The effect
Color change.
Different light sources reveal different apparent colors. The strength of the change varies by stone.
David’s gemstone notebook · New Orleans
Discover alexandrite rings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets with a fascinating change of color. Explore natural and laboratory-grown choices, with clear questions to help you choose the exact piece.
Choosing a piece is easier when you know what to notice and which questions to ask. Use this guide as a starting point, then ask us about the specific item that catches your eye.
Explore the collection ↗ · See the alexandrite landing page ↗Alexandrite, at a glance.
The family
A chrysoberyl variety.
Alexandrite is the color-change variety of chrysoberyl, distinct from similarly colored imitations.
Scratch hardness
8.5 on the Mohs scale.
A durable jewelry gem that still deserves protection from hard impact and worn settings.
The birthstone
One of June’s choices.
Alexandrite shares June with pearl and moonstone.
Choose with the whole piece in mind.
See more than one light.
Ask for video in daylight-equivalent and incandescent-style light. Compare the exact stone, without assuming photos show every condition.
Know natural from laboratory-grown.
David’s collection includes both. Confirm the origin category, identification and any report for the individual piece.
Read the report carefully.
Ask which stone a report covers and what it establishes. A report is different from an appraisal or a guarantee of value.
Look at the entire design.
Consider stone dimensions, color change, setting condition, companion stones and how the piece fits your life.
Identity, treatment and documentation.
Natural alexandrite, laboratory-grown alexandrite and color-change imitations are different categories. This collection includes natural and laboratory-grown listings. Confirm the identity, origin category, known treatments and documentation for the exact item; do not assume that all pieces share the same status.
Ask what is known, what remains unconfirmed, and whether the information is supported by documentation. An independent gemological report can help address identification and detectable treatments. It is different from an appraisal and does not promise a resale value.
Bring these questions to the conversation.
- What is known about the material, its origin as natural or laboratory-grown where applicable, and any treatments?
- What are the exact dimensions, and does any stated weight describe one stone or the total?
- What is the metal, and what is known about the age and condition of the piece?
- Can I see additional photos or a video in ordinary lighting?
- What fit, fastening, stringing or resizing details should I consider?
- What documentation is available for this exact item, and which purchase policies apply?
Include the item number when you contact us. Details from one piece should not be assumed to apply to another.
Care for the entire piece.
Lukewarm water and mild soap are generally suitable for alexandrite when the rest of the piece permits it. Ask before ultrasonic or steam cleaning if there are fractures, filling, delicate companion gems or an older setting. Check prongs and clasps regularly.
The most delicate material, treatment or construction detail may determine the right method. A gemstone’s scratch hardness does not mean the setting is safe from damage. Check clasps, stringing and prongs regularly, and stop wearing a piece if a stone is loose or a fastening is unreliable.
Make it part of your own style.
Keep it close.
An alexandrite pendant or necklace brings the changing color to the neckline. Give it a simple backdrop.
Let a ring start the conversation.
A clean sleeve and a favorite ring make it easy to notice how different light changes the stone.
Wear a little movement.
A bracelet offers another way to enjoy alexandrite, with attention to fit, fastening and gentle wear.
June’s birthstone. More than one side to its story.
An alexandrite gift can mark a June birthday, an anniversary or a personal change. Choose the stone’s appearance and the whole design, with clear information about natural or laboratory-grown origin.
The meanings associated with gemstones belong to cultural traditions and personal interpretation. They are not established medical benefits or guarantees of protection, luck or financial results.
Make a plan for the piece you love.
David’s offers layaway with a 20% non-refundable deposit, no interest and up to 12 months to pay. Read the full layaway policy and watch the video for payment, clearance and inactivity conditions before starting.
Your next discovery awaits.
Browse online or visit David’s Antiques & Jewelry at 322 Royal Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. For a question about a piece, text David’s with its item number.
Shop the collection ↗ · Return to the landing page ↗General guidance only; identity, condition, treatment history and care needs depend on the individual item.
