0.70 Ct. Alexandrite from Russia

This 0.70 carat pear shape alexandrite presents precise dimensions of 6.76 x 4.53 x 3.24 mm, a transparent crystal body, and a mixed brilliant cut executed to exacting proportions, and at The Natural Gemstone Company we present this stone as an example of disciplined lapidary design married to rare natural material. The mixed brilliant approach combines a brilliant facet arrangement on the crown with a controlled pavilion geometry that balances light return with color saturation, and the result is a lively set of flash facets across the table and crown, while the pavilion facets act to stabilize hue distribution through the stone. The cutting style here is optimized to accentuate the alexandrite color change by producing crisp internal reflections and minimizing windowing through calibrated pavilion angles, and the excellent polish on every facet junction ensures that facet edges remain sharp and that light transmission is not compromised by surface abrasion. The gem is unenhanced, natural in all aspects, and the lack of any clarity enhancing or color treatment preserves the material integrity typical of fine Russian alexandrite.

Color is described as greenish to purplish, with a medium color intensity and a hue that sits on the cooler side of the alexandrite spectrum in daylight, shifting toward a pronounced purplish cast under incandescent or warm light sources, and this chromatic behavior is quintessentially alexandrite though moderated by the stones specific tone. Compared to classic Ural Mountains specimens from Russia this piece retains the characteristic bluish green to purplish red switching tendency, however the tone here is slightly lighter and the saturation is medium rather than the deep, heavily saturated examples historically prized from the 19th century Russian finds, and as a result the color change is more nuanced and accessible. When set alongside Brazilian alexandrites this gem reads cleaner on the green axis and avoids some of the brownish bias that is common in many Brazilian stones, and when compared to Sri Lankan alexandrites it is pronouncedly more purple in artificial light, whereas Sri Lankan material often shows a paler, more pastel transition. Compared to alexandrites from Madagascar and East Africa this Russian origin stone displays a more classic, cooler green hue in daylight and a clearer purplish response in warm light, while some African pieces can show greener yellows or muddier red tones due to differing trace element chemistry.

Clarity grading is included at eye level, the stone remaining transparent despite natural internal features that are visible without magnification, and these inclusions act as fingerprint characteristics that confirm natural origin and that interact with facet junctions to produce attractive silk or reflective zones, without unduly impairing brilliance due to the skillful cutting. The medium color intensity combined with the mixed brilliant faceting produces a balanced visual effect, where the hue and tone are readable across a range of lighting environments without the stone appearing overly dark in subdued light or washed out in bright conditions. From a practical perspective the pear outline and stable proportions allow secure mounting options in both prong and bezel settings, and the excellent polish and unenhanced status make this alexandrite an excellent candidate for bespoke jewelry where provenance and optical performance are both priorities. The Russian origin of the material contributes provenance value due to the historical significance of Ural alexandrite, and at The Natural Gemstone Company we supply this gem with full technical disclosure so that connoisseurs and collectors can evaluate its hue, tone, clarity, cut, and finish with confidence.