Alexandrite vs Diamond: Which Should You Go For?

This article will take a quick look at alexandrite engagement rings and diamond riings and see how they compare.Learn the key differences between alexandrite and diamond including Color, Hardness, and Clarity, and 10 ideal alexandrite enaggement rings for you.

If you wondering what alexandrite is, here’s what to know:

What's alexandrite

Alexandrite

Alexandrite can easily change color depending on the lighting. Your alexandrite ring may look red or purple indoors, but when you are outdoor, it gives off a green to bluish coloration.Alexandrite has the prestige of being one of the world’s most expensive gemstones. Diamonds, however, are neutral in color and are the hardest gemstones in existence. Diamond has always been a classic due to its constant high demand for engagement and wedding rings and other jewelry. In this article, we will compare and contrast alexandrite and diamond to give you a better understanding of these precious gemstones.

June Birthstone of The Month: Alexandrite Gemstone Lauren B | Jewelry Blog | Engagement Rings & Diamonds | Lauren B

According To GIA:

"Often described by gem aficionados as “emerald by day, ruby by night,” alexandrite is the very rare color-change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Originally discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s, it’s now found in Sri Lanka, East Africa, and Brazil, but fine material is exceptionally rare and valuable."

Color Differences

There is an evident difference in color between Alexandrite and diamond. In fact, the two gems seem to differ the most with this characteristic. Alexandrite changes colors according to light, while diamond doesn’t. Alexandrite turns from red to purplish-red under incandescent light. Under sunshine, the gemstone’s color ranges from a green color to bluish-green.

Color is an important factor for determining the quality of alexandrite. Stones with too light color are not usually favored by consumers like deeply intense ones. However, if you prefer less color intensity, you can go for the lighter colored gems. Their price is usually lower than alexandrite with intense color.

In contrast, there are alexandrites that are very dark that they even appear almost black. Sri Lankan Alexandrite is typically larger than those gotten from Russia, however, those from Sri Lanka have a yellowish-green to brownish red color. Russia produces the best quality alexandrite with regard to color.

While it appears there is no color differences among white diamonds, there is. There is a separate color grading scale for clear diamonds and another for colored diamonds. Some white diamonds are less valued due to a yellowish tint in them. The colorless diamond is the most valuable type. There are other colored varieties like blue and purple which are rare in nature and thus cost more than white diamonds.

Difference in Hardness

Diamond is well-known as the hardest gemstone on the planet, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Diamond is much harder than alexandrite, although alexandrite rates fairly well on the Mohs scale of hardness at 8.5. Alexandrite is a pretty durable stone that does not easily scratch, but less so when compared to diamond.

Difference in Clarity

There is a lot of difference in clarity between alexandrite and diamond. While diamonds with few to no inclusions are highly valued, the valuation of alexandrite rises due to inclusion. Generally, there are not many inclusions in alexandrite. Also, intense colored alexandrite with excellent clarity has a high value.

Diamonds with low clarity usually have lots of inclusions and/or blemishes. This decreases the gem’s value. The visibility of the inclusion also influences the rating on the clarity scale. Same inclusion cannot be found in two diamonds, which can help to identify individual gems.

It is very rare to find flawless diamonds. In fact, you can spend a lifetime in the jewelry industry without ever coming across one. This is why flawless diamonds are the most valued diamonds. They show no inclusions or blemishes even under high magnification.

Difference in Cut

The gemstone cut is another difference between alexandrite and diamond. You will find that most alexandrite have a mixed cut, like a brilliant cut crown mixed with another cut like a step cut pavilion. There are triangular and kite-shaped facets in brilliant cuts, while step cuts feature concentric rows of parallel facets. Oval mixed cut is another cut for alexandrite.

One way alexandrite and diamond can be similar is in the importance of the cut. A diamond that has been well-cut sparkles to its full potential. The angles and facets influence the intensity of light that returns to the eye. Poorly cut diamonds have a dark and unattractive appearance.

Difference in Price

It is becoming increasingly rare to find alexandrite with intense color due to the decline of Russian mine production. This means high-quality alexandrites with vibrant colors are more expensive. Most of the old fashioned alexandrite are not more than one carat and like a diamond, the higher the carat size, the costlier it is. Alexandrite can have carat size up to 8.8 carats. A gem of this size and with high-quality cost significantly more than smaller alexandrite. Just as diamonds are pricey, alexandrite can be too. A 1-carat emerald cut alexandrite can cost up to $75,000. You can also find alexandrite jewelry as low as $150, but typically, this gemstone cost thousand of dollars. The price of diamonds are almost the same, ranging from a few hundred bucks to thousands of dollars depending on the quality and size.

Conclusion

While there may be many key differences between Alexandrite and diamond, but they are quite similar in value. Both gemstones are generally expensive and it is common to find Alexandrite jewelry that costs the same as diamonds. Alexandrite is getting even more expensive due to its rarity as supply steadily declines. We hope this alexandrite vs diamond guide will make it easier for you to decide which of these gems is perfect for your ring.

How to Clean And Care for Your Alexandrite Ring?

Do u know How to Care for Your Alexandrite Ring?here BBBGEM tell us how to clean it:

"It is not hard to take care of your alexandrite ring Since it is a pretty hard stone. It is recommended to use a soft brush like an old toothbrush as well as with soap and water at room temperature. For a more in-depth clean, you can visit the jeweler you purchased the ring from. These experts are trained at cleaning your ring using steam, sonic clean. This type of drain cleaning is called full detailing.

You can also clean at home by putting the ring in a bowl of water, add some drops of plain dish detergent, then rinse and dry the jewelry using a soft cloth. even though alexandrite might be hard, but it is not as hard and durable as diamond. so you should take care to remove it before doing any activity like heavy cleaning, swimming, exercising, or using chemicals."

Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June (along with the pearl and moonstone) .Ready to find your own June alexandrite engagement ring? We've curated a list of our favorite styles below.