If you want to ensure the best value for your money, it is important that you buy a good quality Alexandrite Cat’s Eye. Compared to other coloured gemstones, the quality criteria for Alexandrite Cat’s Eye gemstone is slightly different. This is due to its unique optical properties, 4C’s (colour of the body, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight) and other important factors like its origin, strength of cat’s eye effect and the intensity of colour-change; as they all influence the gemstone’s market worth.

Origin
The Chrysoberyl mines of countries like Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Madagascar, Burma, India, Russia and Brazil produce most of the gem-quality Alexandrite Cat’s Eyes. The finest variety gemstones are the ones produced in Sri Lanka due to the strong colour-change and clearly visible Cat’s Eye Effect.

colour-change Quality
If the Alexandrite Cat’s Eye gemstone, is a top quality natural then it displays 100% colour-change where the colours are close to pure green and pure red. These gemstones are highly sought by the serious gem collectors as they are quite precious and rare. If the Alexandrite Cat’s Eye gemstone’s colour change is not predominantly visible, then it will come under the lower category. The intensity of the colour also matters as the value of the gemstone drops if the colour is far from pure red and green.

Cat’s Eye Effect Strength
A highly desirable Alexandrite Cat’s Eye gemstone has a perfect cat’s eye effect. The strength of the gemstone depends on its length of light, and the colour of his intensity. An ideal stone purchase would be one with a bright, consistent, silvery or bluish white light band. If the cat’s eye band appears faint, broken or not clearly visible, then the price of Gemstone Alexandrite Cat’s Eye reduces.

Body colour
The actual colour of Cat’s Eye Alexandrite is an olive-golden green colour. A good choice for jewellery is a dark green natural Cat’s Eye Alexandrite that emanates a strong beam of light.

Clarity
A natural Alexandrite Cat’s Eye is actually a semi-transparent – semi translucent gemstone that mostly has hollow tubes and needle-like inclusions. Sometimes it may also contain some traces of mica, apatite, fluorite crystals, liquid drops and fingerprint inclusions. Hence, it is very rare to find an eye-clean piece. The surface texture and polish of this stone defines its clarity. The smooth and blemish-free surface is a highly desirable surface for gemstones.

Shape
Round or oval cabochons are the most common shapes of Alexandrite Cat’s Eye. If you want this gemstone as a jewellery then it is best to not choose one that has too flat or too high domes as they are prone to get damaged when set in jewellery.

The value of Cat’s Eye Alexandrite gemstone is based on its Clarity, Shape, Body colour, Intensity of colour change effect, Strength of Light Band and Carat weight. The value of this gemstone remains substantially high and it gets attention majorly from the collectors and jewellery designers because it is extremely rare to find.

This gemstone’s price begins from Rs 12,000 per carat ($185 approx.) and reaches upto Rs 2 lakh per carat or even above, in India. In other countries like Dubai, UK, UAE and U.S.A, the prices may exceed.

Origin
The price of Alexandrite Cat’s Eye gemstone from Sri Lanka has a higher price than other origins as it is well-recognised for its superior quality. Compared to Sri Lanka, the rates for the gem from India, Myanmar (Burma), Russia and Brazil remain less.

Cat’s Eye Effect Strength
It is hard to find well-formed cat’s eye effect stones. Thus, a high premium for quality and rarity. The gemstone loses its value if it has a faint or poorly visible cats eye effect as it appears less attractive.

Intensity of colour change
The gem’s value is higher if the colour change is distinct. The most sought-after gem by collectors is rare and shows a 100% colour-change.

Body Colour
There is no major difference in the price due to the gem’s body colour. Even so, if the gemstone has a flawless, consistent and deep shades of olive or yellow green colour, then it adds to the beauty and overall value of the Alexandrite Cat’s Eye gemstone.

Clarity
Even the top-grade Alexandrite Cat’s Eye stones are expected to have some inclusions. Thus, Alexandrite Cat’s Eye gemstone’s price increases if the stones have good clarity.

Shape
The shape definitely influences the natural chrysoberyl Alexandrite Cat’s Eye price. What enhances the overall appearance and the optical phenomena of the gemstone is its cutting proportion and finish. Alexandrite Cat’s Eye rough is often cut for maximum weight retention due to its rarity. The gemstones that are highly symmetrical are expected to be slightly expensive as they involve wastage of rough stone.