Real Alexandrite are worth the appraisal price. Larger older ones can range in price from $1000 - $100,000 depending on size, cut, clarity, and color change. Real large good quality Alexandrites are quite rare, there are lots of fakes in the marketplace and have been for about 100 years at least. Even among real there are value factors, where it was mined, cut, clarity, colors, size, etc. Before you seek an appraisal there are some basic jewelers rules you can apply. A beautiful stone usually commands a beautiful setting. Regardless of age. Is the setting old? high carat gold or platinum? hallmarked? European hallmarks? Is the work exquisite or plain and rough? Is the setting appropriate for the age in style? If it's handed down and it's say Art Deco early twentieth century does it match the style of rings available for that period? A little internet research can pay off big time before investing in an expensive appraisal. Another option may be to take it into a pawn shop or antique store, pawn shop owners and antique dealers are usually good base authorities on a range of jewels and might offer some insight on where to begin your search before getting a proper appraisal. If you have a real Alexandrite, you should have a proper appraisal by a qualified gemologist for insurance if you are keeping the ring or sale if your liquidating it. Look for a gemologist that has experience with Alexandrite. It's a very rare stone and often the favorite of jewelers and dealers. What a beautiful treasure to have gifted to you.

Alexandrite is in the "semi-precious" category of stones, so probably not worth a great deal monetarily - - but as a hand-me-down heirloom with a family background it is really priceless. Enjoy the ring, and while you're at it, start a family tradition of passing the ring to another family member on a special occasion.