My mom has a alexandrite stone in a ring that her parents got for in in 1960, what are the chances?

Question

my mom has a alexandrite stone in a ring that her parents got for in in 1960, what are the chances of it being a real stone, this stone is at least a 1/2 karat so it is a pretty good size stone. She has taken it to a jeweler and he said that it would have to be sent off and could take a while and cost alot of money so what are the chances of a very good quality man made stone in the early 60's

Answer 1

In the case of alexandrite, the size and the clarity of a stone are important clues in the determination of its origin. Since large clean alexandrites are so rare in nature, it is unlikely that a large stone offered for a few dollars in a pawn shop or on a beach or a street corner by a native seller could ever be a natural alexandrite. Although large stones cannot be discounted altogether, any large gem represented as a natural alexandrite should be examined by an experienced gemologist or tested in a lab.

Most gemstones described as synthetic Alexandrite are actually synthetic corundum laced with vanadium to produce the color change. This Alexandrite like sapphire material has been around for almost 100 years. The material shows a characteristic purple-mauve colour change which although attractive, doesn’t really look like alexandrite because there is never any green. The stones will be very clean and may be available in large sizes. Gemological testing will reveal a refractive index of 1.759 - 1.778 (corundum) instead of 1.741 - 1.760 (chrysoberyl). Under magnification, gas bubbles and curved stria may be evident. When examined with a spectroscope a strong vanadium absorption line at 475 nm will be apparent.

Many of these stones were sold to tourists in Mexico and in Egypt (Alexandria), after the Second World War and still exist in private collections or as inheritances. Gemologists still receive many inquiries about these old and now inherited Alexandrites bought by an aunt, an uncle, or a grandma in Egypt or someplace else and almost all of them are synthetic alexandrite like corundum.

Answer 2

A reputable jewelry store will have an appraiser on-site. There shouldn't (usually) be any reason to send a piece of jewelry out of the store.

Check the American Gem Society website for local reputable jewelers. Take the ring in and have the appraiser give you an estimate on getting an appraisal.

Alexandrite is a tough stone, but it could be worth the appraisal (especially if it's the size you say -- you'd need an appraisal to get insurance coverage in case anything happened to the ring).

Good luck!

Answer 3

There is a very good chance that it is a real stone. If it is it is worth a small fortune. I had a ring made it has an alexandrite stone and a diamond in it. My birthstone and my husbands. The alexandrite cost almost double of the diamond. Good Luck and I hopes its real for your sake. There is no way I would let them send it off!!!! Go to another Jewelry Store and get a second opinion..

Answer 4

Yeah, it sounds like this jeweler might just want to swap stones on you.
Go to a different jeweler. They should be able to tell.
My grandmother has "very good quality" stones from the 50's and 60's that I know they spent good money on and I can spot them. Believe me I am not experienced in this way at all.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Most colored stones are difficult to truely identify except by proper laboratory testing. Diamonds are easy but colored gems are much more difficult.

Is the gem cold to the touch? That could be your first simple clue. An alexandrite would be cold. I assume it changes color in different lighting. That's a 2nd clue but neither is even close to a definative answer.

I guess you can tell by my answer that I have a degree in gemology.

Answer 6

She needs to try another jeweler. Or have her look under "appraisers" in the phone book to find someone with more knowledge. And an appraisal shouldn't cost more than about $40-50.

Answer 7

Alexandrite Cost

Answer 8

Real Alexandrite Jewelry