Lab-Grown Alexandrite Birthstone Necklace in 14K Gold

June's birthstone is alexandrite, the color-changing chrysoberyl. This pendant features a lab-grown alexandrite, chemically identical to natural, set in solid 14K gold.

The piece

• Metal: 14K solid gold (Yellow, White, or Rose).
• Stone: Lab-grown alexandrite, 4mm round, 4-prong solitaire setting.
• Chain: included, 16 to 18 inch adjustable cable chain.
• Hand-finished in the USA, made to order.

The symbol

Alexandrite was discovered in 1834 in the Ural Mountains of Russia, on what was by coincidence the future Tsar Alexander II's sixteenth birthday. As June's modern birthstone, it is long associated with imperial elegance and quiet transformation, for the way the stone shifts color between daylight and candlelight.

About this stone

Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl containing trace chromium, which causes it to appear teal to bluish green in daylight and purplish red under incandescent light. Lab-grown alexandrite is chemically identical to natural and fully preserves this color-change effect. We chose lab-grown because natural alexandrite of comparable size typically retails between 5,000 and 15,000 dollars per carat. Curated by a certified gemologist.

Care and wear

Alexandrite is durable for daily wear (Mohs 8.5). Clean with mild soap and warm water. The color-change effect is best observed by moving between sunlight and incandescent indoor light.

Common questions

Is lab-grown alexandrite real? Yes. It has the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and color-change phenomenon as mined alexandrite. The only difference is where it formed.

What is alexandrite's color change? It appears teal to green in daylight, purplish red under incandescent light.