“World’s Largest Russian Alexandrite on the Market
July 25th, 2009 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG
A gem dealer and friend sent me this photograph of what he says is the largest Russian Alexandrite of quality currently on the market.
His excuse for the quality of the photo is that it was taken with a cell phone camera in the lunch area outside the GJX show during this year’s Tucson gem event! I can just picture a group of dealers, clustered around the owner in the midst of the lunch hubub of Tucson, armed with their pocket flashlights, walking in and out of natural sunlight, gawking at this stone. You have to just love this business!
At the time, the stone was just for show and tell, but now it’s apparently on the market.
While it’s somewhat included, the outstanding color change is fabulous. And, of course, in the world of fine gems, 27.71 cts. makes it the Godzilla of Alexandrites.
The owner is being somewhat cagey and hasn’t set a price, but supposedly is looking to sell. Some folks succumb to the cardinal sin of the gem dealer, falling in love with their own merchandise, so we’ll see if this gentleman really wants to sell his favorite “pocket rock”. But it’s also really typical with gems at this level for the owners to be really secretive when selling. We’ll keep you posted!
Tags: color change, GJX, Russian Alexandrite, Tucson
