0.20 Ct. Alexandrite from Tanzania

This alexandrite offered by The Natural Gemstone Company is a finely proportioned, transparent 0.20 carat cushion shape showing the classic color change from yellowish green to reddish green, with measured dimensions of 3.75 x 3.30 x 1.84 mm. The cutter employed a mixed brilliant facet scheme that balances small step and brilliant facets to both emphasize color and maximize light return, and the stone displays an excellent polish that gives crisp facet junctions and lively surface reflection. The clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, meaning that the inclusions are minor and do not materially interrupt the visual impact at normal viewing distances, and they can be used positively to confirm natural origin under magnification. The color intensity is medium, which in a color change gem is often the most desirable range because it allows both the green and the red phases to register distinctly under their respective light sources without appearing muddy. Importantly this alexandrite has no enhancements, it is natural and untreated, and it is sourced from Tanzania, a known locality for alexandrite that produces material with attractive color change characteristics and stable crystalline structure.

For the educated buyer assessing value, this gem presents several notable attributes that support both aesthetic appeal and long term desirability. The weight of 0.20 carat and the compact cushion outline deliver a useful face up size for delicate center stones, while the depth profile derived from the given dimensions results in proportions that preserve brightness rather than sacrificing light to excessive depth. The mixed brilliant cut is particularly effective in a color change gem because the arrangement of smaller crown facets and a well thought out pavilion pattern break light into both bodycolor and scintillation, enhancing the perceptible change when moving between daylight and incandescent lighting. The very slightly included clarity grading is a positive for collectors who prefer natural, unenhanced material, as it indicates the stone is largely clean to the eye, with internal patterns that gemmologists can reference without detracting from wearable beauty. The excellent polish is a practical advantage because it means the stone will show stronger luster and be easier to set with secure metalwork, and the hardness of chrysoberyl family alexandrite, which is about 8.5 on the Mohs scale, makes this gem suitable for rings and jewelry intended for regular wear when set and protected appropriately.

When considering a custom design, this alexandrite is especially versatile because its dual tones can be emphasized or contrasted through choice of metal and accent stones, and because its small but lively presence benefits from design that amplifies color and light. For a classic approach, a tight halo of near colorless melee diamonds set in platinum or 18 carat white gold will create a sparkling frame that enhances the green phase by contrast, while still allowing flashes of the red phase to read clearly under warm light. If the aim is to dramatize the warm, reddish green change under incandescent lighting, a setting in 18 carat rose gold or yellow gold will warm the visual field and intensify the red component, particularly if paired with small pink sapphires or padparadscha tone sapphires to echo those warmer notes. Conversely, pairing this alexandrite with small green garnets such as tsavorite or with well matched green sapphires will bolster the cool phase, presenting a strong green presence in daylight. Design choices that favor prong setting or a low bezel with open gallery allow light to enter from the pavilion and maximize the perceptible color change as the wearer moves through different lighting environments, and a delicate halo of 1.5 to 1.8 mm melee diamonds or colored melee will provide contrast without overpowering the center stone. For everyday wear, consider a protective bezel or partially bezel prong combination to shield the pavilion edges, and for a statement piece a cluster or three stone layout with small complementary sapphires will create a jewel that reads differently and attractively under varied lighting. The Natural Gemstone Company can advise on precise metal tones and accent sizes to match the alexandrite proportions and desired color emphasis, and we stand ready to provide full viewing details and custom design sketches to help you achieve an elegant, technically sound setting that respects the gemological character of this natural Tanzanian alexandrite.