Alexandrite Wedding Rings 101
Table of Contents
We have heard about marriage proposals that have been made with diamond rings or even rings with various other precious stones. There is even a saying in popular forums that ‘a diamond is a girl’s best friend. While it might be true that diamonds are loved by most people across the world and are a sought-after stone for wedding rings, have you ever witnessed the sheer beauty and mystery of an Alexandrite stone? This article will provide you with a guide to selecting Alexandrite wedding rings.
Alexandrites are truly unique stones with color-changing properties that add to their mystique and beauty. They make for lovely wedding rings. We hope that by the end of the post, you will be convinced of the appeal that this precious stone has and how beautiful it will look on your partner's finger.
Alexandrite Wedding Rings Meaning
Alexandrite is considered to be one of the rarest gemstones in the world. It is a variety of the mineral called Chrysoberyl and has color-changing properties. This property makes the gemstone so precious that gem aficionados are right to use the phrase ‘emerald by day, ruby by night’ while describing it. This is so because the stone exhibits two colors at different lighting conditions- it boasts of a vivid blue-green in the day and a robust raspberry red at night under candlelight.
People born in June have a special connection with Alexandrites. It's meant to be June birthstone so if your loved one is born in June, don’t think twice before purchasing an Alexandrite wedding ring for the proposal. There are a few things you should know about the Alexandrite ring or the stone to be precise.
For one, it is a very rare stone and hence, the supply of rings made of the stone is also exclusive. However due to our special links with the Hematita mine in Brazil, currently the only official mine producing alexandrites in Brazil, we are able to hand pick the highest quality alexandrite for our jewelry and we have collected a reasonable stock of the precious gemstone. Another factor to keep in mind is that the more apparent the color change, the better the quality of the stone. The price of the ring will be higher depending on the intensity of the change in color.
Is an Alexandrite ring right for you? Pros and Cons
If you are wondering if an Alexandrite wedding ring is right for you, we understand your trepidation. It is an unlikely and unexpected choice. However, one look at the ring and you might just fall in love with it. Alexandrites are chameleon-like gemstones that change colors and have a certain ‘wow’ factor to them. They are bold and sophisticated. You can pair them with white metal or even rose gold; either way, your wedding ring will take peoples’ breath away.
If you are still hesitant about the choice, it is best to make a brief list of the pros and cons of Alexandrite rings.
Pros of Alexandrite wedding rings
- Rare- You are almost guaranteed to have one of the rarest wedding rings. Don't be surprised by the heads you turn. The ring is unique and people are expected to exclaim at its sight, especially when it changes color.
- Unique- Go out with your married/engaged friends and you will know just how unique your Alexandrite wedding ring is. While most people settle for a diamond, ruby, or gold, you have got your hands on the most unique gemstone to exist. Although synthetic alexandrites do exist as a cheaper alternative, it cannot be compared with natural alexandrite stones, completely untreated and produced by the Earth. Would you rather have a real stone or a man-made one?
- Durable- Not only are Alexandrite wedding rings rare and unique but they are also incredibly durable and long-lasting. The durability of gemstones is rated from 1-10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Alexandrite ranks 8.5 on the scale.
Cons of Alexandrite wedding rings
- Alexandrite is an excellent choice for an engagement ring due to its strength and hardness. However, people often tend to prefer diamonds as wedding rings due to their unbeatable durability and popular demand.
- Some people just like to keep it traditional with diamond jewelry. However, Alexandrite is fast becoming a more popular choice for modern-day contemporary women looking for an out-of-the-box engagement or wedding ring option.
This list of pros and cons can help you figure out what kind of ring you ultimately want as your wedding ring. Remember to first gain some clarity about your expectations and choose the Alexandrite wedding ring only if it meets the same. A wedding ring is something you wear for many years so it better be something you love every single day.
How to pick an Alexandrite ring for your significant other?
At the outset, it might seem like an easy affair – buying an Alexandrite wedding ring. In reality, there are many factors that you need to keep in mind and plan beforehand. Let us look at some of these factors here.
1. Start planning
Planning to propose to your significant other with a ring that she cannot say no to? The Alexandrite ring is just the right gemstone for your special occasion. However, to make this special day memorable, you need to start the process of choosing a wedding ring early on. Choosing and purchasing a wedding ring can be an overwhelming process. Figuring out beforehand and keeping a plan ready can be really useful.
Some of the factors to consider while purchasing your partner's dream jewelry are - your budget, their personal taste, and the jeweler's craft specialty.
2. Set a budget
This is the most crucial factor when buying anything that is remotely expensive. Alexandrites are rare gemstones, which makes their price even higher than other stones. A good-quality Alexandrite that displays an intense color change from blue-green to purple-red is what you should aim to purchase. These tend to cost from thousands of dollars depending on the size of alexandrite. You must set a budget for yourself before going to the store. Communicate with the seller about your needs and price range. They will help you out with a ring that meets the criteria.
3. Long-term care
A wedding ring is a piece of jewelry that one wears on their finger for years. This is why the care and maintenance of the ring are important points to consider while purchasing one. Alexandrite is a gemstone that is hard and sturdy. It does not have any cleavage which means that when struck, it does not have the tendency to crack, unlike many other precious stones. This makes the Alexandrite ring ideal for daily wear.
Alexandrites are also resistant to the effects of common chemicals, light, and heat. Its maintenance is quite easy. All you have to do is clean it with some warm, soapy water. You can also use tools like ultrasonic and steam cleaners. At times, this gemstone may suffer from fractures. In such a case, warm, soapy water is the perfect treatment for the precious gemstone. To ensure that the ring lasts for a long time, you can get annual checkups done, too.
4. Choose your metals
Source: https://www.krikawa.com/ring-advice/metal-information
While choosing the perfect stone, you have to also select the ideal metal to go with it, which can be a challenging task. To do this, you need to have adequate knowledge about the different kinds of metals. This includes knowing about the purity and longevity of the metal since these two factors determine its strength. Let us look at two metals- gold and platinum
Gold:
- Purity- Gold is measured using karats. The purest gold is estimated to be 24 karats but it is difficult to find gold in its purest form. This metal has an extremely soft nature that makes it one of the most ductile and malleable metals. This has proven to be a disadvantage often as gold jewelry is prone to denting, scratches, and scuffing. This is why gold is mixed with other alloys to ensure that it lasts longer.
- 14K gold- When it comes to wedding rings, 14K gold is the most convenient option. It contains 14 parts of gold mixed with alloys like copper, nickel, zinc, and others. The pros of a 14K gold wedding ring are that they’re shiny and sparkly, affordable, and less prone to denting and scratches due to the other alloys present. Some of its cons, however, are that it lacks the shine and gloss of an 18K ring. Another con is the allergies that some people tend to get from metals like zinc or copper mixed with gold.
- 14K vs 18K- Compared to 14K gold rings, the 18K rings have an additional glow and spark due to them being purer than the 14K ones. There is much less chance of skin allergies with the 18K ring and this one is in general much more appealing. On the other hand, 18K rings are more expensive and not as durable as the 14K ones.
Platinum:
Platinum is a metal that has a very regal and sophisticated look. While gold is all about glamor and shine, platinum is more about simplicity. If that is what you are looking for in your wedding ring, we suggest you pair the Alexandrite gemstone with platinum. They make for an exquisite combination.
- Pros- What makes platinum so alluring is its charismatic quality. The metal is also a long-lasting one so you can count on the color remaining intact for a long time. One reason why it's better than gold is because it is far less prone to scratches and dents on the body, making it more durable too.
- Cons- Platinum is a rare metal, which also makes it costlier than other metals like gold. It is not as pocket-friendly as gold. Furthermore, people wearing platinum rings have often complained of nickel allergies.
5. Contrasting metals
Ask yourself- what kind of ring are you looking for? Is it one that has contrasting metals? If that is the case then we suggest you pair the Alexandrite stone with a white gold band. This combination is a timeless classic that never goes out of fashion. As lovers, you are looking for something unique. Alexandrites paired with contrasting metals like rose gold and yellow gold are also ideal for you. There are also multi-tone gold rings available for the occasion.
6. Stone settings
The arrangement of the stone, which is also known as a stone setting, is another crucial decision to make. Having prior knowledge of the options available will help you decide easily which one you like the most. Here are some of the different stone settings that are sold.
- Pave Style- Named after a French style of structuring gemstones, the Pave style comprises the stones arranged in a grid or patterned format. It has a delicate look and the sparkles are sure to take your breath away. One disadvantage of this style is that the stones tend to become loose over time.
- Bezel setting- In this style, the stones are arranged around the metal layer which gives the ring a petite and sophisticated look.
- Channel setting- In this setting, the stones are placed within the walls of the metal band in a suspended manner. This is a practical design as the stones remain well-protected and able to withstand wear and tear over time.
- Beaded setting- As the name suggests, in the beaded setting, there are many tiny metal beads. Within each of the beads a stone is placed. This design is in vogue in recent times as it makes all the stones get equal attention. However, one drawback is that less metal is holding the stones in place, which means you will require regular checkups for such a ring.
- Flush setting- There are four to six metal prongs or claws within which the stone is set. This keeps the gemstone safe and secure.
7. Shape of the wedding ring
The last factor that you need to decide upon is the shape of the wedding ring. Will it be a curved wedding ring, a straight band, a round band, and what stones will you place on the ring?
- Curved wedding band- Curved wedding bands carry great promise. They look delicate and sophisticated with the curve and the right stones. Make sure you secure the stone safely on a curved band or it will run the risk of falling out. You do not want an expensive Alexandrite gemstone to get lost.
- Straight band- Straight bands are available in both thin and thick formats. They elevate the beauty of the Alexandrite stone and have a contemporary design. Most brides favor straight bands as opposed to the curvy ones. You can decide to pair it with your engagement band and it will still look just as gorgeous as before. These bands are durable and they rarely ever go out of fashion.
- Round band- Round bands do not even need stones to look beautiful. However, paired with a precious stone like the Alexandrite, the ring will turn many heads as you walk. They have an elegant and sophisticated style, which makes for the perfect wedding ring. Round band rings can also be easily paired with your alexandrite engagement ring.
- Stones- There are many stones that you can choose from when it comes to wedding rings. Diamonds are the most obvious and popular choice made by women. However, there are many others that you might like. The Alexandrite gemstone is one such precious stone. Its mystical color change adds to the ‘wow’ factor.
Conclusion
Alexandrites are rare gemstones and if the qualities mentioned above appeal to you, go ahead and search for the right Alexandrite wedding ring. Your wedding is going to be one of the most special days of your life. A lot depends on the right ring that you purchase. While it can be challenging to buy Alexandrite wedding rings that are genuine and breathtakingly beautiful, you will find it at our store. We promise to serve you with the best always. Now, you can shop through our collection of the 10 most popular wedding ring designs.
Check out our best-selling wedding ring pieces here.
1. Pure and Simple - 18K White Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
Add some decadence to your everyday with this simple ring featuring natural Alexandrites and sparkling Diamonds. Set in an 18K White Gold, this modern yet timeless design offers a sleek appearance that can be worn daily. It’s also the most thoughtful gift to celebrate any momentous occasion.
BUY NOW2. Beauty Waves - 14K White Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
Dedicate yourself to three layered beauty. With appealing Diamond detailing, this ring is crafted from 14K White Gold and features seven round-shaped absolutely beautiful Alexandrites. Once you slip this exquisite piece on you’ll never want to take it off. And all we can say is that it deserves all the attention it receives!
BUY NOW3. Rain Drop - 14K Yellow Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
The Rain Drop Alexandrite ring has a lovely oval-shaped stone at the center. Diamond detailing on the 14K Yellow Gold band adds a pop of sparkle that you can't resist. This incredible piece is full of fire and perfect for those who want the highest quality, naturally sourced Brazilian Alexandrite at an accessible price.
BUY NOW4. Rain Drop - 18K White Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
The Rain Drop Alexandrite ring has a lovely oval-shaped stone at the center. Diamond detailing on the 18K White Gold band adds a pop of sparkle that you can't resist. This incredible piece is full of fire and perfect for those who want the highest quality, naturally sourced Brazilian Alexandrite at an accessible price.
BUY NOW5. Pure Bliss - 14K White Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
Our designers were inspired by their hearts desires when they dreamed up this incredible dress ring. At its heart, sits an incredible 0.68cts oval shaped Alexandrite of excellent quality making it perfect for a wedding ring or statement piece.
BUY NOW6. Pure Bliss - 14K Yellow Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
Our designers were inspired by their hearts desires when they dreamed up this incredible dress ring. At its heart, sits an incredible 0.65cts oval shaped Alexandrite of excellent quality making it perfect for a wedding ring or statement piece.
BUY NOW7. Tantalice - 18K White Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
This gorgeous Tantalice ring bridges the gap between a statement piece and a classic band. Featuring four natural Alexandrite stones and a shimmering Diamonds in an alternating pattern, its a ring perfect to declare your love and adoration. Layer up on elegance with this delicate ring that pairs seamlessly with others or perfect on its own!
BUY NOW8. The Sentiment - 18K White Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
This gorgeous Tantalice ring bridges the gap between a statement piece and a classic band. Featuring four natural Alexandrite stones and a shimmering Diamonds in an alternating pattern, its a ring perfect to declare your love and adoration. Layer up on elegance with this delicate ring that pairs seamlessly with others or perfect on its own!
BUY NOW9. Divine Trinity - 18K White Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
The Divine Trinity ring featuring three natural Alexandrite stones and accented by diamonds on the side is a simple but elegant design. It is perfect to declare your love and adoration for her. This 18K White Gold ring can be worn everyday and as a wedding ring to symbolize commitment and love.
BUY NOW10. Twin Waves - 18K White Gold Natural Alexandrite Ring
Want to commemorate the idea of intertwining lives? This Twin Waves ring does just that. With stunning Brazillian Alexandrites and sparkling Diamonds designed in the shape of infinity, this is a timeless ring symbolizing an unconditional bond with your loved one.
BUY NOW
