I have an alexandrite gemstone given to me by a friend. That's my wife's favorite gem and her birthstone, so it has some sentimental value. The stone is almost the size of a dime in diameter, with a round brilliant cut. Unfortunately, there is a crack on the edge that you can see from the top view. What can I do with this alexandrite? I've tried a few stores in Milwaukee and I've gotten some different answers, mostly that they don't do that kind of thing.

Alexandrite is the alternative birthstone to Pearl which I don't really care for. Please help. All the websites I have been seem kind of cheesy. I want something nice but also don't want to spend more than $100. Ya know, champagne taste, beer budget.

I am looking for cut synthetic alexandrite (unmounted) gems, with a clear red-green color change (not color change corundum or the purplish-bluish-greenish specimens). Does anyone know of a manufacturer or retailer (it's fine if it's online) for synthetic alexandrite? P/S: I have been looking for this information but I can't seem to find it. I know Creative Crystals (in California) makes it, but I do not know about the quality - haven't been able to find a website for them. Thank you very much! Manufacturer's names would also be very helpful. Thank you.