Hancocks
4.26ct Colour Change Alexandrite & Diamond Ring
A colour change Alexandrite and diamond ring by Hancocks. The handcrafted ring is set to the centre with a 4.26ct oval cut Alexandrite displaying a strong colour change, bezel set in 18ct yellow gold and between tapering shoulders channel set with calibré French cut diamonds, to a polished 18ct yellow gold band.
£58,500.00
Information
Maker
Hancocks
Origin
London
Period
Contemporary
Gemstone
4.26ct oval cut Ceylon Alexandrite - with AGL certificate
18 x French cut diamonds, total weight 0.80ct
Setting
18ct yellow gold
Dimensions
UK finger size N, US size 6.75 (Can be made to fit any size)
Head: 12.0mm x 9.5mm
Band width at centre back: 2.5mm
Weight Description
5.2 grams
REF
130587
Discover this Jewel
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a member of the Chrysoberyl family of gemstones and is known for its fascinating colour change effect from raspberry red to deep green.
It was first discovered in 1834 by the mineralogist Nordenskiöld in the Ural Mountains of Russia when it was initially mistaken for emerald as it had been found very close to an emerald mine. However further detailed examination of the gemstone, and the discovery by candlelight of its extraordinary ability to change colour, resulted in it being declared a new and exciting variety of gem altogether.
It is said that the first Alexandrite was discovered on the very day that the young heir to the Russian throne, Tsar Alexander II, turned 16 and came of age. It was therefore only fitting that this new gemstone be named in his honour. Not only was Alexandrite discovered on this auspicious day, but the colours of the gemstone mirrored the colours of Imperial Russia. It wasn’t long before it was heralded as the official gemstone of the Tsars.
Further discoveries of Alexandrite were made soon after in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and for many years these two places were the only known sources of this exceptional gemstone. It is very rare to find stones in large sizes and when this is coupled with good clarity and a strong and attractive colour change, the stone must be considered incredibly rare and valuable.
The colour change effect is caused by the very specific way Alexandrite absorbs light from the visible light spectrum. When viewed in daylight, which is rich in green-blue light, the stone will appear green however when the light is changed to candlelight, which is much richer in light waves from the red end of the spectrum, it will appear red. So the stone can be thought of as ‘sitting on the fence’ when it comes to making a decision about what colour it wants to be and it will ‘tip over’ on to one or other side depending entirely on the particular qualities of the light shining on it.
The oval also has the advantage of a larger surface area than a round stone of equal weight meaning they can give the impression of being a higher carat weight than they really are. The shape is particularly flattering on the hand, drawing the eye along the finger and making it seem longer.
When looking at oval diamonds, symmetry and proportion are of particular importance. Whether you prefer a shorter wider stone or a longer thinner one is up to you but have a good look at the outline of the shape and make sure it is even and symmetrical. The most famous oval diamond is probably the Koh-i-Noor which weighs in at an impressive 105cts and is part of the British Crown Jewels. More recently, this lovely shape has been making its mark in the world of celebrity engagement rings and can be seen sparkling on the fingers of Blake Lively, Kourtney Kardashian and Hailey Bieber.
