Unveiling the Beauty of Alexandrite: Discover Wigmore Trading’s Exquisite Gemstone Collection

Are you ready to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the dazzling world of gemstones? Look no further, because Wigmore Trading is about to unveil its exquisite collection, putting the spotlight on one of nature’s most captivating treasures: Alexandrite. Prepare to be enchanted as we delve into the rich history, breathtaking properties, and irresistible allure of this extraordinary gemstone. Join us on this adventure and let your imagination soar as we showcase an array of rare and beautiful pieces that will leave you breathless. Get ready to discover the beauty that lies within each delicate facet – it’s time to immerse yourself in Wigmore Trading’s exceptional Alexandrite masterpiece!

Introduction to Alexandrite Gemstones

Introduction to Alexandrite Gemstones

Alexandrite is a rare and captivating gemstone that has been cherished for centuries. Its unique color-changing properties make it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, earning it the title of “emerald by day, ruby by night.” In this section, we will delve into the history, characteristics, and significance of alexandrite gemstones.

History

Alexandrite was first discovered in 1830 in Russia’s Ural Mountains and named after Tsar Alexander II as it coincided with his birthday. The gemstone became an instant favorite among Russian royalty and was often referred to as “tsar stone.” However, due to its limited supply and high demand, alexandrite became increasingly difficult to find. Today, most of the world’s alexandrite comes from Brazil, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Madagascar.

Characteristics

The most distinctive feature of alexandrite is its color-changing property. In daylight or fluorescent light, it appears bluish-green or greenish-blue like an emerald. But when viewed under incandescent light or candlelight, its color shifts to reddish-purple like a ruby. This phenomenon is known as “the alexandrite effect,” caused by traces of chromium within the crystal structure reacting differently under various lighting conditions.

History and Significance of Alexandrite

History and Significance of Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a rare and mesmerizing gemstone that has captured the hearts of gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts for centuries. This precious stone was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 by a French mineralogist named Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld. It was named after Russian Tsar Alexander II, as it was found on his birthday.

Initially, alexandrite was mistaken for an emerald due to its green color under natural light. However, when viewed under artificial light such as candlelight or incandescent light, it exhibits a captivating color change phenomenon – from green to red or purplish-red. This remarkable characteristic gave rise to its nickname “emerald by day, ruby by night.”

The rarity and beauty of the alexandrite caught the attention of European royalty and quickly became fashionable during the Victorian era. It was highly prized among wealthy families and often used in royal jewelry pieces. In fact, Queen Victoria had a significant collection of alexandrite jewelry.

In addition to its visual appeal, alexandrite also holds cultural significance in different parts of the world. In Russia, it symbolizes good luck and fortune while in India it is believed to bring prosperity and stimulate creativity.

The Mining Process and Sourcing at Wigmore Tradin

At Wigmore Trading, we pride ourselves on not only offering the most beautiful and rare gemstones, but also ensuring that they are ethically sourced through responsible mining practices. We believe in supporting sustainable and environmentally-conscious methods of mining to preserve the earth’s natural resources for generations to come.

The Mining Process:

Our journey to find the perfect alexandrite begins with carefully selecting our mining partners. We work with reputable mines around the world that share our values and commitment to ethical sourcing. These mines follow strict guidelines set by international organizations such as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which regulates the global diamond trade. This ensures that our gemstones are conflict-free and do not contribute to any human rights abuses or environmental damage.

Once a mine is selected, we closely monitor their mining processes to ensure that they adhere to our standards of sustainability. Our gemstones are mined using techniques that minimize impact on the environment while also prioritizing worker safety. This includes utilizing low-impact equipment, recycling water used during extraction, and implementing reforestation efforts in areas where mining has taken place.

Sourcing at Wigmore Trading:

After the gemstones have been extracted from the earth, they go through a rigorous sorting process before being sent to our expert team of gemologists. They carefully evaluate each stone based on its color, clarity, cut and carat weight to ensure it meets our high standards of quality.

Quality Grading of Alexandrite

Quality grading is an essential aspect to consider when purchasing any gemstone, and alexandrite is no exception. As one of the rarest and most sought-after gemstones in the world, it is important to understand how its quality is determined. Wigmore Trading takes pride in offering only the highest quality Alexandrite stones in our exquisite collection, and we want our customers to have a thorough understanding of what makes these gems truly exceptional.

The first factor to consider when grading Alexandrite is its color. This gemstone displays a unique color change phenomenon, appearing green or bluish-green in daylight and purplish-red under incandescent light. The intensity of these colors plays a significant role in determining its value. The ideal Alexandrite should have strong color saturation with no visible brown or gray tones.

The clarity of an Alexandrite also greatly affects its value. These gems are known for their natural internal flaws called inclusions, which are indicators of their authenticity. However, too many inclusions can significantly impact the overall appearance and brilliance of an Alexandrite stone. Therefore, top-quality alexandrites will have minimal to no visible inclusions.

Unique Characteristics and Color Changing Properties

Alexandrite is a rare and fascinating gemstone that has been prized for centuries for its unique characteristics and color changing properties. Unlike other gemstones, Alexandrite exhibits an incredible ability to change color depending on the light source it is viewed under, making it a highly sought after stone by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

One of the most distinguishing features of Alexandrite is its remarkable color changing abilities. Under natural daylight, this gemstone appears as a bluish-green or teal hue, similar to emerald. However, when viewed under incandescent lighting or candlelight, the stone transforms into shades of red and purple with a pink or raspberry undertone. This dramatic shift in color is due to the presence of chromium in the stone’s chemical composition which absorbs different wavelengths of light.

The phenomenon of color change in Alexandrite was first discovered in 1834 by Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld who named it after Russian tsar Alexander II. The stone was initially found in Russia’s Ural Mountains but can now be found in various locations around the world including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar.

Popular Uses of Alexandrite in Jewelry and Decorative Pieces

Alexandrite is a rare and captivating gemstone that has been treasured for centuries. Its unique color-changing properties and its association with Russian royalty have made it a highly sought-after stone in the world of jewelry and decorative pieces. In this section, we will explore some of the popular uses of alexandrite in both jewelry and home decor.

Jewelry:

1. Rings: Alexandrite’s mesmerizing color-changing feature makes it an ideal choice for rings, especially engagement or wedding rings. The shifting colors from green to red symbolize growth, change, and love, making it a perfect choice for couples embarking on a new journey together.

2. Earrings: Another popular use of alexandrite in jewelry is earrings. The stone’s vibrant colors make it stand out when paired with any outfit, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the wearer’s overall look.

3. Necklaces: Alexandrite necklaces are also quite popular among those looking for a statement piece of jewelry. Whether set in gold or silver, a pendant or choker necklace adorned with an alexandrite gemstone can add a touch of glamour to any outfit.

4. Bracelets: From delicate tennis bracelets to bold bangles, alexandrite is often used in various styles of bracelets due to its durability and stunning appearance.

How to Care for Your Alexandrite Gemstone

Alexandrite is a rare and precious gemstone that has been coveted for centuries due to its unique color-changing properties. This stunning gemstone can shift from a rich green under natural daylight to a vibrant red or purple hue under incandescent light, making it truly one of a kind. However, owning an alexandrite gemstone also means taking proper care of it to ensure its longevity and beauty for years to come.

In this section, we will discuss some important tips on how to care for your alexandrite gemstone so that you can enjoy its shimmering brilliance for generations.

1. Cleaning:

One of the most crucial aspects of caring for your alexandrite gemstone is cleaning it regularly. It is recommended to clean your gem at least once a month using warm water and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners as they can damage the stone’s surface and cause discoloration.

It is also essential to avoid exposing your alexandrite gemstone to extreme temperatures or sudden changes in temperature, as this can cause thermal shock and lead to cracks or fractures in the stone.

2. Storage:

Proper storage is essential to prevent any scratches or damage to your alexandrite gemstone. When not wearing your jewelry, store it in a fabric-lined jewelry box or wrap it in a soft cloth. Avoid storing with other pieces of jewelry that may scratch the delicate surface of the stone.

Conclusion: Why Choose Wigmore Trading for Your Next Alexandrite Purchase?

When it comes to purchasing a precious gemstone like alexandrite, it is essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy source. With countless options available in the market, why should you choose Wigmore Trading for your next alexandrite purchase?

First and foremost, at Wigmore Trading, we pride ourselves on our vast collection of exquisite alexandrite gemstones. Our team of experts carefully handpicks each stone to ensure they meet our high standards of quality and authenticity. We understand that every piece of jewelry holds sentimental value for its owner, which is why we go above and beyond to provide only the best gems.

In addition to the exceptional quality of our gems, Wigmore Trading also offers competitive prices that are unmatched in the industry. We believe that everyone should have access to these stunning gemstones without having to break the bank. This is why we continuously strive to keep our prices affordable while maintaining the highest level of quality.

Furthermore, Wigmore Trading has been in the business for many years with a strong reputation built on trust and customer satisfaction. Our long-standing presence in the market speaks volumes about our reliability and commitment to providing top-notch products and services. We have a loyal customer base who continues to trust us for their precious gemstone purchases.