1.06 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This alexandrite from Ceylon Sri Lanka presents as a finely proportioned oval, weighing 1.06 carat, with dimensions 7.00 by 5.62 by 3.06 mm. The gem displays a striking greenish to reddish color change, a signature characteristic of chrysoberyl alexandrite, with an intense color intensity and no enhancement. The cutting style is faceted, executed in a mixed brilliant cut, and the gem is graded slightly included, evaluated at eye level. The polish is excellent, and the overall presentation reflects meticulous lapidary control. The Natural Gemstone Company offers this stone as a natural, untreated example of Ceylon alexandrite, where origin, cutting strategy, and material quality are aligned to maximize the gem s intrinsic optical performance.

The mixed brilliant cut employed on this oval is a deliberate synthesis of brilliant crown geometry and pavilion faceting optimized for a rounded outline. The crown features star facets and kite shaped bezel facets that transition into upper girdle facets, generating a dense network of small sparkling flashes on the table and crown planes. The pavilion is modulated to balance contrast and light return, using elongated pavilion mains paired with modified pavilion facets to direct internal reflections back through the crown. This configuration reduces extreme windowing in the central field, while preserving the lively scintillation associated with brilliant facet models. Proportions were calibrated for the 7.00 by 5.62 mm oval outline to maintain a pleasing spread, with crown and pavilion angles tuned to the refractive index of chrysoberyl, thereby improving the efficiency of total internal reflection and color presentation.

From an optical engineering perspective, the cut enhances the alexandrite s inherent properties in several specific ways. Chrysoberyl has a refractive index in the range of approximately 1.745 to 1.754, and low birefringence, which favors strong light return when facet angles are precise. The mixed brilliant layout in this oval focuses on optimizing facet angles to coincide with the critical angle for chrysoberyl, maximizing internal reflection and minimizing light leakage. The result is a well balanced contrast pattern, where bright flash zones alternate with darker contrast areas, producing strong scintillation when the stone or the viewer moves. This dynamic is crucial for an alexandrite, because the degree of perceived color change depends on both the relative spectral composition of incident light and the angular distribution of light leaving the stone. By enhancing the directional redistribution of light, the facet architecture intensifies the greenish tones in daylight and the reddish tones under incandescent or warm light sources, amplifying the stone s color change without sacrificing brilliance.

Clarity and surface finish play a complementary role to faceting in determining perceived quality. This specimen is slightly included at eye level, meaning that inclusions are present but do not dominate the visual experience. The inclusions are internal and well positioned relative to the facet plan, allowing the faceting scheme to mask or refract around them, preserving overall visual cleanliness. The excellent polish yields crisp facet junctions and smooth facet planes, which are essential to preserve specular reflection and sharp contrast boundaries. A high quality polish minimizes microabrasions and polishing pits, reducing unwanted light scattering that would otherwise mute color saturation and diminish fire. Because this alexandrite is natural and untreated, the integrity of color zoning and inclusions remains unaltered, and the lapidary choices compensate for natural features rather than concealing them through enhancement.

In practical terms for setting and wear, the oval dimensions and well controlled depth make this 1.06 carat alexandrite versatile for a variety of jewelry applications, including rings, pendants, and bespoke designs where the color change effect can be showcased. The mixed brilliant cut reduces bow tie disturbance typical of elongated ovals, rendering a more uniform face up appearance and consistent color response. For designs that expose the pavilion to light from multiple directions, such as open halo settings, the stone will exhibit strong color dynamics and lively scintillation. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the origin and craftsmanship of this piece, and can provide additional imagery and facet maps on request, to support appraisal and design planning. This alexandrite is ideal for the discerning buyer who values precise cutting science, natural untreated material, and a gemstone that demonstrates the full potential of Ceylon alexandrite through controlled proportions, expert faceting, and superior polish.