Gemstone Trade Valuation Centre

appraising my Alexandrite ring Question:

My mother has an Alexandrite ring bought in Egypt by her mother about 45-50 years ago.

Where is the best place to get it appraised.

Also my mother does not want to have to send it off for valuation.

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Thanks for your help...

Answer:

G'day Leah and many thanks for your query.

One of the most confusing gemstones in the World is Alexandrite, and one of the most surprising aspects is it's origin.

Most people seem to consider that it originates from Egypt because of the association to Alexandria - but that is all wrong and is part of the Myth and legend surrounding this wonderful (and very expensive) gemstone.

It actually came from the Ural Mountains in Russia, and was named after the Czar Alexander II.

It is part of the Chryoberyl family of gemstones.

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This particular gemstone should be green in daylight and LIGHT RED under artificial light.

There are many stories about tourists in Egypt purchasing - what they were told was Alexandrite (which is partly true) because what they actually bought was SYNTHETIC ALEXANDRITE which also has a color change (but not the same colours) and which is a fairly cheap gemstone.

After many complaints - the Egyptian government cracked down of these sellers - but it still happens around the world.

My personal suggestion is (as you don't want to let it out of your possession) is to see your local gemmologist Valuer and have them test it while you wait.

They will be able to tell very quickly if it is the real deal or not - you can proceed from there.

This will cost - but at least then you'll know.

You might also like to add this query to my blog at http://how2valuejewelry.com/ as other may have had a similar problem.

Can't hurt anyway and who knows what answers you may get.

Hope this helps...

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