What makes Russian alexandrite the historical reference?

The 1830 discovery in the Tokovaya River region of the Urals produced the most dramatic green-to-red colour change ever found in alexandrite. The variety was named for Tsar Alexander II, anchoring its pedigree. Modern production is essentially exhausted; available Russian alexandrite is almost entirely from estate pieces or limited artisanal output.

Are Brazilian alexandrites a viable alternative?

Yes — the Hematita deposit (Brazil, discovered 1987) produces strong colour change at much more accessible prices than Russian. At equivalent colour change, Brazilian alexandrite typically prices 30–60% below Russian. Skyjems carries Brazilian alexandrite at /collections/alexandrite.

Does Skyjems carry Russian alexandrite?

Not in primary inventory. Russian alexandrite is a curator-sourced category — lead times are 8–16 weeks for documented requests. Skyjems' active alexandrite inventory is concentrated in Brazilian and Sri Lankan origins.

How is alexandrite origin determined?

Through trace-element fingerprints and inclusion patterns. GIA, Lotus, GRS, and Gübelin all issue alexandrite origin determinations. Russian, Brazilian, Sri Lankan, and East African signatures are distinct enough for high-confidence calls. The lab letter is essential for any Russian alexandrite purchase. Contact +1-416-366-3335 or [request a private viewing](https://skyjems.ca/pages/schedule-a-private-viewing).

ENCYCLOPEDIA · DAVID SAAD · SKYJEMS

Russian Alexandrite — Untreated, GIA-Certified

Name: Skyjems
Address: 27 Queen St East, Suite 1011, Toronto, ON, M5C 2M6, CA
Telephone: +1-416-366-3335
Price range: $$$$

Key concepts: russian alexandrite, urals alexandrite, colour change alexandrite, chrysoberyl alexandrite, tokovaya alexandrite

Alexandrite is a colour-changing chrysoberyl named for Tsar Alexander II — the original deposits discovered in 1830 in the Tokovaya River region of the Urals produced the most dramatic green-to-red colour change in any gemstone. Russian alexandrite is structurally untreated and is the historical reference for the variety. Modern Russian production is essentially exhausted; supply is overwhelmingly Brazilian (Hematita), Sri Lankan, or East African. Skyjems does not currently hold Russian-origin alexandrite in primary inventory — sourcing through the curator's network is available on documented request.

Why Russian alexandrite commands the apex

(1) The most dramatic colour change — strong green in daylight to strong red in incandescent light, the signature of fine alexandrite. (2) Pedigree — the variety's name, discovery, and Tsarist association. (3) Supply scarcity — the Tokovaya deposits were largely worked out by the late 19th century. Modern Russian alexandrite is almost entirely from estate pieces, recut older stones, or limited artisanal output.

Modern alexandrite alternatives

Brazilian alexandrite (Hematita, discovered 1987) shows strong colour change at competitive prices. Sri Lankan alexandrite produces larger sizes with more moderate colour change. East African material (Tanzania) produces softer change with greener daylight tones. Skyjems carries Brazilian, Sri Lankan, and other origin alexandrite — see /collections/alexandrite for current selection.

Skyjems sourcing approach

Russian alexandrite sourcing is curator-led. Lead times are 8–16 weeks for documented requests. Authentication via GIA or Lotus origin determination is standard.

Private viewings and bespoke

Contact +1-416-366-3335 or request a private viewing.