0.56 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This Ceylon alexandrite offered by The Natural Gemstone Company is a transparent, oval shaped gemstone weighing 0.56 carats, with exact measurements of 5.07 by 4.23 by 2.93 millimeters. The gem is faceted with a mixed brilliant cut, producing a balanced crown and pavilion geometry that yields lively scintillation while preserving color change. The measured depth to average dimension ratio is approximately 63 percent, a proportion that supports both saturation and light return in a small oval. Clarity is described as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating that inclusions are minimal and do not affect face up appearance for most settings. The color intensity is medium, and polish quality is excellent, ensuring crisp facet junctions and minimal surface disturbance. There is no enhancement, the origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, and the material properties to guide metalsmithing and setting decisions include typical chrysoberyl refractive index range of about 1.746 to 1.755, low birefringence near 0.008, and a Mohs hardness of 8.5 which supports secure daily wear with appropriate protective design choices.

The mixed brilliant faceting of this oval alexandrite is optimized to balance contrast and color play. The crown is cut with full brilliant style facets to fragment light and create scintillation, while the pavilion uses modified facets to direct light back through the table and enhance the gem s color shift. This combination helps the stone exhibit a greenish tone under fluorescent and daylight sources and a purplish raspberry tone under incandescent or warm LED lighting, the classic alexandrite effect produced by chromium induced selective absorption. The medium saturation paired with the excellent polish produces sharp color transitions across lighting environments, and the very very slight inclusions play negligible roles in optical performance. For lapidaries and custom setters, the stone s table orientation, pavilion angle set, and depth proportion are all favorable for mounting styles that favor both brilliance and preservation of the alexandrite color change phenomenon.

For customization into jewelry, this 0.56 carat oval is highly versatile. Its dimensions render it ideal for delicate solitaires, fine halo rings, three stone engagement designs, petite pendants, stackable or midi rings, and elegant bezel set earrings. For rings intended for everyday wear, a low profile bezel or a protective half bezel will provide mechanical security while allowing the pavilion underside to remain open where desired to maximize color shift. For clients who prioritize maximum light return and sparkle, a four prong or six prong head with evenly spaced prongs on the long and short axis will present the gem prominently, prong seats should be fine tuned to a 5.1 by 4.3 millimeter oval seat with a depth allowance of 3.0 millimeters to ensure stability without obscuring the pavilion. Halo settings using small brilliant cut diamonds will increase apparent size and contrast the alexandrite s color shifts, while colored accent stones such as teal sapphires or raspberry spinels can be used strategically to emphasize either the greenish or purplish face up tones. Tension settings and open gallery designs can produce modern silhouettes but require exacting seat geometry because the mixed brilliant cut must be supported to avoid stress concentrations at facet junctions.

Metal choice and setting architecture will materially affect perceived color, and these considerations guide bespoke design decisions. Platinum and white gold provide a neutral reflective background that preserves both green and purple appearances, whereas yellow or rose gold will subtly warm the overall presentation and may bias the eye toward the purplish side in warm lighting. A dark rhodium finish or blackened metal can create contrast that makes the green phase appear deeper and the color change more dramatic in photographs. For commissions seeking contrast and maximum perceived size, a fine diamond halo with a knife edge or tapered shank will create optical enlargement without overwhelming the 0.56 carat center. For a pendant, an open back bezel or minimal collet will allow light to pass and display the alexandrite s color shift on the move, and for earrings matched pairs can be calibrated for face up color balance by orienting the ovals consistently. When ordering a custom mount through The Natural Gemstone Company we recommend specifying the 5.07 by 4.23 by 2.93 millimeter seat dimensions, allowing a 0.1 to 0.2 millimeter tolerance for bezel or prong fit, and confirming whether the design will employ an open or closed back, because closed backs can dampen the dynamic color change that defines alexandrite.

Our bench offers full design support for this piece, including CAD renders, metal mockups, and photographic proofs under both fluorescent daylight and warm incandescent lighting so you can visualize the color shift in the intended setting. Typical custom options include a filigree gallery to lift the stone for performance, a low profile protective bezel for active wearers, and halo or side stone combinations tuned to complement either the greenish or purplish phases. For collectors interested in period or heirloom inspired work, an east west oval mount or a double halo vintage script can be executed to specifications while preserving structural integrity for daily wear. With the combination of excellent polish, mixed brilliant faceting, and an untreated Ceylon origin, this alexandrite is an excellent candidate for a refined custom commission. Contact The Natural Gemstone Company to discuss metal choices, setting styles, and production timelines, and we will provide measurements and fitting guides tailored to your preferred design.