1.01 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This exquisite 1.01 carat cushion shape alexandrite from Ceylon Sri Lanka embodies the qualities an educated collector seeks, transparent with intense color intensity and a natural, unenhanced state. The gem measures 5.91 by 5.42 by 3.49 mm and is fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut that combines the deep light return of a step pavilion with the scintillation of a brilliant crown. Evaluated at eye level the clarity is slightly included, meaning small natural inclusions are present but they do not detract from the gem's overall brilliance or structural integrity. The polish is excellent, ensuring each facet boundary is crisp and able to maximize internal reflection. At The Natural Gemstone Company we highlight provenance as a key value factor, and this alexandrite’s Ceylon origin contributes both to its rarity and to its characteristic color palette, shifting from yellowish green in daylight to yellowish brown under incandescent conditions.

What makes this alexandrite truly remarkable is its internal crystal structure and the precision of its cutting, which together produce an unmatched sparkle. Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl with a high refractive index and notable dispersion, properties that enhance brightness and separate white light into flashes of spectral color. The mixed brilliant cut used here optimizes these optical constants by directing light through a proportioned crown and a pavilion that returns light as vivid flashes and firm scintillation. The gem’s strong pleochroism and chromium driven color change cause different color zones to appear as the stone or the light source moves, adding dynamic contrast that amplifies perceived brilliance. Slight inclusions, when present, can act as internal reflectors that increase scintillation rather than diminish it, provided the cutter has maintained proper facet alignment, which is evident in this example. For collectors and connoisseurs seeking a naturally sourced alexandrite with exceptional optical performance and secure durability, this 1.01 carat cushion alexandrite from The Natural Gemstone Company offers a compelling blend of scientific merit and visual appeal.