1.04 Ct. Alexandrite from Brazil

This 1.04 carat alexandrite is presented in a refined marquise outline, with exact dimensions of 10.40 x 5.09 x 2.84 mm, executed in a mixed brilliant faceting scheme. The mixed brilliant configuration pairs a faceted crown with a modified pavilion, where smaller star and upper girdle facets on the crown transition to elongated pavilion facets that promote both scintillation and strong color saturation. The marquise geometry concentrates color along the long axis, and the cutter has optimized the pavilion angles to control light return while avoiding excessive windowing along the center line. The stone exhibits excellent polish across table, crown, girdle, and pavilion surfaces, which preserves crisp facet junctions and maximizes contrast between bright reflections and dark facet areas. The clarity is graded as slightly included at eye level, which indicates small natural inclusions that do not materially interrupt the optical pathways, and which in some positions contribute to character without degrading overall transparency. There are no enhancements, and the specimen is a natural, unheated alexandrite from Brazil, supplied and documented by The Natural Gemstone Company.

Color behavior is the defining technical attribute of this alexandrite, displaying a greenish blue to purple change with vivid color intensity. Alexandrite color change arises from chromium induced selective absorption combined with the host chrysoberyl crystal field environment, and this example shows a dramatic shift in hue and saturation between fluorescent style and incandescent style lighting. Under cooler light sources the dominant hues lean to green blue, with a medium to medium dark tone and high saturation, and under warmer incandescent spectra the gem shifts to a vivid, saturated purple, with strong chroma and a shift in perceived brightness. The mixed brilliant faceting is designed to balance color saturation and brilliance, by providing small crown facets to preserve vivid face up color and elongated pavilion facets to control light leakage and enhance the change effect. Pleochroic tendencies typical of alexandrite are observable here, with differential absorption along crystallographic axes contributing to the breadth of color states, and the marquise cut accentuates those axis dependent variations when the stone is rotated. Color intensity is vivid, which in practical terms means the stone exhibits deep, pure saturation without appearing overly dark, and the cutter has maintained a table size and crown depth that deliver lively scintillation while keeping the color zones evenly distributed.

Beyond the optical and gemological specifications, this alexandrite operates as a potent symbol of personal power and distinction because its rich bold color change commands attention while remaining rare and technically sophisticated. The marquise silhouette offers an elongated visual profile that reads as both assertive and elegant when set in a ring or pendant, and the vivid greenish blue to purple transition creates a dynamic focal point that reads differently with the wearer and with changing environments. For jewelry design considerations, a classic four or six prong setting along the long axis preserves maximum light entry and respects the mixed brilliant faceting plane, while a low bezel may be specified to protect the pointed terminations if a client prefers a more secure mount. Metal choices influence perceived color contrast, with yellow gold warming the purple face up state, and platinum or white gold enhancing the cool greenish blue appearances. The Natural Gemstone Company sources and documents the provenance and treatment status of each gem, and for this Brazilian alexandrite the absence of enhancement is a distinguishing credential that supports long term value. Proper care is straightforward, using gentle soap and warm water with a soft brush, avoiding aggressive heat and harsh chemicals, and having settings inspected periodically to secure the points and prongs. This stone is ideal for the connoisseur who values technical excellence in cut and color response, and who seeks a wearable emblem of distinction that melds gemological complexity with unmistakable visual authority.