0.34 Ct. Alexandrite from Russia

This is a finely crafted, eye pleasing 0.34 carat pear shaped alexandrite originating from Russia, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. The gem measures 4.87 by 3.70 by 2.69 millimeters, and it displays a mixed brilliant cut that blends a brilliant style crown with a stepped pavilion to balance fire and color saturation. Clarity is graded very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating only minimal internal characteristics that do not detract from face up performance. Color intensity is described as intense, with a distinct green to purple color change that is rare to encounter in a stone of this modest yet highly desirable size. The gem has an excellent polish, and it shows no evidence of enhancement or treatment, attributes that are particularly significant for connoisseurs who insist on natural material and provenance.

Technically, the mixed brilliant cut on this pear shape has been executed to maximize both scintillation and color change, a dual objective that requires precise facet geometry. The crown facets are arranged to favor small, lively flashes that break spectral light into discrete components, while the pavilion uses a controlled step arrangement to deepen the body color and reduce light leakage. The pavilion depth and crown height are proportioned to the stone dimensions in order to preserve a strong face up color under broad spectrum illumination, while maintaining dynamic petal like reflections on movement. Facet junctions are finely finished, supporting the excellent polish grade, and the girdle has been controlled to allow for secure setting without compromising the beauty of the outline. The mixed brilliant approach is particularly well suited to alexandrite because the interaction between brilliant style crown facets and step pavilion facets can be tuned to enhance the perception of color change without sacrificing brilliance.

The color behavior of this alexandrite is the most remarkable feature, and it contributes to its rarity relative to other alexandrites in the market. The stone exhibits an intense green in daylight balanced against a pronounced purple under warmer, incandescent light sources, a shift that is driven by the chromium related absorption bands and the specific crystal field environment of chrysoberyl. Hue, tone, and saturation are all pushed toward the intense end of the spectrum, resulting in a color presentation that reads as a saturated grass green to a deep violet purple depending on the viewing conditions. Pleochroic tendencies are controlled and used to advantage by the cutting, allowing the cutter to orient key facets to favor the preferred hues. In the size range under half a carat, finding such a clear, intense, and untreated alexandrite with a strong green to purple shift is uncommon, and the Russian origin further accentuates rarity because classical Russian alexandrite typically exhibits a distinct and desirable quality of color change that collectors prize.

From a gemological and practical perspective, this alexandrite combines durability and versatility, making it suitable for a variety of fine jewelry applications. Chrysoberyl has a hardness and toughness profile that supports everyday wear, and the very slightly included clarity allows the stone to be set prominently without fear of exaggerated glassiness or masking of the change effect. The combination of size, shape, and cut proportions mean that a skilled jeweler can set this pear shape to maximize the color change when worn, orienting the point of the pear toward the finger for an elegant silhouette or using a bezel to protect the girdle while allowing light to enter the crown freely. Because the stone is untreated, it carries the added provenance value that many informed buyers seek, and The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the documented Russian origin and natural state of this alexandrite. For collectors and designers who value technical excellence, provenance, and a genuinely rare color presentation in this size class, this piece represents a notably scarce and attractive option.