Sell Your Alexandrite Gemstone Today
Last updated: October 15, 2021
A truly unique color-changing variety of chrysoberyl, alexandrite is a highly valuable gemstone due to its rarity. If you are selling alexandrite, you need to do all you can to make sure you are getting what they are worth. Here at Worthy, we help people sell their unwanted diamond jewelry for the best possible price. What we’ve learned about selling diamonds can help you when you are selling alexandrite as well. Here's what you need to know about selling alexandrite to make sure you receive the maximum value.
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What is Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is a form of chrysoberyl. It scores an 8.5 on the hardness scale, and is third hardest of all gems. Depending on light and viewing angle, it displays hues of red, green, and orange-yellow. Fine examples have a green to bluish-green color when viewed in natural daylight, but appear red to purplish-red under incandescent light.
Rarity, Coloration, and Source are the Main Alexandrite Value Factors
Numerous factors affect alexandrite value, including rarity, coloration, and source. Many Brazilian examples display superior purple and red hues, while Russian alexandrite usually displays superior green tones. Ability to display color change is one of the most important valuation factors. Examples of Russian alexandrite are rare as new production is limited and most original Russian-sourced stones are housed in museums and private collections. If you have old Russian alexandrite, your stone is likely of greater value than similar-sized stones from other sources.
When You Sell Alexandrite, Consider Clarity, Cut, and Size Too
Clear stones are typically faceted, while very dark or opaque examples are often cut into cabochons which are often less valuable than faceted stones. Fine alexandrite over three carats often retails for over $100,000. Since all factors are taken together when determining the gemstone's value, it is vital to work with a top, unbiased gemologist.
Alexandrite Typical Jewelry
Top-quality alexandrite is rarely seen in modern jewelry. Instead, it is typically found in antique Russian jewelry and in some Victorian pieces. Alexandrite was discovered in April of 1834 in an emerald mine in the Ural Mountains. The first gem was discovered on the very day that Tsar Alexander II came of age and is named in his honor. Since its green and red colors are those of Imperial Russia, alexandrite was tsarist Russia’s national stone.
George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany’s master gemologist, was fascinated with alexandrite, and a lovely series of rings and other pieces were produced by Tiffany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany’s master gemologist, was fascinated with alexandrite, and a lovely series of rings and other pieces were produced by Tiffany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Cat’s-Eye Alexandrite is the Rarest Cat's-Eye Gemstone
Cat’s Eye Alexandrite is among the most interesting precious gems on the market. The name is an allusion to unique optical characteristics of gemstones, known as chrysoberyl. What happens in the case of this gemstone is that when you view the Cat's Eye Alexandrite, it masquerades as a luminous slit, not dissimilar to the pupils of a domestic cat, or jungle cat for that matter. The translucency of these gemstones is a remarkable characteristic that is hardly ever found in gems that are cut in cabochons.
These slits of light are precisely what distinguish Cat's Eye Alexandrite from many other gemstones. The rarest Cat's-Eye gemstone is in fact the Chrysoberyl Cat's-Eye. This is something to bear in mind when you sell Cat's Eye Alexandrite. There are several other names for Cat's-Eye gemstones, such as Cat's-Eye Apatite, so one should always specify the precise variety carefully. Cat's-Eye Alexandrite is particularly well regarded, and its hardness places it squarely behind rubies and sapphires. The Cat’s Eye has a unique luster and it polishes up well.
Unique Characteristics of Cat’s Eye Alexandrite
The color variation in these stones ranges from blueish green, to gray to yellow, and brown. There are also incandescent shades including the full spectrum of orange, red, brown and purple-red. It is a good idea to read up on the full classification of these precious gemstones when you sell Cat's Eye Alexandrite.
For example, the stone’s common name is Cat’s Eye Alexandrite, it is part of the Chrysoberyl species and it comes in a wide range of colors. Surprisingly, there are no alternative names for this gemstone, and its key separations include Cat's-Eye & color change, SG and RI and the spectrum.
The optical properties are particularly interesting with Cat's Eye Alexandrite. The stones range from semi-transparent to semi-translucent. They have a refractive index of 1.746 to 1.755. Their birefringence rating is 0.008 to 0.01 and they have a biaxial optic character. In terms of fluorescence, the SWUV is inert to moderate red and the LWUV is inert to moderate red.
These stones are particularly noted for their toughness and hardness. Their specific gravity is typically 3.73, with a variation between 3.71 to 3.75. In terms of inclusions, there are hollow tubes or fine needles inside Cat's Eye Alexandrite. The stones are noted for being stable, but the cleavage is prismatic, poor to moderate.
Demand for Cat’s Eye Alexandrite
One can only imagine how mesmerizing Cat's Eye Alexandrite gemstones are to those who have an affinity for these gems. They make for excellent jewelry pieces, and they are a terrific store of value asset. These premium quality gemstones fetch a hefty market price with the right buyer, and that's precisely why you’re advised to sell Cat's Eye Alexandrite at Worthy, where hundreds of buyers congregate to bid on your valuable jewelry item. As a matter of interest, the price of Cat's Eye Alexandrite gemstones is evenly matched with those of top-tier sapphires. Armed with the right information, and a reputable online marketplace, you can get top dollar for your Cat’s Eye Alexandrite gems.
Gemstones We Accept
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Malachite Lapis Spinel ChrysopraseOnyx Tsavorite Topaz Pink-Sapphire
Peridot Aquamarine Chrysoberyl
Bloodstone Pearls Tanzanite
Multi-Stone Padparadscha
Demantoid-Garnet Yellow-Sapphire
