Alexandrite

Girdlestone Farm, Masvingo, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Gems, 0.25 ct, 3.87 mm
Start Time: 12/17/2018 6:00:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 01/03/2019 7:15:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Alexandrite is the color changing variety of Chryosberyl. The very first Alexandrite crystals and gem came from Russia, and are valuable collectors stones today. The term "Alexandrite-type" color change is often used when a stone changes from a warmer hue i.e., pink to a cooler hue i.e., green or blue when expose to different light sources i.e., indoor lighting and sunlight. This color chage is extremely rare and is only exhibited in a few gems around the world. About 30 years ago, there was a discovery of some fine quality gem Alexandrite from the Girdlestone Farm in Zimbabwe. This "Oval" cut stone came out of an old stash of gems from a recent collection acquisition and are some of the best Zimbabwean Alexandrite on the market in many years. The gem is slightly included (it looks better in person than the photos indicate), and exhibits a noteworthy, strong color change as it shifts from a beautiful light orange-pink in sunlight to a lovely bluish-green under indoor lighting. The shows about a 95% color change, and it was VERY difficult to photograph, but it honestly shows a different color is various temperature light sources. Top Alexandrite gems from contemporary localities can retail for a few thousand dollars per carat on the high end market, so a stone of this size is certainly a worthwhile pickup for the starting bid.

Did You Know We Offer Custom Bases?

Learn More