Sell Alexandrite and Alexandrite Jewelry in San Diego

Alexandrite is the color-changing variety of chrysoberyl. A stone may look green or bluish green in daylight and red or purplish red under incandescent light. The strength and attractiveness of that change help inform an assessment.

We examine the stone under appropriate lighting rather than judging it from one photograph. Color change alone is not proof that a stone is natural alexandrite.

We consider the stone’s size, color, clarity, cut and condition alongside the jewelry’s precious metal, maker, workmanship and accompanying stones. A signed ring or finely made pendant deserves an assessment of the complete jewel.

Existing laboratory reports can help distinguish natural from laboratory-grown material and document findings that a photo cannot establish.

If you want to sell, we explain our purchase offer and the factors behind it. If you want to retain ownership, ask about a collateral loan on the eligible piece. We discuss the available loan amount, costs, repayment dates and redemption terms separately so you can compare the options.

Neither a photograph nor an old appraisal guarantees a current offer or loan amount.

Bring the piece intact and any laboratory report, receipt or prior appraisal you already have. You do not need to purchase a new report before asking us about it.

For a remote inquiry, send clear photographs of the whole piece and available paperwork, then speak with our team before shipping. We explain what we can assess initially and what requires an in-person examination.

Our gemological microscopes help us examine internal features, surface wear, settings and workmanship with suitable lighting. Those observations can reveal details that matter to a gemstone or the complete jewel. We interpret them alongside other appropriate checks rather than treating magnification alone as proof of identity or origin.

Our GEM Instruments Duplex II refractometer measures how a suitable, accessible gemstone surface bends light. Our Presidium Gem Tester provides thermal-conductivity screening on suitable materials. These methods supply different clues; overlapping results and the way a stone is mounted can limit what they establish. Neither instrument alone provides an authenticity certificate or a price.

Raman spectroscopy compares a material’s light-scattering spectrum with reference information to help investigate its identity. We select appropriate methods for the question and explain their findings. Some treatment, natural-origin or geographic-origin questions need additional work by an independent gemological laboratory; no single instrument settles every question.

No. Alexandrite is the color-changing variety of chrysoberyl. The broader mineral family includes other material, so a chrysoberyl label alone does not establish alexandrite identity or value.

No. Photos help start the conversation, but lighting and camera processing affect appearance. Identification and any natural-versus-laboratory-grown conclusion need appropriate examination and supporting evidence.

No. Bring an existing report if you have one. Our team can explain whether additional testing or documentation would be useful after discussing and examining the piece.

Yes, we offer collateral loans on eligible alexandrite and alexandrite jewelry. We assess the complete item and explain the available loan amount and written terms before you decide. Asking for an evaluation does not obligate you to sell.

Bring the intact piece and any existing reports or paperwork. If starting remotely, send clear whole-piece photographs and any readable report, then wait for staff shipping instructions. Do not remove the stone or perform home tests to prepare it.