Alexandrite Engagement Rings
As the name implies, alexandrite is a noble gem. Alexandrite is the birthstone of June and is named after the Russian Tsar Alexander II. Alexandrite, which was first discovered in Russia only circa 1834, has become a quite demanded choice for engagement rings.
Every precious metal that is used in engagement ring has a nick that makes it stand out from the crowd. And really, why would someone buy a ring that has nothing catchy about it? Alexandrite rings have stones that not only have a rich history and deep symbolism, because alexandrite can (wait for it) change colors!
The most important aspect of alexandrites is, of course, color. Alexandrites with a deep color are always perfectly cut, hence they aren't cheap. When out for an alexandrite, look for any impurities that the stone may have, but more often than not, these rings won't have any. Why? It doesn't make sense to try and sell imperfect stones that are only likely to be purchased by collectors because of their price.
Most alexandrite rings available on the market today are synthetic (synthetic gems often go by the names 'cultured' or 'created', but, in case of alexandrite, anything below $2,000 isn't natural).
There is a lot to alexandrite engagement rings. First of all, an experienced designer can make a stunning, original ring -mind that it would not be anywhere near cheap- that has a tanzanite center stone with other color-changing accent stones. This extraordinary combination has a surreal effect, and was actually practiced by some jewelers, particularly the late Frederick Kuntz of Tiffany.
You can, however, settle for a more classical combination. Alexandrites, albeit not typical jewelry stones, can make a beautiful match with classic engagement ring settings, like the classical Art Deco or Edwardian settings. A retro alexandrite ring, if you can find one, has a truly classy look.
However, there is a catch-22 to those marvelous stones. They are utterly costly. If you fancy color-changing gems, perhaps tanzanites, sapphires or garnets (to name a few) are the right pick for you. Alexandrite is quite unique in this aspect, as these stones have a specific color-change 'routine'. Alexandrites change their color from green when in daylight, to almost ruby-red when alexandrites are under artificial lighting, such as candles.
To be blunt, if you can afford these rings, you probably aren't reading this anyway. If you really fancy alexandrite, but can't afford to put around $15,000 in one carat stone, by all means, go for synthetic alternatives. Synthetic alexandrite changes the color, too, and special little rings like that are true beauties, both in looks and in meaning.