4.26ct Colour Change Alexandrite & Diamond Ring

Director’s Notes

Alexandrite is a member of the Chrysoberyl family of gemstones, renowned for its fascinating colour change effect from raspberry red to deep green. First discovered in 1834 by the mineralogist Nordenskiöld in the Ural Mountains of Russia, it was initially mistaken for emerald, having been found very close to an emerald mine. However, further examination of the gemstone and the discovery of its extraordinary ability to change colour by candlelight resulted in it being declared a new and exciting variety of gem altogether. Legend has it that the first Alexandrite was discovered on the very day the young heir to the Russian throne, Tsar Alexander II, turned 16. It was therefore only fitting that this remarkable new gemstone be named in his honour. Not only was Alexandrite purportedly discovered on this auspicious day, but its colours also mirrored those of Imperial Russia’s military, and it was not 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 locations were the only known sources of this exceptional gemstone. Alexandrite is rarely found in large sizes and, when this characteristic is coupled with good clarity and a strong, attractive colour change, the stone must be considered exceptionally rare and valuable. The colour change effect is caused by the element chromium and the very specific way in which Alexandrite absorbs light from the visible spectrum. When viewed in daylight, which is rich in green-blue light, the stone appears green; however, when viewed under incandescent light, such as candlelight, which is richer in red wavelengths, it appears red. Today, Alexandrite is recognised as one of the birthstones for June.