Tips for Selecting Quality Alexandrite Gems

Have you fallen under the spell of alexandrite gems and honestly, who can blame you? These mysterious stones have serious main character energy. With their magical color shift from green to red, alexandrites are like mood rings for grown-ups… but way more luxe.

Whether you're planning to splurge on a natural alexandrite stone or just doing a deep dive before your next jewelry buy, let’s get real: not all alexandrites are created equal. Some are breathtaking, others—meh. That’s where we come in. Here’s your easy, sparkle-loaded guide to finding the best of the best.

First, What Makes Alexandrite So Special?

Let’s start with the tea. Alexandrite natural stones are known for their chameleon-like personality. They appear greenish-blue in daylight and turn reddish-purple under incandescent light. This dramatic transformation isn't just cool—it’s rare. Like unicorn-level rare.

Natural alexandrites come mostly from Brazil, Sri Lanka and East Africa today and finding one with that signature vivid color change? Total jackpot.

Color is Queen: Go for the Drama

When shopping for alexandrite gems, color change is everything. The more intense and complete the shift, the more valuable the stone.

Hot tip: Look for a green to purplish-red change. Stones that only sort of shift from dull green to brownish? Hard pass.

Color Checklist:

• Bright green to teal in natural light

• Deep raspberry red in incandescent or candlelight

• 80%+ noticeable color change (the higher, the better!)
  

  

  Clarity Counts (But Don’t Obsess Over It)

  Let’s be real—no one wants a cloudy gem. But with natural alexandrite stones, it’s totally normal to see some inclusions. These stones form under super intense conditions, so they often carry little "birthmarks."

  
  

  However, avoid anything with large dark inclusions that kill the sparkle. Go for eye-clean alexandrites, which means the flaws aren’t visible without magnification.

  
  

  Cut

  A killer cut shows off an alexandrite’s color change like a spotlight on stage. Poorly cut gems can look flat or lifeless—even if they have great color.

  
  

  Look for cuts that:

  • Maximize sparkle (hello, oval and cushion cuts!)

  • Show color change from different angles

  • Feel balanced and symmetrical

  • Basically, you want your stone to look like it has a story to tell.

  
  

  Natural vs Lab-Grown: Know What You're Getting

  This one's big. Natural alexandrite stones are rare and pricey because, well, Mother Earth made them. Lab-grown alexandrites are more budget-friendly and still have decent color change, but they lack the same investment value and story.

  
  

  Ask questions like:

  • Is this stone alexandrite natural or synthetic?

  • Is it certified? (More on that next!)

  • Where was it sourced from?

  
  

  If your jeweler can’t answer these above questions clearly then its a red flag folks. 
  

  

Certification: No Fancy Paper, No Deal

You wouldn’t buy a designer bag without a tag, right? The same goes for alexandrites. Always ask for a certificate from a respected gem lab like:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

• AGL (American Gemological Laboratories)

• IGI (International Gemological Institute)

That piece of paper proves it’s the real deal—not a synthetic or color-treated imposter.

Where to Shop Smart?

There are loads of places selling alexandrite gems, but not all are trustworthy. Stick to brands that:

• Offer authentic certification

• Have strong customer reviews

• Share high-res images and videos

• Provide a solid return policy (just in case it’s not “the one”)

GemsNY, for example, lets you customize your alexandrite jewelry while showing you verified quality and reviews. Shopping online doesn’t have to feel risky when the info is transparent.

Stay in the Know: Alexandrites in the Press

GemsNY Press releases often feature trending pieces, celebrity styles and gemstone tips that’ll keep your sparkle IQ high. These insider scoops are perfect if you’re building a wishlist or just vibing with fine jewelry news.

So yeah, sign up for the emails—you might just find the next gem of your dreams.

P.S. Got your eye on a piece already? Check out GemsNY Reviews from real customers who rave about the color change, craftsmanship and service. It’s like getting the inside scoop before you buy.

Final Sparkly Thoughts

Buying an alexandrite natural gem isn’t just a purchase but it’s a whole experience. You’re choosing a piece of rare earth magic that literally changes color with your vibe. So go in with the right knowledge, trust your gut and don’t settle for less than wow.

Because when you finally find the one, you’ll know. And that shimmer? Totally worth the search.