Price of Alexandrite?

[sewardheavy]

I am very new at this but I am so amazed at everyone on this sight. I have learned a lot of new information on a lot of different subjects. I would like to find out if anyone has an idea on an approx. dollar amount for an Alexandrite I have. I have sent it to a Lab for determination of it being natural, and also being from Brazil. What I do not know is what the Gem is worth. It is a 5.15ct , Rectangular cushion shape, lightly included, color change is from bluish, yellowish green to dark purple/red. It has a fantastic color change from the lighting in my dining room, to the lighting in my kitchen. Dining room lighting, incandecsent , purple/red, kitchen, flourescent light, it is lime green color. I think is a fabulous stone, eye clean, but would really like to know some range of value if possible, without sending it out. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I know it is impossible to say what something is worth, with out seeing it, but even a hint would be nice.

Thank you so much,

 

[widget]

Hi, Cindy....for fun, any chance of posting a picture of your alex?

I'm no expert, and even if I were, I doubt I could guess the value from your description alone. Where did you get it? Have you puchased it, or are you considering buying it?

I have heard that some very fine alexandrites have come out of Brazil, and I think over 5 carats is BIG for a natural alex, and probably pretty rare.

If it is as nice as it sounds, I suspect it's worth quite a lot...

Pictures?

widget

PS: Welcome to PS!

 

[sewardheavy]

Hi Widget,
Thank you for your reply. I have had the Alexandrite for several years. I have read that over 3cts in good quality is rare and that over 5cts is even rarer. I will try to get some pictures but my photgraphy skills are horrific! Thank you so much for your response, I look forward to reading on this site every day. I truly learn a lot.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Five carat alexandrite with good color change is very rare, very expensive.

Have you sent it out yet for synthetic versus natural determination? How certain are you of the Brazilian origin?

 

[sewardheavy]

Hi Richard,
Yes I sent it to an independant lab in Oregon. It is natural and the reason I think it is from Brazil, is because of the clarity. It is eye clean, they listed it as lightly included, color of Dark bluish to yellowish green, color change to dark purple/red. Proportions, Good Finish, Good to Fair. I have had several people wanting it but have no clue as to value. It is a very pretty and unusual stone. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

Date: 10/5/2006 5:32:32 PM
Author: sewardheavy
I have had several people wanting it but have no clue as to value.

You need to have it appraised by an appraiser experienced in alexandrite. Then you would know a fair price to ask, without over charging or getting ripped off.

The appraisal fee would be a small price to pay in comparison with the potential profit you might realize (or loss if you sell it blindly).

 

[widget]

Cindy....can you post a picture of this gem??

widget

 

[sewardheavy]

Hi Richard,
Are you or do you know someone that can appraise Alexandrite? I have no idea who to send it to for an appraisal. Seems a lot of people appraise Diamonds etc. and are fantastic at it but I am not sure who appraises Alexandrite. Any ways any help you could offer would be greatfully appreciated. It just seems to me that there are so many opinions on Alexandrite. Thank you so much once again, for your time.

 

[sewardheavy]

Hi,
I promise as soon as I get home tonight I will do my best to send pictures. I am not sure how you post them on this sight. I will give it a try. Hopefully I can get some good pictures.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

In the interest of non-self promotion, if I knew of other appraisers to refer you to that are expert in alexandrite I would do so.

I don't personally know of anyone however. I'm sure they're out there, I just don't know who. Alexandrite is a pretty esoteric stone with few knowledgeable in its range of quality and pricing.

If any appraisers on the board would enjoy appraising the alexandrite, please speak up so Cindy will know her options. Cindy, if you don't find any other appraisers interested in appraising it, I would be happy to do so. It sounds like fun, and falls within my comfort zone.

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Date: 10/6/2006 6:10:27 PM
Author: sewardheavy
Hi Richard,
Are you or do you know someone that can appraise Alexandrite? I have no idea who to send it to for an appraisal. Seems a lot of people appraise Diamonds etc. and are fantastic at it but I am not sure who appraises Alexandrite. Any ways any help you could offer would be greatfully appreciated. It just seems to me that there are so many opinions on Alexandrite. Thank you so much once again, for your time.

Hi Cindy,

Not being affiliated with Richard Sherwood,

I can tell you he is a very respected gemmologist on the forum who has helped many people including myself in the past with information on gems.

His sight is www.sarasotagemlab.com and is based out of Florida. Really nice person with a passion for what he does with awesome detailed reports and appraisals and a keen sense for good wine.(lol)

If you type in his name like "sherwood appraisals" in the search bar there have been people who are very satisfied with his services.

Can''t wait to see that pic...

 

[innerkitten]

I would also love to see the photos!

 

[RockDoc]

I think that Richard would do the job well for you.

I think Richard has shown a very supportive interest in helping you so far, and he is a really fine gemologist with the SAS 2000, machine that will definately be an advantage over many other appraisers. In that I don''t have one, I''d sort of prefer valuing this stone if it had an AGTA report.

This is an assignment that is rather "complex" to do, and becuase of possible potential value, and the varying prices for these stones, makes this one a rather time consuming one. The market data research to establish achieved values for this for resale is quite a project to do. In that Richard has been helpful so far, and feels comfortable with the assignment, he should get strong consideration of your choice of appraiser.

It would be helpful to Richard and for other appraisers here to see a copy of the lab report you got already. Generally, alexandrite does not show "yellow" color. I am sort of curious of how the "yellow" color was described in the report you got. I am just assuming that it is expressed as a modifying color of the green in daylight. Most of the fine Brazilian origin materia I''ve seenl is slightly bluish green in the daylight color mode.

I''ve seen quite a few alexandrites of fine quality and of "commercial" quality. Does the report mention the percentage of color change?

Rockdoc

 

[strmrdr]

The 2 appraisers I would consider for this kind of work have posted in this thread since Richard S. has expressed an interest in doing it I'd send it off or take it to him in a heartbeat.
I wouldnt buy an expensive and rare gemstone without having Richard S. looking it over first.
He is a colored stone ninja!
Rockdoc knows his pet rocks, he would be on my short list too.

 

[Kavaldzhia]

...you know, the appraisal of alexandrite is quite a specialized service,
in addition, you might bear in mind that setting accurate market price for stones over 4 - 5 cts.
is also a narrow field. There being only a small number of people in North America sufficiently involved
to supply reliable information.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Ohhhhhhh my birthstone! I can''t wait to see a picture!

 

[MJO]

Hello Cindy,

I have not been around here for awhile and saw your thread and thought I would give you my 2 cents. I was offered a 3ct Brazilian Alexandrite 5 years ago. The stone was Yellow Green to Grape Purple, eye clean, strong color change and very well cut. At the time they wanted $4,000/ct. A 5 ct stone is much more rare and as time has passed there are less of these stones on the market. My guess would be $10,000/ct if it is top Brazilian material, clean and well cut.

Regards,
Maurice