What to expect when designing custom jewellery with alexandrite
Alexandrite isn't your average gemstone.
Green in daylight, burgundy in warm light, it's elusive, mysterious and full of surprises - in all the best ways. Learn more about the colour changing June birthstone you've never heard of.
If you're thinking about designing a custom piece with alexandrite, there are a few things you need to know.
It's rare and worth the wait
Looking for a gemstone that feels truly one-of-a-kind? Alexandrite delivers. But with rarity comes patience. Fine natural alexandrites, especially quality gems with strong colour change, aren't something you can pluck off a shelf.
The right alexandrite for your design might take time to find. Some are carefully held by collectors. Others never make it to public listings. When something exceptional becomes available, it usually doesn't stay that way for long.
If you're set on designing with natural alexandrite, know that sourcing the right stone may require patience - and that's part of the story.
12.62ct natural alexandrite
Come prepared with a budget
Due to its rarity, alexandrite can sit at the premium end of the scale, sometimes costing more per carat than diamonds of the same size. If you're considering natural alexandrite, it's a good idea to speak with a jeweller early on to set a realistic budget. Several factors influence price.
Colour: The most prized alexandrites show a dramatic shift from green in daylight to red or burgundy in incandescent light. The strength and contrast of the colour change are major price factors. Stones that shift clearly and vividly between hues are rare and command a premium. Gems with more subtle colour change can be more accessible and beautiful in their own right.
Size: Because fine alexandrite is rare, price increases significantly as size increases, especially for stones above 1ct in weight that show strong colour change. That said, size isn't everything. Some love the presence of a central stone as the focal point of their design. Others choose smaller stones as a way to meaningfully include alexandrite as a subtle detail.
Quality: The finest alexandrites are eye-clean (no visible inclusions) and showcase distinctive colour change. Cut plays a significant role too. Because alexandrite is pleochroic (shows different colours from different angles), a precision cut can enhance that chameleon-like effect. When choosing a high quality alexandrite, you're looking for a gem that comes alive as the light shifts around it.
Working within a budget? There are still plenty of ways to create something meaningful. You can go for a smaller centre stone, feature alexandrite as an accent instead of the main attraction or explore a lab created option that achieves the look without the price tag. Find out how to tell a lab created alexandrite from a natural one.
Design with colour in mind
Designing with alexandrite is like designing for two moods at once. Its colour change opens up a world of creative freedom that most gems can't offer.
Alexandrite pairs beautifully with diamonds and white metals for a classic feel, or coloured gems and vivid gold to complement its richer, warmer side.
With alexandrite, you're not limited to one look. Instead, you can tell a more layered, unexpected story with colour.
Answers to your questions about designing with alexandrite
Designing with a gem this rare naturally raises a few questions. Here's what you need to know before bringing alexandrite into your world.
- Is alexandrite durable?
- Is alexandrite more expensive than diamond?
- How can I tell if an alexandrite is lab created?
Is alexandrite durable?
Yes, but like any gem, it's not indestructible. With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, alexandrite is strong enough for everyday wear, but not quite as hard as sapphire or diamond. If you're designing an engagement ring or heirloom piece, consider a protective setting and a little extra care. Thoughtful design and wear habits can help your piece stand the test of time.
Is alexandrite more expensive than diamond?
In some cases, yes. High quality natural alexandrite can cost more per carat than diamond. That's because alexandrite is far rarer. While diamonds are mined in large scale operations around the world, natural alexandrite is found in much smaller quantities, mainly from limited sources in Sri Lanka, Brazil and East Africa.
Add to that the complexity of sourcing stones with vivid colour change and minimal inclusions, and you're looking at one of the most exclusive gems on the market.
How can I tell if an alexandrite is lab created?
Lab created gemstones are chemically and visually identical to natural ones, which technically makes them difficult to distinguish without gemmological equipment. That said, there are clues you can use to make an educated guess:
Colour: Lab alexandrites display a more vivid, saturated and dramatic colour change, that's relatively consistent from stone to stone. Natural stones typically show softer, more nuanced shifts with slight undertones. If the colours feel almost too perfect, it could be lab grown.
Price: A large, clean stone with strong colour change at a surprisingly low price is a strong indicator that it's lab created. High quality natural stones are exceptionally rare and command a premium.
Availability: Natural alexandrites are hard to come by. If multiple stones are readily available in matching sizes and calibrated shapes, chances are they're lab grown.
Documentation: Natural alexandrites may come with certification or third-party gemmological reports. Reputable jewellers will always disclose origin if known, and provide supporting documentation if available.
Still, if confirmation is important, a lab test is the only way to be absolutely certain.
Your story starts here
Natural alexandrite jewellery is slow jewellery. And that's the point.
Designing with alexandrite is about intention. Discovery. Creating something that can't be rushed. Because the right stone, like the right story, is worth waiting for.
If you're ready to design a piece that reflects who you are (and changes with the light), alexandrite might be the perfect stone for you.
Book a design consult to create your once-in-a-lifetime heirloom.
