Hello Crystal,
It was interesting to get the link to thaigems for the birthstones. I've been buying from them for years, waaaaay before the computer era, and never thought to look at their site for anything other than purchases! Too funny.
Your ring sounds fantastic. You are very fortunate to have a real gem quality alex. Have you had it appraised? You said a "very big" alex -- I don't know how "big" you mean, but anything over a quarter a carat that's gem quality is worth a fortune!
The actual color change in an alex comes from the difference in lighting. There are other stones that change color on the axis -- tip them sideways and it's a different color -- but the alex was thought to be the only stone that changed color with the light. Recently (within the last 10 years or so) another light sensitive stone has turned up. Turkish diaspore. It changes from green to gold to russet in different lights. Gorgeous stone. Expensive.
"Partial to alexandrite"... LOL... That's an understatement, isn't it? Anyone who knows about them becomes addicted.
I agree that Mattel missed the boat with the June birthstone doll. There are so many color possibilities with alexandrite.
You know you can buy color change glass beads. They don't have the dramatic color change that a gem quality alex does, but the color change is better than a poor quality alex. Most of them change from grey blue to rich lavender. Possibilities for a gown for Babs in that one. Better yet, make one for Candi!!
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