Are you considering buying an Alexandrite engagement ring? This rare and beautiful gemstone is prized for its color-changing properties, but unfortunately, there are many imitations on the market. How can you be sure that the Alexandrite in your ring is authentic? In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks to help you determine if your Alexandrite engagement ring is the real deal. From examining the color shifts to testing for hardness, read on to discover how to spot a genuine Alexandrite gemstone.

Introduction to Alexandrite Engagement Rings

As with any precious gemstone, there are telltale signs that can help you determine if an alexandrite engagement ring is real or fake. Here are a few things to look for:

• Is the alexandrite gemstone mounted in a setting that is appropriate for its value? For example, a high-quality alexandrite should be set in solid gold or platinum, not plated metal or costume jewelry.
• Does the stone show evidence of being treated? Most natural Alexandrites engagement rings will have been heat treated to enhance their color. If the seller cannot provide documentation of this treatment, it’s likely that the stone is not authentic.
• Is the color of the stone true to its advertised hue? Alexandrites are known for their ability to change color in different lighting, but the overall tone should be consistent. If the stone looks dramatically different in different settings, it may be fake.

How to tell if an Alexandrite Engagement Ring is Authentic

If you are unsure about the authenticity of an alexandrite engagement ring, it’s always best to consult with a qualified jeweler before making a purchase. Some of the tests you can conduct includes;

Colour Change Test

If you’re considering an alexandrite engagement ring, it’s important to make sure that the stone is authentic. One way to do this is to perform a color change test.

To conduct the test, you’ll need two light sources of different colors – natural sunlight or artificial light will both work. Simply hold the alexandrite up to one light source and observe the color of the stone. Then, hold it up to the other light source and see if the color changes.

If the stone does indeed change color in different light sources, then it’s likely an authentic alexandrite. However, keep in mind that some fake Alexandrites may also undergo color changes, so this test isn’t foolproof. But it’s still a helpful way to determine if your alexandrite engagement ring is the real deal.

Fluorescence Test

One way to test if your alexandrite engagement ring is authentic is to perform a fluorescence test. Alexandrite is unique in that it exhibits different colors in different lighting conditions. In sunlight, the stone will appear greenish-blue, while in incandescent light, it will appear red or purplish-red.

To test for fluorescence, you will need a UV light source. You can purchase a UV flashlight from most hardware stores. Once you have your UV light, turn off all other lights in the room and turn off any fluorescent lights as well. Ultraviolet light can cause some stones to fluoresce, so you want to make sure that there is no other light source that could potentially interfere with the test results.

Place your alexandrite ring under the UV light and observe the color of the stone. If the stone fluoresces purple or red, then it is likely an authentic alexandrite. However, if the stone does not exhibit any color change, then it is likely not an authentic alexandrite.

Hardness Test

There are a few ways to test the hardness of your alexandrite engagement ring. The first is the scratch test. Simply take a sharp object and try to scratch the surface of the stone. If it is real alexandrite, it should be very difficult to make a mark on the surface.

Another way to test the hardness of your ring is the heat test. Simply hold the stone in your hand and apply a flame from a lighter for about 30 seconds. If the stone is real alexandrite, it should not change color or show any sign of damage.

If you are still unsure about the authenticity of your ring, you can always take it to a professional jeweler for an evaluation.

Specific Gravity Test

To determine whether an alexandrite engagement ring is authentic, you can perform a specific gravity test. This test involves suspending the ring in water and measuring the weight of the water displaced. The specific gravity of a genuine alexandrite should be between 3.68 and 3.78.

If you don’t have access to a balance scale, you can also use a simple kitchen scale. To do this, first weigh the empty container that will be used to suspend the ring in water. Next, fill the container with water and re-weigh it. Suspend the ring in the water-filled container and re-weigh it again. The difference between the second and third weights will be the weight of the water displaced by the ring, which you can then use to calculate the specific gravity.

Pros and Cons of Buying an Alexandrite Engagement Ring

If you’re considering an alexandrite engagement ring, it’s important to do your research to ensure you’re getting a genuine stone. Here are some pros and cons of buying an alexandrite engagement ring to help you make your decision:

Pros:

• Alexandrite is a rare and unique gemstone, so an engagement ring with this stone will be truly one-of-a-kind.
• Alexandrite is known for its color changing properties, so your ring will appear to be different colors in different lighting conditions. This can be a fun and exciting way to show off your engagement ring.
• Alexandrite is said to bring good luck and fortune to the wearer, so it makes for a very special engagement ring.

Cons:

• Because alexandrite is such a rare gemstone, it can be quite expensive. Make sure you shop around to get the best price on an alexandrite engagement ring.
• Alexandrite can be difficult to find in larger sizes, so if you’re looking for a particularly large stone, you may have trouble finding one.