1.66 Ct.Tw.Total Carat Weight Alexandrite Pair from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This pair of natural alexandrites presents a meticulous combination of weight, proportion, and optical performance, ideal for connoisseurs and fine jewelry designers. The stones weigh 0.90 carats and 0.76 carats respectively, and they are fashioned in a round outline with precise mixed brilliant faceting. Their measured proportions are 5.81 by 5.69 by 3.79 millimeters, and 5.80 by 5.71 by 3.51 millimeters, dimensions that reflect careful preforming to preserve weight while refining pavilion and crown angles for optimal return of light. The mixed brilliant approach integrates a faceted crown with modified brilliant table facets and a pavilion that blends step and brilliant elements, creating a balance between scintillation and broad flash. Clarity is graded slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating internal features that are not intrusive to face up appearance, and that the cutters prioritized retention of material and color rather than aggressive removal of minor inclusions.

Color behavior and surface finish define the technical appeal of these alexandrites, with an intense color intensity that manifests as a bluish green in fluorescent or daylight conditions, and as a reddish purple under incandescent lighting. The alexandrite effect is achieved by the chromium and vanadium chromophores interacting with light, and the cutters oriented key facets to enhance color separation and change. Facet junctions are well aligned, crown and pavilion facet arrays are matched for symmetry, and the girdle thickness is controlled to facilitate secure setting without compromising table size. The excellent polish is immediately evident on loupe inspection, reflecting a final lapidary sequence that likely included fine diamond grits and a final polishing compound applied with controlled pressure to eliminate mill marks and to create a mirror smooth facet surface. This smooth finish not only maximizes brilliance and color play, it also minimizes surface scattering that could mute the intense color change, making these stones particularly desirable for high end designs where optical precision matters.

From a craftsmanship and application standpoint, these unenhanced Ceylon alexandrites offer both technical reliability and aesthetic versatility for bespoke jewelry. No enhancement is reported, confirming natural color and internal features, and the origin of Ceylon, Sri Lanka, is consistent with material that exhibits strong color change and fine crystalline structure. The pair is closely matched for face up tone and saturation, with a small weight difference that is compensated by concordant dimensions and matched facet patterning, making them suitable for paired settings such as earrings, cufflinks, or a matched pair in a multi stone design. Given the pavilion depths and the mixed brilliant architecture, prong settings with low bezels or semi bezel mounts will maximize light entry while protecting the girdle, whereas closed back settings could reduce the apparent change and are therefore less recommended for showcasing the color shift. At The Natural Gemstone Company we emphasize the smooth finish and precision faceting of these stones, which make them ideal candidates for high end commissions where lapidary detail, color fidelity, and optical behavior are paramount, and where skilled setters can exploit the excellent polish and symmetry to deliver jewelry that fully expresses the unique properties of alexandrite.