Object of the Day: An Alexandrite Stickpin

A cabochon alexandrite is set in a web of British 15 karat gold. Alexandrite, in natural light, appears to be green, and, in incandescent light, glows with a reddish fire. This stickpin dates to the 1850’s when alexandrite was reaching the apex of its popularity in Britain after its discovery in Russia twenty-years earlier.


Natural alexandrite is rare and difficult to find. I was pleased to come across this piece in a local antique store. The stone had been mislabeled, but I recognized it right away as alexandrite. If you’re a collector of antique jewelry, or any antiques for that matter, don’t be afraid to use your own knowledge. Sometimes, you may know more about a specific style, time period or material than the dealer. Take some time to study what interests you. You never know what sort of magnificent find you’ll stumble upon.