In the fascinating world of gemstones, few possess the mysterious allure and remarkable color-changing properties of alexandrite. Among the most esteemed producers of laboratory-created gemstones, Chatham Created Gems stands as a pioneer, and their creation of Chatham Alexandrite represents one of their most impressive achievements. This remarkable stone captures the essence of its rare natural counterpart, offering the same mesmerizing visual drama without the astronomical price tag or ethical concerns associated with mining. For gem enthusiasts, jewelers, and collectors, Chatham Alexandrite provides an accessible entry point into the world of one of nature’s most magical creations.
The story of natural alexandrite begins in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, where it was discovered on the birthday of the future Tsar Alexander II and named in his honor. Its defining characteristic—the ability to change color depending on the light source—immediately captured the imagination of the world. In daylight or fluorescent light, it appears as a fresh green to bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it transforms to a soft pinkish-red to raspberry red. This phenomenon, known as the “alexandrite effect,” is due to the complex way the crystal structure absorbs light and is influenced by the presence of trace elements like chromium. Natural alexandrite of good color and clarity is exceptionally rare, making it one of the most expensive gemstones on Earth.
It was this combination of beauty and extreme rarity that motivated Carroll Chatham to attempt to recreate alexandrite in a laboratory. A visionary chemist, Chatham dedicated his life to understanding and replicating the conditions under which gemstones form deep within the Earth. The process of creating Chatham Alexandrite is a closely guarded secret, but it is known to be a flux growth process. This method involves dissolving the chemical components of alexandrite—primarily beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen, with chromium as the color-changing agent—in a molten flux solvent at extremely high temperatures. Over many months, as the solution cools slowly, alexandrite crystals begin to form, atom by atom, in virtually the same way they do in nature. The result is a crystal that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined alexandrite.
The advantages of choosing a Chatham Alexandrite over a natural stone are significant and multifaceted:
- Accessibility and Affordability: A high-quality natural alexandrite with a strong color change can cost tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Chatham Alexandrite offers the same spectacular visual performance at a fraction of the cost, making its beauty attainable for a much wider audience.
- Superior Clarity and Color: Because they are grown in a controlled environment, Chatham Alexandrites typically exhibit exceptional clarity, free from the inclusions and fractures common in natural stones. The color change can also be more pronounced and consistent.
- Ethical and Environmental Assurance: Lab-created gems provide a conflict-free and environmentally responsible choice. There is no mining involved, which means no ecosystem disruption, no questionable labor practices, and a significantly smaller carbon footprint.
- Consistency and Availability: Finding a matched pair of natural alexandrites for earrings or a suite of stones for a necklace is incredibly difficult. Chatham can produce stones with consistent color, clarity, and color-change properties, allowing for the creation of coordinated jewelry sets.
When evaluating the quality of a Chatham Alexandrite, the same criteria used for natural stones apply, with one factor reigning supreme. The most critical quality factor is the strength and dramatic nature of the color change. The most prized stones exhibit a clear and distinct shift from a vivid green in daylight to a rich red or purplish-red in incandescent light. A weak or muddy change significantly diminishes the stone’s value and appeal. Other factors to consider include:
- Clarity: As with most created gemstones, Chatham Alexandrites are typically eye-clean, meaning no inclusions are visible to the naked eye. This high clarity enhances the stone’s brilliance and allows the color change to be the star of the show.
- Cut: The skill of the cutter is paramount. A well-cut stone will maximize the color change effect, ensure good brilliance, and have pleasing proportions. Chatham stones are often cut in standard shapes like ovals, cushions, and rounds to optimize their optical properties.
- Carat Weight: Since the creation process is not constrained by the random sizes found in nature, Chatham Alexandrites are available in a wide range of sizes, offering more flexibility for jewelry design.
Caring for your Chatham Alexandrite jewelry is straightforward, ensuring it remains brilliant for generations. The stone has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for daily wear, though it can still be scratched by diamonds, sapphires, and topaz. To clean your alexandrite, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally considered safe for this durable lab-created stone, but it is always best to consult with your jeweler. As with any fine jewelry, it is wise to remove it during strenuous activities, and store it separately to avoid scratches from other pieces.
The versatility of Chatham Alexandrite makes it a fantastic choice for all types of jewelry. Its durability makes it suitable for rings that are worn every day, such as engagement rings, offering a unique and personal alternative to traditional diamonds. Its captivating color change makes it a conversation-starting centerpiece in pendants and earrings. When setting Chatham Alexandrite, white metals like platinum and white gold tend to accentuate both the green and red phases of the stone, allowing the color change to shine without interference. Yellow and rose gold can create a warm, vintage-inspired look that complements the red incandescent phase beautifully.
For those seeking a gemstone that is not only beautiful but also carries a story of scientific innovation and human ingenuity, Chatham Alexandrite is a perfect choice. It represents a triumph of technology, allowing us to capture one of nature’s most elusive marvels in a sustainable and accessible form. It is a stone for the modern, conscious consumer—one who appreciates the romance and mystery of rare gems but also values ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and exceptional value. When you choose a piece of jewelry featuring Chatham Alexandrite, you are not just acquiring a stunning accessory; you are owning a piece of gemological history and a testament to the boundless possibilities of human creativity.