural inclusions, certified by reputable labs
- Synthetic alexandrite - Chemically identical but lab-grown, much less expensive, often too perfect
- Simulants - Color-change garnets or sapphires marketed as alexandrite - not true alexandrite
Always request certification from recognized gemological laboratories (Far East Gem Lab, GRS, GIA, AGL, Gübelin) when purchasing natural alexandrite in Singapore.
Certification and Documentation
When selecting alexandrite, insist on:
- Gemological certificate from a reputable lab confirming natural origin
- Documentation of color-change percentage
- Treatment disclosure (natural alexandrite should be untreated)
- Provenance information when available
Budget Considerations
Alexandrite pricing varies dramatically based on quality:
- Commercial grade - Weak color change, visible inclusions, smaller sizes
- Fine quality - Good color change (50-80%), eye-clean or minor inclusions, 0.5-2 carats
- Extra fine - Strong color change (80-100%), eye-clean, excellent cut, 1-3 carats
- Premium Collector's Piece - Exceptional color change, flawless or near-flawless, over 3 carats, certified origin
Set a realistic budget and prioritize color change intensity over size for the best value.
Alexandrite for Different Jewelry Types
Engagement Rings
Alexandrite's hardness (8.5 Mohs) makes it suitable for daily wear. Choose eye-clean stones with strong color change in the 0.5-2 carat range for durability and value.
Pendants and Earrings
These settings allow for larger stones or those with minor inclusions, as they experience less wear than rings.
Premium Collector's Pieces
Focus on certified natural alexandrites over 2 carats with exceptional color change and minimal inclusions.
Questions to Ask Your Jeweler
When shopping for alexandrite in Singapore, ask:
- Is this natural or lab-created alexandrite?
- What is the intensity of color change?
- Can I view it under different lighting conditions?
- Is there a gemological certificate from a recognized lab?
- What is the origin of this stone?
- Has it been treated in any way?
Why Choose Far East Gems & Jewellery
With over 30 years of expertise in luxury gemstones, we offer:
- Certified natural alexandrite for most of our stones (with option to certify with an additional fee for stones without certs)
- Expert guidance in selecting the perfect stone for your needs and budget
- Transparent pricing and authenticity guarantees
- Custom jewelry design services to showcase your alexandrite
- Lifetime support and care advice
Visit our Singapore showroom to view our curated collection of natural alexandrite gemstones and receive personalized selection assistance from our gemstone specialists.
Final Thoughts
Selecting alexandrite requires careful consideration of color change, clarity, size, and certification. Take your time, view multiple stones under different lighting, and work with reputable dealers who provide proper documentation. A well-chosen alexandrite is not just a beautiful gemstone—it's a rare treasure that can be cherished for generations.
Ready to explore our alexandrite collection? Browse our certified gemstones or contact us to schedule a private viewing in Singapore.