Russian Alexandrite
Russian Alexandrite Question: I have a ring with Russian alexandrite gem in it….it is over 40 years old and was given to me by a dear friend.
Kremlin Gold: 1000 Years of Russian Gems and Jewels
Price: $37.62 USD
The stone is the size of a dime…roughly….a little bigger…..it changes color dramatically….from teal to aqua blue to green in the daylight to deep purple at night and sometimes a touch of pink with the aqua blue…
It also has something curious deep in it that can only be seen with a 20 power magnifying glass….an etching that reads CAY or 11…not quite sure….if the last letter is a Y or not…
I had it set in a silver setting of which I am not please but want to get it appraised and not sure how to go about it.
Can you give me any insight into this beautiful ring that was acquired over 40 years ago from a jeweller in our town who actually reluctantly let it go.
Answer: G’day Elizabeth and many thanks for your query.
Alexandrite is one of the most beautiful - yet misused gemstones in the world and you can read an earlier report I gave here:
http://online-gemstone-center.com/gemreview/alexandrite-appraising/
Real Alexandrite should be green in daylight and a light red under artificial light. There is also a synthetic man made corundum which has been on the market for almost a hundred years but this shows a poor green in the day while it has a bright strawberry red color under artificial light.
You need to get this tested by a qualified gemologist. They will charge you for the service but at least then you will have written evidence to prove it is what you think it is - and can stop guessing.
Silver being the cheapest of the metals used in jewelry would not do this gemstone (assuming it is real) any justice at all. The engraving on or in the gemstone is a puzzle and that would make me very suspicious. Your FRIENDLY gemologist will be able to check this for you.
You might also like to add this query to our Jewelry Forum where there are more ‘Experts’ to help you.
http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.net/jewelry-forum/ as other may have had a similar problem.
Can’t hurt anyway and who knows what answers you may get.
Hope this helps…
Tags: alexandrite, precious gemstone, russian gems, Valuations
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May 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I have an alexandrite that is more of an amethyst color with hints of raspberry and aqua at night and very aqua or slightly teal in sunlight. It is quite large (5+ carats) My father acquired it in the 30’s. What is the probability of it being real? I haven’t ever read about any real alexandrite stones turning more purple than raspberry and more aqua than green. Thanks for any information you can pass on.
May 30th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
G’day Kadi and many thanks for your feedback which is much appreciated.
There is NOT a lot more I can add, other than my comments on the website. Unless I can see an item and test it, I can only give general rules.
You need to see a professional gemologist and get a full lab report done. Only then will you really know what it is, and can stop guessing.
Hope this helps. Please let us know how you get on.
Kind regards, David