As our regular clients know, we rarely sell synthetic gems, but when we find a period-correct original vintage item we try to keep it as original as possible. This 1960s synthetic Alexandrite cocktail ring is the perfect example. Lab created (aka synthetic) gemstones were “the emperor’s new clothes” of the 1950s and 60s space race, when man conquering mineral was a wonder. Thus we see quite a few fine jewelry pieces of the era, set with synthetic gemstones. In this case, the late 1960s carved gold ring is a piece of sculpture in and of itself, hand-made and wax cast with floral detail work. The recessed areas of the ring are a darker tone, due to black antiquing used as shading. The center stone in this case is a large color-change synthetic Sapphire, but is known as a “lab created Alexandrite” since it was used to replicate rare Alexandrites. While true synthetic Alexandrite was invented later, at this time the blue-purple color change Sapphires were the closest you could get to the real deal. This is a large gemstone with wonderful presence on the hand, and the rich blue violet of the gem looks wonderful in the yellow gold mounting. A special piece for someone looking for a slice of 1960s jewelry Americana.