Natural vs Synthetic Alexandrite

[carthapango]

Hi! I am debating between these options for my engagement ring, which will have a main stone of Alexandrite. Synthetic alexandrite is probably more environmentally friendly, but natural alexandrite is definitely rarer and unique. Quality wise it looks like synthetic alexandrite can come really close or is indistinguishable from natural ones so that's probably not a factor, not to mention the much cheaper cost.

Do people have a strong preference for one vs the other and if so, why? Curious to hear your thoughts!

Thanks!

 

[Bron357]

Natural Alexandrite is very rare and truly one of nature’s wonders (along with Opal) in my opinion.
Being very rare it is also very expensive and even a small Alexandrite with good colour change will set you back thousands.
Apart from Alexandrite, there are other natural colour change gemstones including Garnet and Sapphire which are suitable for wearing in a ring.
There is nothing wrong with synthetic / lab grown gemstones, they can give you the beauty and wearability without the price tag that natural costs. However it’s a personal choice as to which you buy. Some people only want natural, from the earth, as created gemstones flaws and all while others might want better value for money, a bigger size, a lab grown gem because of the terrible conditions that miners of precious gems can endure or a more “perfect” gemstone.
Buy what you love at the price point you feel comfortable at. Some people have tens of thousands of dollars to spend while others have a more modest budget.

 

[chrono]

Synthetic is going to have far better colour change and colouration than natural. Good synthetic alex isn't going to be cheap but it'll still be a lot less than natural for similar stats.

My only reason for natural is a mind thing, which makes no sense at all.

 

[LilAlex]

Most alex is not attractive enough for an e-ring, imo. It is hard and tough, though, so nearly as durable as a sapphire. If spouse and I were doing this again, we'd go medium-tone vivid-blue sapphire.

I never thought of synthetic alex. Any on this forum that look "too good to be true" are assumed to be synthetic so they must be pretty good. The remaining concern then is how it looks in mixed light since that's where it will live. My Hematita is amazing in incandescent light -- but that barely exists any more.

 

[LD]

This depends on your budget. If you have a very healthy budget and can afford to wait then of course natural is best and will possibly not decrease in price unlike some other gemstones. Alex holds its value if it's a good quality/colour changer and if anything increases in price.

Having said that, a synthetic alex can be highly attractive and at a fraction of the cost. Of course it won't be valuable but on the plus side you should be able to replace it much more easily if anything were to happen to it.

As mentioned above, there are other colour change gemstones such as sapphires, garnets etc that you may want to explore before making your decision. Colour changers are actually more difficult to find so you may have to go on a lengthy hunt!

Good luck.