Mark Henry Quartet Band Natural Brazilian Alexandrite and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat

Mark Henry is a contemporary jewelry brand that not only specializes in luxurious handcrafted diamond confections but is also known to jewelry lovers for its rings, necklaces and earrings that feature natural alexandrites, one of the world's most breathtaking and rarest gemstones — and one that can change color when exposed to different light sources.

Founded by American entrepreneur Mois Medine, this New York City company's name combines the first names of Medine’s sons. The company is revered for cocktail rings, pendants and drop earrings that often see an integration of floral motifs and other themes that are drawn from nature. The adornments are primarily made with rare and exotic gems, and Mark Henry has positioned itself over time as a premiere destination for exceptional alexandrite jewelry. 

Discovered in Russia during the 1800s, alexandrite is named for Alexander II, Emperor of Russia during the 19th century. The country's mines were emptied of alexandrite by the late 1800s, and so the gem is now mined Sri Lanka, East Africa and Brazil. The alexandrite in Mark Henry jewelry is sourced from an ethically operated, family-owned mine in the southeastern region of Brazil.

Often described as “emerald by day, ruby by night,” alexandrite changes color from a bluish-green in daylight to a purplish-red in incandescent light. The gem could be found in the Victorian jewelry of England, and famed Tiffany & Co. mineralogist George Frederick Kunz also created alexandrite jewelry into the early 20th century. 

Mark Henry jewelry also features paraiba tourmalines, a scarce and highly valuable gemstone originally discovered in 1989. The color of the stone is a hypnotizing blue and it comes from deep in the copper-rich mountains of Paraiba, Brazil. 

On 1stDibs, find Mark Henry rings, necklaces, earrings and more.