1.00 Ct. Cabochon Alexandrite from Russia

One translucent oval alexandrite, weight 1.00 carat, shape oval, cut cabochon, dimensions 7.10 x 4.97 x 2.83 mm, origin Russia, enhancement none, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. This piece exhibits the classic alexandrite color shift from a green tone under daylight to a purple tone under incandescent lighting, captured in the accompanying images. The cabochon format emphasizes the overall color and lends a gentle, rounded profile that is well suited to rings and pendants where a soft, continuous surface is preferred. The proportions reflect a carefully fashioned domed silhouette, with a height that presents a pleasing visual depth while maintaining a comfortable scale for daily wear.

Color characteristics are of central importance with alexandrite, and this specimen shows a medium intense color intensity, balanced between vibrancy and natural subtlety. Under neutral daylight or daylight equivalent lighting the dominant face color reads as a cool to slightly bluish green, and under incandescent or warm lighting the hue shifts to a medium purple with a modest red component. The color change is evident and consistent, and the cabochon cut optimizes the perception of the transition by presenting uninterrupted color across the dome. Translucency is described as translucent, allowing light to penetrate and interact with internal features, which contributes to the depth of color rather than producing a fully transparent gem appearance.

Clarity has been graded as slightly included when evaluated at eye level, which means that minor inclusions are present but do not materially detract from the overall visual appeal of the stone. These internal characteristics are typical for natural alexandrite and can add to the gemological fingerprint that confirms natural origin. The stone is unenhanced, with no evidence of heating or other treatments, and has an excellent polish that results in a smooth, reflective surface on the dome. The combination of cabochon cutting and excellent polish minimizes the visual impact of inclusions on the surface appearance, while retaining the natural character and authenticity associated with Russian alexandrite specimens.

Practical considerations for use and care are straightforward given the inherent durability of chrysoberyl species, which includes alexandrite and rates approximately 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. The gem is suitable for all common jewelry types, subject to standard protective practices, and is particularly well suited to settings that protect the girdle and avoid sharp knocks to the dome. Gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush will maintain polish and appearance, and professional cleaning can be performed when desired. The Natural Gemstone Company provides this alexandrite as an untreated, Russian origin collector quality gem, appropriate for both collectors and designers seeking a natural color change material with documented characteristics.