Jet of the Day - Crystal Impressions

June Birthstones

I have been researching my birthstone since I was a little girl. It is beautiful, rare, and VERY EXPENSIVE. I have always wanted a natural Alexandrite. As a matter of fact, I didn't want the modern Diamond as an engagement ring even though I love diamonds (next to Alexandrite) more then anything. I wanted an Alexandrite. When I found out that a 2- carat ring would cost over $25,000.00, I  guess that changed my mind just a tad bit. I do have an Alexandrite ring, although its a tiny 1/4 carat. It is also lab created (for now). One day I would like to own a natural Natural Alexandrite ring. I guess I wont be as greedy and will settle for a smaller size stone. Until then, I just keep searching and searching until the day I find that perfect one.

Alexandrite: Traditional June Birthstone
Pearl: Modern June Birthstone
Moonstone: Secondary Modern June Birthstone

History-

There is not 100% agreement regarding the exact date that this phenomenal stone was discovered, but it was reportedly discovered in 1830 in the Emerald mines near the Tokovaya River in the Ural Mountains of Russia. It is said that it was discovered

on the day the Czar Alexander II came of age and for this reason the stone was named Alexandrite. Alexandrite soon became the national stone of Czarist Russia because of its colors red and green, the principal colors of the old Imperial Russia.

The most sensational feature about this stone, however, is its surprising ability to change its color. Green or bluish-green in daylight, Alexandrite turns a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry red in incandescent light. This unique optical characteristic makes it one of the most valuable gemstones of all, especially in fine qualities.

Alexandrite has been known to boost confidence and self-esteem, to balance one's emotional state, and to help bring about positive change. It has been said to intensify the feelings of compassion, love, and sensuality; and is also known to induce happiness and success. Physically, Alexandrite is said to help treat pancreatic disorders, ailments of the spleen, and swollen lymph nodes. It has also been said to be helpful in the treatment of leukemia.

Availability-

Alexandrite is extremely rare and very expensive. Top-quality stones can fetch prices over $10,000 per carat. Finding stones that are over five carats is incredibly rare. Because of this, Alexandrite is hardly ever used in modern jewelery, although there has of late been a large upsurge in demand, particularly within the Far Eastern marketplaces.

Here is an example of a genuine Alexandrite, and ummm, Look at the price tag...

$19,500

Although Alexandrite will always be considered my birthstone, there is also the beautiful pearl, which I was told, was chosen as a substitute for June because of the Alexandrite being so rare and expensive.

White Freshwater Pearl Necklace, Matinee Length by Beadz n Bling

"Blooming Pearls" Necklace by Your Daily Jewels

And last but not least, Moonstone is also considered an alternative June Birthstone

Moonstone Earrings by Aubepine

Rainbow Moonstone Wire Wrapped Necklace by Silver Smack

Thank you for reading,
Lucia