Is alexandrite the most expensive gemstone in the world?
Along with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, top quality alexandrites are among the most expensive gemstones in the world. In larger sizes over 4.00 or 5.00cts., Burmese rubies are more rare and expensive than alexandrites but in sizes below 1.00cts., alexandrites are generally more expensive than both rubies and diamonds. It is rare to find alexandrites weighing over 0.25 carat and even tiny melee sizes with a good color change are very hard to find at any price. Stones weighing less than 0.50 carat can be worth several thousand dollars at retail prices and stones over one carat may retail for ten times more. Some top-quality one-carat gems from Russia were said to have been sold for as much $10,000. Fine alexandrites weighing more than 5.00cts. are extremely rare and may retail for as much as $40,000/ct.
The ideal alexandrite is one with a medium tone and intense or near vivid colors; blue-green in daylight to rich ruby red or purple red under incandescent or candlelight. Alexandrites that bleed, or those in which one can see the two colors at the same time may be less desirable but since light sources are often mixed anyway, the phenomena is quite common. Grayish and brownish tones are common in many Alexandrites and these stones are considered to be less valuable. A fine stone displays a distinct and dramatic color change where both colors are bright and attractive.