0.98 Ct. Alexandrite from Madagascar

This beautiful transparent 0.98 carat cushion shape alexandrite from The Natural Gemstone Company measures 6.53 by 5.61 by 3.06 millimeters, and displays a pleasing greenish to brownish color shift. The gem carries a medium color intensity, with a clarity grade of slightly included when evaluated at eye level, and an excellent polish that gives the surface a mirror like finish. This stone is completely natural, with no enhancement, and its Madagascan origin adds a layer of desirability that many treated or laboratory grown alternatives cannot match. In the current market many alexandrites under one carat are either heat treated, fracture filled, or synthetically produced, and many that are natural have poor cutting or dull polish. By contrast this piece is nearly one carat, fully transparent, and well finished, offering collectors and jewelry designers a rare combination of size, natural origin, and honest clarity.

The mixed brilliant cut used on this cushion shape is the reason this alexandrite performs so well under different lighting conditions, and why it will outshine many other stones that are either step cut or poorly faceted. A mixed brilliant combines the light return and scintillation of brilliant facets on the crown and pavilion with the broader color saturation control of step like facets, so the stone keeps both sparkle and depth of tone. The cushion silhouette allows slightly rounded corners that help concentrate color in the center while the mixed facet arrangement scatters light into lively flashes, creating both brilliance and a dynamic color shift. With a depth that equates to an attractive face up spread for its carat weight, the proportions are balanced to maximize light return rather than sacrifice brightness for depth. The excellent polish ensures minimal surface diffusion, so light enters and exits cleanly, enhancing both the stone s brilliance and its subtle color change. Slight inclusions are present at eye level, but the facet design and scintillation work together to mask most of them from face up viewing, preserving an overall apparent clarity that many market stones lack.

When comparing this alexandrite to others available, the advantages become clear, and they are practical as well as aesthetic. Many stones of similar weight are marketed with lower polish grades, heavy recutting, or undisclosed filling, which reduces long term value and visual performance. This Madagascan piece is untreated and well cut, which places it in a higher category for collectors and for anyone seeking an everyday wearable center stone in a ring. The natural origin and lack of enhancement translate into stronger long term marketability and simpler care, and the cushion mixed brilliant cut makes the stone work beautifully in a range of settings, from classic prong mounts that allow maximum light to enter, to open backed or minimal bezel designs that preserve the color play. For customers comparing options, a near one carat, transparent, untreated alexandrite, cut and polished to excellent standards, represents superior value to smaller, treated, or poorly cut alternatives. If you would like further information, high resolution face up images, or advice on mounting options to accentuate the color change, The Natural Gemstone Company will be pleased to assist with gemological details and setting recommendations.