0.68 Ct. Alexandrite from Russia

This 0.68 carat pear shape alexandrite measures 6.88 x 4.19 x 3.38 mm, and presents a bluish to purplish color shift that is characteristic of fine Russian material, the cutting style is faceted with a mixed brilliant configuration, the cutter has executed a brilliant crown geometry with precisely arranged star and kite facets, and a pavilion that optimizes light return through calibrated lower girdle facet angles, the overall symmetry is intentional to preserve color zoning while maximizing scintillation, the clarity is evaluated as slightly included at eye level with fine internal features that are typical of natural Russian alexandrite and which do not materially detract from face up performance, the color intensity reads as light, the polish is excellent, and there has been no enhancement, this stone is offered by The Natural Gemstone Company.

From the mine to the market this gem followed a controlled provenance, after extraction in Russia the rough was sorted by experienced loupe graders to find pieces with potential color change, the selected rough displayed the right balance of chromium activation and crystal clarity to justify a precision pear cut, the cutter oriented the rough to align the pleochroic axes and to conserve weight while emphasizing the stone s dichroic response under different light sources, rough to preform transitions were carried out under daylight corrected lamps to ensure consistent hue evaluation, the mixed brilliant strategy was chosen to marry dispersion with color, each facet junction was adjusted for minimal light leakage, the stone then received a final hand polish on tin and cerium laps to achieve an excellent surface finish, no filling or diffusion treatments were applied, the result is a natural alexandrite whose visual effect reads as bluish in cooler light and shifts toward violet purplish notes in warmer illumination.

As a specialist seller I present this gem with full technical context for discerning buyers, the dimensions and weight make it suitable for a refined pendant or an elegant ring setting, the slightly included clarity offers visible evidence of natural origin when viewed under loupe, while the excellent polish and precise mixed brilliant faceting deliver lively return and an attractive face up appearance, provenance from Russia is a hallmark of classic alexandrite characteristics, The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the documented origin and the non enhanced status of this stone, clients seeking a collector grade color changing gem will appreciate the measured compromise between weight retention and optical performance embodied in this 0.68 carat pear shape alexandrite.