| Although relatively young compared to other | | | | Green is the color of revival, hope, prosperity, |
| gemstones, alexandrite is not at a loss for history, | | | | rest, peace, calm, and fertility. The red of |
| myth and symbolism with which to surround itself. | | | | alexandrite connotes energy, activity, |
| In the late 19th century, the Russian writer Nikolai | | | | self-expression, power, aggression and passion. It |
| Semyonovich Lesov wrote a novella, | | | | would seem that the combination that exists in |
| “Alexandrite: Mysterious Interpretation of a | | | | alexandrite reflects the duality of human nature as |
| True Fact”, wherein alexandrite is defined as | | | | exemplified by love and jealousy existing |
| being 'prophetic'. In his book “The Key to the | | | | side-by-side or even in the very same place. The |
| Grand Mysteries”, the French Victorian author | | | | daytime color of alexandrite equates to luck and |
| and magician Eliphas Levi referred to alexandrite | | | | good fortune, while its nighttime appearance is |
| as a mystical gem that clears and strengthens | | | | more closely associated with love. |
| the blood vessels. | | | | Many think that alexandrite speaks to a |
| In a list of acceptable birthstones drawn up in | | | | person’s ability to be aware of the |
| 1912 by the American National Association of | | | | interconnection of all things and the rejuvenation |
| Jewelers, the alexandrite was among those | | | | and realization of self. Certainly it is significant that |
| named. In 1952 the Jewelers Association, The | | | | the traits of alexandrite can be modified and |
| Retail Jewelers Association, and the American | | | | interpreted, depending on how they apply to |
| Gemological Society approved a variation of this | | | | different eras and cultures – as well as |
| list. In it, alexandrite was designated as an | | | | individuals. Without a doubt, the eternally changing |
| alternative to pearl as a birthstone for June. | | | | colors of alexandrite endow it with a universal |
| Interestingly, in its native Russia, alexandrite is | | | | appeal and attractiveness. With these imperial |
| associated with August. In addition, alexandrite | | | | colors of another time, the tsarstone continues to |
| was deemed appropriate to celebrate a 55th | | | | fascinate and spur the creativity as well as the |
| wedding anniversary – as well as the 35th and | | | | romance of today. The beauty and rarity of |
| 45th, which dates it would share with the emerald. | | | | alexandrite will continue to inspire the imagination |
| Wednesday became alexandrite’s day in | | | | of future generations. |
| general, but especially so in the case of the | | | | For a large selection of quality gemstone rings and |
| extremely rare cats eye alexandrite. | | | | jewelry and rich knowledgeable gemstone articles, |
| Through the years it has been a common | | | | visit the gemstone jewelry knowledge center at |
| practice by jewelers associations whereby | | | | from Apples of Gold Jewelry. |
| gemstones that are commonly available are | | | | Apples of Gold Jewelry has newly launched its |
| added to “official” lists. It should be noted, | | | | section of gemstone jewelry articles with a deep |
| however, that the term ‘common’ is | | | | insightful look at each major gemstone. Articles |
| rarely used in even the same vicinity as | | | | include sections on the sapphire, ruby, emerald |
| alexandrite. | | | | gemstones, and articles on aquamarine jewelry, |
| It is traditionally accepted that alexandrite | | | | tanzanite rings, amethyst jewelry, pearl jewelry, |
| represents the rational world and the quality of | | | | topaz rings, onyx, garnet, pink sapphire, and |
| mental clarity. However, the duality of its color | | | | period rings. Each major gemstone is covered |
| just as traditionally represents the duality of | | | | with extensive and accurate research from |
| characteristics associated with this special gem. | | | | Apples of Gold Jewelry's expert staff writer. |