colour change genstones

Can any one give a straightforward opinion about colour ghange gemstone?

I went into a Hatton Garden jeweller with a wonderful colour change sapphire but he shot me down in flames and said there was only ONE true colour change gemstone............................Alexandrite (because of it's chemical make up) and other gemstone was not a true colour gemstone , it was down to cutting and clever marketing?

He pointed out my colour change sapphire was just a browny purple which didn't change colour next to candle just that more pinky tones showed because of the lighting and cutting.

He was adamant that only Alexandrite true change gemstone and the best source was Russia where the gemstone commands a premium price. He told me that Indian Alexandrite with inferior to Russian, as the colour change was not so strong and therefore did not command such a good price.

I am confused about the colour gemstone scene, what is the truth?

The most important thing is that you love your gem.

Alexandrite, a variety of chrysoberyl is the most famous colour change. The russian alexandrite is superb but today, there is almost no production of russian material and almost all of the original russian stones are in museums or private collections.
Alexandrites are also found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Myanmar, Tanzania, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and India. Personally I don't rate indian alex but have a couple of pieces of brazilian alex (very sherbety colours) and an alex from Tanzania which I love but some who have seen it hate it. Thats fine I bought them because I love them

But your jeweller overlooks colour-change garnets as well as colour-change sapphires, and diaspore spring to mind. I have also recently bought a colour change zircon which shows a very dramatic colour change. I have 2 colour change sapphire rings - violet to blue and deep purple to pink so colour change sapphire does exist.

Strictly speaking, the colour of most gemstones appear differently under changing light conditions. It is well-known that sapphire only shows its true color in natural light, blue sapphire suffers under incandescent lighting, the colour of both ruby and yellow sapphire are enhanced under such light. That's because incandescent lighting has more energy in the warm (orange red yellow) end of the spectrum.

colour change gems should exhibit the change though to such a degree that it is obvious to even to the untrained eye. Alexandrite, green in daylight and purplish/red under incandescent lighting. Color change garnet changes from bronze in daylight to a rose pink under incandescent light. I have a garnet which changes purple to blue. Colour change diaspore is usually a kiwi-green under natural light, and a brownish pink to raspberry in candlelight. Colour change sapphire exhibits a range of different color changes, ranging from pink/purple to green/purple.

Hope this helps

Oooooooooo my specialist subject! If this were Mastermind this would be what I'd focus on! I've collected them for years and love love love love them! Anything that shifts or changes and I'm attracted to it like a magpie. Including chameleon diamonds :sweat:

Is the jeweller right? No, he's most definitely not.

There are two types of gemstones that fall into this category:

1. Colour change gemstones - this is where the colour change jumps across the colour wheel i.e green to red. You'll find Alexandrite, Garnets and some Sapphires in this category. I have a green to red garnet and several sapphires that are on the cusp of being colour changers / colour shifters although the majority of sapphires fall into the colour shifting category. Colour change sapphires are incredibly rare and most fall into the next category although they may be marketed incorrectly as colour changers.

2. Colour shift gemstones - this is where the colour shifts from one colour on the colour wheel to one that is one step either way i.e. purple to blue, pink to purple, brown to red. These include gems like Sapphires, Spinels, Garnets, Andesine, Fluorite etc etc.

In all honesty, most gems shift somewhat in certain lighting conditions but you'd only consider something a true colour shifter if the change was overall and stable. A colour changer must jump across the wheel - no exceptions. Unfortunately people use the terms interchangeably!

In terms of Alexandrite, I respectfully disagree with Anjo about Indian Alexandrite because I own some spectacular pieces from that region. There's good and bad from all localities and it also depends on budget - with alex you most definitely get what you pay for!!! I've seen Russian alex (and own a few) that are blinking dire. I've also seen lovely ones! Most people have NEVER seen Russian (certified as such) so they're commenting out of orifices that normally don't talk (quote me if you want when you talk to your jeweller!!!). If you want photos of some of my Alex from localities other than Russia that are lovely I'll happy provide you with some. For example, my avatar is a Tanzanian Alex!

You mentioned your sapphire goes from brownie red to showing pink flashes? Well, that's probably got some colour shift properties. Cutting will enhance flashes (in any gemstone) but it's never the sole reason for seeing a different colour and the jeweller was incredibly condescending. It sounds like you have a pretty sapphire. So long as you paid sapphire prices and there wasn't a premium on top OR sold as a colour changer then you should wear yours with pride!

What I would say in your jeweller's defence is that most jewellers have never seen the range of gemstones that a gemstone lover will have. Most focus on diamonds with a few ruby/sapphire/emerald/opal/topaz thrown in! I can't tell you how many times I've been asked in jewellery shops (by assistants) if the ring I was wearing was an Emerald when it's been an Alex.

Thank you both for your fountain of knowledge.

I have a stunning colour change garnet ( Soft brown to deep pink) . I left the colour change sapphire and colour change garnet with this rude jeweller to be set into mounts (given up Gems TV jewellery setting service). Had a cup a cup of coffee and didn't like his attitude , so went a got the gem stones back and gave him a imaginary middle finger.

Thank you again. My favourite is the colour change garnet , the clarity , colour change and the brilliance is very good.