Friday, September 30, 2011

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

20 comments :

jemsbyjb said...

Great post and beautiful work!

Beadsme said...

Great post. Beautiful selections.

willowcreekjewelry said...

What a wonderful post! Your shop and designs are beautiful. Alexandrite is a breathtaking stone...good luck in your quest!

Unknown said...

great post-so much I didn't know!!

Tracy said...

Great post! I knew nothing about Alexandrite before! Thank you for sharing! So informative!

Michele said...

Great post, didn't know anything about Alexandrite thanks for sharing, lovely jewelry also!!!

capitalcitycrafts said...

Thanks for sharing all this great information and beautiful jewelry!

Jennifer said...

Fascinating and the jewelry is gorgeous too!

Unknown said...

Very informative piece, fantastic jewelry, love the moonstone selections.

Blanche said...

June Baby here and I love pearls! I hope you get your Alexandrite some day and thanks for sharing

Made By Tammy said...

Great info! Beautiful Jewelry!
Thanks for sharing.

WanderingJewel said...

Great informative post!

YourDailyJewelsBLOG said...

It is great to learn about Alexandrite! Thanks for a great post!

SendingLoveGallery said...

a fascinating stone! great info, thanks Crystal!

DG Jewelry Designs said...

Great information and post. Thanks.

Wendy H said...

What beautiful jewels!

Brooke said...

I really enjoyed reading about these birthstones, and your beautiful jewelry examples:)

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myrtle said...

OH my! that was absolutely wonderful..

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cooljewelrydesign said...

I had NO idea about the expense of that lovely stone...wow. Thank you for the educational tour...your jewelry, Lucia, is elegant and powerful.