#Alexandrite birth stone full#
#Alexandrite birth stone free#

The beauty of alexandrite jewelry is truly special and the sentiment behind the stone is, at its heart, so joyful and uplifting.

#Alexandrite birth stone full#

Glowing saturated shades of green, purple and red, this gem has enduring appeal that has seen a recent rise in popularity as more people fall in love with the beauty of colored precious gemstones.Īlexandrite is a rare gem, full of character and wonderfully unique, making it an extra special gift for your one-of-a-kind loved one. It’s hard not to gaze upon an Alexandrite and wonder if there is not some sort of magic at play. Its rarity and unique ability defines this birthstone of June, which is also believed to expand the imagination, strengthen intuition and enhance creativity. Its unique characteristic of changing color when different wavelengths of light are shone on them, is believed to symbolize adaptability, inner transformation and the balancing of the heart and mind. It was still considered to be a beneficial talisman up until the late nineteenth century.Īlexandrite is believed to be a gem of joy and act as a powerful agent of inner transformation. The rare gem’s hypnotic beauty riveted the country and endeared itself even more as its shifting red and green colors mirrored the military colors of imperial Russia. Since its discovery, Alexandrite was believed in Russia to be a stone of good fortune, as well as prosperity and longevity. The first Alexandrites that were discovered were of exceptionally fine quality, presenting a wondrous showcase of vivid hues and dramatic color change.

The largest cut gem specimen of Alexandrite, named the Sauer Alexandrite, weighs 66 carats and can be viewed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. You can see the magic of this rare gem for yourself.

To date, Alexandrite has been found in Sri Lanka, South Africa, Brazil, Burma, Madagascar and the US. Alexander II inherited the throne as Czar and was celebrated for emancipating the serfs, but was later assassinated in 1881. This rare gem was first discovered in the Ural Mountains in Russia in 1830 and was named after young Alexander II, heir to the throne. In fact, Alexandrite is both rarer and more expensive than diamonds. A variety of chrysoberyl, it is one of the hardest gemstones, second only to corundum and the diamond. Alexandrite appears green or blue-green in daylight but shifts to a light red or purple-red hue in incandescent artificial light. This refers to the gem’s fascinating color-changing properties. Along with Alexandrite, Moonstone and Pearl are also recognised as official birthstones for the month of June which makes selecting gifts of birthstone jewelry extra fun with so many beautiful items to choose from.Īlexandrite is often described as emerald by day, ruby by night. Those born in June are an endearing crowd and a lucky one too! June is one of the few months to have more than one significant birthstone. This alluring precious stone is the official birthstone for anyone celebrating their birthday in June. Mother Nature presents us with one of her most mesmerizing magic tricks in the form of the color-shifting gemstone, Alexandrite. Shape – The oyster’s ability to produce a perfectly round pearl is rare and quite valuable.South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands (GBP £) The less bumps, cracks and indentations, the more valuable it will be.ģ.

#Alexandrite birth stone free#

Clean Surface – Since cultured pearls are grown by live oysters, it’s rare to find a pearl whose surface is completely free of blemishes. Pearls that look too dull or chalky are a sure sign of poor quality.Ģ. Luster – the brilliant sheen and deep inner glow signifies its value. How do you shop for pearls? Look for the following:ġ. Interesting bridal fact: In ancient Greece, it was believed that they had the power to prevent newlywed brides from crying and to promote happiness among all those who wore them. As a healing remedy, they are also believed to relieve eye ailments, heart trouble, indigestion, fever and bleeding.Īs if that weren’t enough, pearls are viewed as a symbol of purity and are often given to celebrate a marriage or the birth of a child. Even today, they are often ground up and used in Chinese cosmetics and serums to promote youthful looking skin. More than 2,000 years ago, ancient Chinese believed pearls held the power of eternal youth. The pearl represents peace, beauty, happiness and friendship, and is considered one of the oldest known gemstones. Gross but true, it is the oyster’s secreted response to a grain of sand that irritates it.

Unlike most gems, they have organic origins - created in certain kinds of mollusks. Let’s talk about this gem first because it’s June’s primary birthstone.