Alexandrite engagement ring?

Question

So I've been looking at engagement rings, and would like some advice.

My girlfriend's favorite gemstone is Alexandrite, a purplish gem that that shifts colors in different lighting (pink, green, and purple). As far as I know she doesn't have any alexandrite jewelry already, so I'm wondering if when I propose to her, if an alexandrite ring would be better than a diamond one.

Both of us are against diamond mining, but what do you guys think? Maybe alexandrite would be a nice birthday gift or somesuch, and I should use something like sapphire for the engagement ring? What's your opinion?

Answer 1

If Alexandrite is what she likes than it would be fine, my sister's ring was an emerald her birthstone and everyone thought it was quite beautiful and unique. If diamonds are not your thing than by all means go with the Alexandrite.

Answer 2

Sapphire is a much harder stone than alexandrite. Since engagement rings are often worn ALL the time, I think it's better to go with a harder stone.

However, if she LOVES alexandrite and is willing to be careful with it, then I don't see why it would be inappropriate for an engagement ring.  

Answer 3

I think you are looking in the right direction with an alexandrite, but its possible that you will have to get the ring custom made so it looks like an engagement ring.

Alexandrite is Chrysoberyl (sp?)  on the hardness charts its 8.5 which is good.

http://www.gemselect.com/gem-info/gem-ha...

My engagement ring is an aquamarine and its a 7.5 to 8.

The only thing you should research about alexandrite is how well the stone stands up to daily wear.  I really love tanzanite (a purple-ish stone) but its not a great idea for something you will wear everyday such as an engagement ring.

So long as you know she wouldn't want a diamond, go for the alexandrite!

Answer 4

Well my opinion is go with what she likes.  Just the fact that you are even taking the time to think about what she would want is what every woman wants!!  LOL!  

Seriously, times are so different now...anything goes...and having it be the stone she loves...coming from the person she loves...you and her will know what the meaning behind the ring is.  I think it sounds beautiful!

Good Luck and Best Wishes!  :)

Answer 5

Be aware that only real Alexandre displays the colour shift you describe.  Synthetic Alexandre doesn't do that.

My other concern was also mentioned by Nova Queen.  I'm not sure how durable the gem is for daily wear.  I have a vague recollection of hearing that it wasn't a good everyday gemstone.  Don't listen to me though - do a bit of research on that topic.

Answer 6

Conflict-free diamonds are available and I'm guessing it's not diamond mining you're against but the methods by which it is done in many countries.  I'm a diamond kind of girl and wouldn't want a colored stone for an engagement ring.  Perhaps you shouldn't try to surprise your girl but let her have a say-so in the decision.

Answer 7

I dont know what the value difference would be between the two. Something to consider is if the Alexandrite is MUCH cheaper than a diamond, that not necessarily her, but others might sort of scorn it. Not that that should matter. Personally though, I think that would be a great idea!! It's so much more romantic and intimate and personal than just some diamond like everyone else's diamond ring. It makes it special and unique. I love that idea.

Answer 8

If that is the stone she likes then I would choose that for her engagement ring.  Having a gem-stone ring is becoming more and more popular because of the outrageous (over) price of diamonds.  You can always get the ring set in a band with lots of little diamonds (pave style) that will cost A LOT less than one big diamond, and it will have beautiful sparkle.

If you are worried about durability maybe go for a purple sapphire that looks like an Alexandrite stone.  Sapphires are the next hardest stone to diamonds (a 9, diamonds being the hardest at a 10 rating).  My engagement ring is a diamond and sapphire three-stone and after wearing it daily nothing has damaged either type of stone.  I don't know how hard an Alexandrite stone actually is, so you should probably look that up before you buy.

Here are some Alexandrite stones I found online.  Some of them are really pretty.  And the money you will save can go towards a better investment like your wedding or a house.

http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches...

Good Luck!

Answer 9

Alexandrite and pearl are the two birthstones for the month of June.  Is her birthday in June, by any chance?

Just because diamonds are traditional in our culture doesn't mean that's what she has to have.  My in-laws owned a jewelry store for 60 years and they've had lots of engagement rings custom-made to showcase some other favorite stone.  The only opinions that matter are yours and your girlfriends.

If you're this smart about paying attention to her likes and dislikes already, you have a promising future for a long and happy marriage ahead of you!

Answer 10

i most definatly think that you should put alexandrite in it but not as the main stone. maybe get one with like 5 stones and put 3 or 2 alexandrite in it and have a diamond on each side. she still wants diamonds i suspect.

also, you can ask if it was a blood diamond or whatever. and tell her if she asks.

good luck and congratulations!

Answer 11

Alexandrite would be quite lovely - the only thing you have to watch for is the style of the ring you would use an engagement ring, so you could get a wedding band to fit/match around the center stone.

http://www.helzberg.com/nav/i/category/j...

http://www.heavenandearthjewelry.com/ind...

I LOVE this one -

http://www.anzorjewelrycorp.com/Scripts/...

http://www.myjewelrybox.com/?section=ite...