Get the Facts About Birthstones and Colored Gemstones

Alexandrite

Alexandrite appears green in daylight and red in incandescent light. Discovered in Russia in the 1830s, Alexandrite was named in honor of Alexander II, because it mimics the Czarist imperial colors.

Topaz (November Birthstone)

Topaz is the traditional birthstone for November. We often think of a honey-colored stone when we think of topaz, but it occurs in many colors, including reds, blues, greens, and violets.

Moissanite

Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide, a hard substance rated 9.25 on the Mohs scale. Small samples have been discovered in meteorites, but the moissanite that's sold for use in jewelry is lab grown (and many gemologists say it isn't quite the same as the natural gemstone). Use these links to learn about the history and characteristics of moissanite.