Natural Alexandrite 

In the past 17 years, we have only purchased for inventory, two fine Alexandrites.  We used to stock smaller ones from about 20pts up to 75pts, but the more rare and sought after pieces are larger and more in the 1ct and up weight.  We haven't had larger pieces in inventory after all these years because the Alexandrites we have seen did not meet our criteria (and usually failed far more than just one of the five criteria we seek):
1.)  Size
2.)  Color Change
3.)  Clarity
4.)  Cutting
5.)  Price

A	B
C	D
This is an absolutely marvelous Natural Alexandrite from Sri Lanka, Certed and Weighing 2.07cts.  Under diffused daylight by a winow, it is a super bluish green, very reminiscent of a fine Brasilian Alexandrite.  Under incancescent, it is a very good purple.  Under the lights that we observed it under, there was no bleed through of the colors as is the norm.  It is well cut and eye clean, with only something in the back of the gem.  For the size, cutting, clarity  and color change, we really haven't seen better.  There are always issues with one of  the above criteria - but in this case, this gem has everything going for it!  (egaj-11-66)   $15,000/ct <  View Cert  > This was one of the most difficult items to purchase in our 30+ year history of gem and rough purchasing!  We worked along with a few negotiators on this particular piece.  It took 8 days and met with the 'runner' (who represented the seller) about 5 times and in 3 different cities in Sri Lanka .  He even took a 4 hour bus ride to personally meet with the owner of All That Glitters in Ratnapura when this Alex was first brought to our attention.  Our diligent and persistent negotiators finally worked out a deal on the phone with the seller only 2 hours before we were due at the airport to leave the country.  This gemstone was being driven by the runner back to his home about 45 minutes away from Colombo, in the rain and on his motorbike....  He was nearly home and had to turn around and go all the way back to Colombo to deliver the gemstone.  He arrived in soaking wet clothes, but still had a smile on his face because after 8 days we had resolution and a sale. At the Tucson Show 2012, we saw a few 2+ct Alexs from a dealer known for Alex.  Unforunately, they were  almost black from even one foot away, with just a hint of purple - the wholesale price was $10,000/ct .  This Alex above puts most Alex seen out there to shame!
A - Photo enhanced to show the blue green color; camera was not picking up accurate color	B - Untouched photo shot under incandescent light
C - Untouched photo shot under LED light	D - Untouched photo shot under existing office light (diffused)

Russian Synthetic Alexandrite

What is a Synthetic or Lab Grown Gemstone??

Synthetic: "A man-made substitute possessing the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and thus, the same properties as the gemstone it represents." There are different methods for creating lab grown synthetic gemstones, with many of the best methods requiring considerable time and therefore, costing more than less expensive methods. This can make the difference between a few dollars per carat for some synthetics vs. hundreds of dollars per carat for others grown using a different method.

What is a Simulant or Simulated Gemstone??

Simulant:This typically is an inexpensive item that appears to be a more expensive item. Many simulants are glass, doped glass, plastic or other compounds. For example, green glass would be a simulant of emerald. We have seen many examples of simulants in older rings that are thought to be Alexandrite, but in reality, the stone is a simulant (glass or doped glass) that does shift in color slightly, but does not have the true color change expected of an Alexandrite. Most simulants are easy to detect because they do not contain the chemical composition or physical properties of the gemstone they "pretend" to be.

Our Synthetic Alexandrite has come directly from Russia, a country previously known for decades of experimentation/research in synthetic crystal growth. We have purchased the rough and have had our cutters facet this material into mostly calibrated material which allows for easy setting into rings, earrings, pendants, etc. There are a fewer larger stones and some material may be cut upon request for specific shapes/sizes.

Sizes are as follows:

4mm Round - approx 35pts each; $70 each
5mm Round - approx 62pts each; $125 each
6mm Round - approx 1.12cts each; $225 each
4x6mm Oval - approx 0.62cts each; $120 each
5x7mm Oval - approx 1.00cts each; $200 each

1.76ct Oval - $350
3.35ct Emerald Cut - $670
3.60ct Square Brilliant - $720

This Synthetic Alexandrite is clean, well cut, calibrated and the color change is wonderful, from a blue green to an amethyst purple - just like much of the natural material coming from Brazil and other places. A 5x7mm oval (see above) which weighs approximately 1ct costs only $200, whereas if this gemstone were a Natural Alexandrite with the same good cutting, color change, clarity and size, one would expect to pay up to approximately $10,000 retail. In order to determine whether an Alexandrite of this type is natural or synthetic, a lab should be consulted where the gemstone can be examined with the proper equipment.

Synthetic Alexandrite for Companies seeking Quality and Quantity at the LOWEST PRICE:

Are you a business seeking Synthetic Alexandrite in quantity? Looking for well faceted, calibrated or freeform stones, great color change?? Are you looking for everything in a Synthetic Alexandrite including the BEST/LOWEST price on the market?? If so, visit our page devoted to Synthetic Alexandrite in quantity, designed for jewelry manufacturers and the jewelry/gemstone trade.

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