Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and Color-Changing Things
It’s the true birthstone for the month of June and the designated gift for the 55th wedding anniversary. This beauty has been dubbed the chameleon of gems due to its ability to change color when taken from daylight (or fluorescent) to evening (or incandescent light). We are, of course, talking about alexandrite. The very finest stones change from green or bluish-green to red or purplish red and command extremely high prices due to their rarity. Most often, birthstone jewelry is made with synthetic alexandrite – this is done to keep the price in a more affordable range. Over the years, we have been blessed to have a few pieces of natural alexandrite jewelry in our inventory… like this award-winning piece (no longer available). It was handcrafted on the premises and featured the finest alexandrite I have ever seen.
More recently, we added two genuine alexandrite rings that are of a more common and therefore, more readily available shade. Each stone is set within a modern ring – one is platinum and one is 14-karat yellow gold. Whether you’re a yellow metal fan or a white metal fan – we have just the thing for you.
First, on the left we have a GIA certified 1.26 carat cushion cut natural alexandrite. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the most reputable and well-known laboratory in the world. The report lists the color as Yellowish Green changing to Brown-Yellow and pictures the gemstone in both shades. The color change is is subtle yet so lovely. The alexandrite is situated in the center of a platinum diamond halo-style ring. Signed “Orianne” and containing twenty-six round brilliant diamonds that have a total weight of .32 carat, this ring is ideal for daily wear. Alexandrite registers as an 8.5 on the Mohs scale – only a diamond, ruby and sapphire rank higher. It’s as durable as it is unique. This ring is also accompanied by a secondary report from the American International Gemologists – it lists the details of the GIA report and also assigns a retail value of $11,000.00. Both reports are pictured below. We have added this estate ring to our website for just $3,000.00.
Next, we have a natural oval alexandrite set within a 14-karat yellow ring with white gold prongs; it weighs exactly .74 carat. We set this stone here in our shop between a matched pair of shield-shaped step-cut diamonds that have a combined weight of .50 carat. Although taking the form of an ordinary three-stone ring, this ring is anything but.
Perfectly petite, this charmer is an ideal choice for the June baby in your life. Showcasing both a natural alexandrite as well as a pair of unusually shaped diamonds – it’s a winner! It makes a superb birthstone ring, a darling right-hand ring or even a non-traditional engagement ring. It’s also on our website – this one is priced at just $2,750.00. Both rings are a size 6.5. Give us a call to discuss sizing options.
Also, for those who don’t know, we offer interest-free financing as well as 6-month layaway. Don’t let finances stand in the way of your jewelry goals!
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
