0.28 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This alexandrite offered by The Natural Gemstone Company is a rare and elegant collector grade example, weighing 0.28 carat, with precise dimensions of 5.52 x 4.18 x 1.26 mm. It is described as Other certified Yellowish Green to Orangy Yellow, exhibiting a noticeable color shift from greenish yellow under fluorescent lighting to orangy yellow under incandescent lighting. The stone has a fancy shape, finished with a step cut that emphasizes broad facet planes and a crystalline transparency. Clarity is graded as eye clean when evaluated at eye level, indicating no visible inclusions to the unaided eye, and the piece displays a light color intensity with an excellent polish. This alexandrite is natural and untreated, with no enhancement reported, and its provenance is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a locality known for producing chrysoberyl alexandrite with lively color change and stable crystalline structure. As chrysoberyl, alexandrite has a Mohs hardness around 8.5, providing good durability for jewelry applications while still benefiting from protective settings for everyday wear.

From a gemological and grading perspective this piece represents many attributes valued by informed buyers. The step cut is executed to preserve color zoning and to allow the color change phenomenon to present uniformly, rather than being fragmented by excessive facet complexity. The eye clean clarity grade is particularly important for smaller stones, because it maximizes apparent brilliance and allows the subtle color change to be read easily by the viewer. The light color intensity in this instance offers a refined and versatile tone, suitable for both classic and contemporary designs. The excellent polish ensures minimal light leakage and a crisp window into the gem, and the absence of enhancements confirms the natural origin and stability of the stone. Collectors and connoisseurs will appreciate the documented origin in Ceylon Sri Lanka, as locality can influence the hue balance and pleochroic response, and certified pieces with natural, unenhanced status command a premium over treated material.

This alexandrite is particularly well suited to customization into a wide variety of jewelry settings, and its dimensions and step cut open many creative possibilities. For rings a low profile bezel or half bezel will protect the shallow 1.26 mm depth while allowing an open back or a thin open seat to maximize light return and the color change effect, while four prong or modified prong settings can present the hexagon or fancy outline for a more classic solitaire look. For those seeking contrast, a delicate diamond halo scaled to the 5.5 mm diameter will increase perceived size and add scintillation without overpowering the stone, and colored gem accents such as small green sapphires or cognac diamonds can be used to harmonize the yellowish green to orangy yellow shift. Pendants and stud earrings are ideal for this carat weight, allowing the gem to be mounted with an open backed collet to showcase dynamic color under different lighting, or with a polished bezel for a streamlined modern aesthetic. Metal choice influences perceived color, with white gold or platinum enhancing the cooler green tones, and yellow or rose gold gently warming the orangy yellow appearance. Because the piece is unenhanced and eye clean, bespoke designs such as custom micro pave surrounds, east west mounts, tension style showcases, and matched pair commissions remain practical options pending availability of companion stones. At The Natural Gemstone Company we can advise on setting geometry to accommodate the shallow profile, prepare CAD mockups for approval, and recommend protective mounting styles for daily wear. If you prefer a minimalist single stone presentation or an elaborate designer piece, this Ceylon alexandrite provides a rare, natural color change focal point that adapts beautifully to personalized jewelry design.