0.59 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This alexandrite offered by The Natural Gemstone Company is a beautifully transparent 0.59 carat cushion shape gem, with precise dimensions of 5.89 by 4.25 by 2.76 mm, faceted in a mixed brilliant style to balance scintillation and color saturation. Its most striking feature is the classical alexandrite color change, presenting a greenish hue under cooler fluorescent light, and shifting toward a reddish tone under incandescent illumination, a hallmark of chromium bearing chrysoberyl. The gem displays intense color intensity and an excellent polish, and it has been evaluated as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which means that to a trained observer the stone appears clean and clear in ordinary viewing, while minor inclusions are present but do not detract from overall transparency or brilliance. This piece has no enhancement, which enhances its value for collectors and discerning buyers who prioritize natural state gems.

From a gemological perspective the origin of this alexandrite, Ceylon, Sri Lanka, contributes materially to its desirability and market value. Sri Lankan alexandrites are recognized for their combination of lively clarity and attractive color change, often yielding transparent material with strong optical performance. While Russian alexandrite remains the historical benchmark in terms of rarity and deep classical color change, Ceylon alexandrites occupy an important place for their consistent transparency and ability to take excellent cuts that maximize both color and fire. The geological environment in Sri Lanka favors the formation of gem quality chrysoberyl with chromium substitutions that create the alexandrite effect, and when a stone from this region displays intense, well defined color change and high clarity, it becomes a particularly appealing specimen for both connoisseurs and jewelers. The documented origin, combined with the absence of treatments, supports confident valuation and long term collectibility.

For the educated buyer several technical points underline the investment appeal of this gem. Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it durable enough for everyday jewelry such as rings, while the cushion shape and mixed brilliant cut have been chosen to maximize light return and to enhance the color change phenomenon by balancing facet angles between crown and pavilion. The very slightly included clarity grade means the stone is essentially eye clean in typical settings, and the excellent polish ensures light enters and exits the stone with minimal diffusion, heightening brilliance and the perceptible color transition between lighting conditions. No enhancement has been applied, and natural, untreated alexandrites with documented origin command a premium because they require no disclosure of heating or diffusion, and because natural chromium induced color change is comparatively rare. When you consider the combination of weight, excellent cut and polish, intense color change, high clarity, and Ceylon origin, this 0.59 carat cushion alexandrite represents a well balanced and collectible option for both custom jewelry projects and for acquisition by collectors who value provenance and optical performance.