1.12 Ct. Cabochon Alexandrite from Russia

Beneath the weathered crust of the Ural Mountains, where rivers remember the footsteps of miners and time itself seems to tilt toward the rare, this alexandrite began its long slow journey. Formed within pockets of metamorphosed pegmatite and schist, the crystal grew as a member of the chrysoberyl family, its internal lattice catching traces of chromium and other trace elements that would one day make it sing different colors under different skies. In daylight and natural light it leans toward a clear, lively green, and beneath incandescent and warmer light it whispers a graceful purple, a change that has captivated gem lovers for more than a century. This particular gem carries a medium color intensity, a soulful midpoint that allows the color change to feel intimate rather than theatrical, a subtle conversation between light and mineral that rewards careful viewing. As the light plays across the cabochon dome, one can almost picture the slow pressure and heat that coaxed its color into being, a geological song that the cutter and the collector are privileged to hear.

The story of the stone continued as it was freed from the Russian earth and inspected by seasoned eyes, destined to be transformed into a jewel that honors both its origin and its nature. We present one beautiful translucent 1.12 carat oval shape alexandrite, with the exact dimensions of 7.35 x 5.21 x 3.07 mm, shaped as a cabochon to best reveal the color shifting personality that defines true alexandrite. Its clarity is evaluated as slightly included at eye level, which means that small natural features live within the gem, evidence of the conditions under which it formed. Those slight inclusions do not diminish its presence, they add character and authenticity, and they are visible only upon attentive examination rather than detracting from everyday enjoyment. There has been no enhancement to alter its character, so the green to purple transition you will see is wholly natural, an unaugmented dialogue between mineral chemistry and light. The translucency allows a soft inner glow to emerge, a living core that seems to hold a quiet history of the Ural ranges.

When the decision was made to lap and polish this rough into its present cabochon form, experienced cutters considered how best to honor the stone. A cabochon cut emphasizes the color change phenomenon, allowing the dome to gather and present light in broad strokes, so that the green day tone and the purple evening tone each have room to reveal their moods. The oval shape is classical and versatile, complementary to many styles of settings, and the exact measurements ensure a comfortable balance for rings, pendants, or bespoke designs. The polish is excellent, applied with patient, graduated abrasives until the surface became a mirror for light, enhancing the stone without hiding the subtle inclusions that speak of origin. At The Natural Gemstone Company we treat each step as an extension of the mine and the earth, matching skilled hands with stones that deserve careful interpretation, so that the final gem arrives as both a natural wonder and a crafted object ready to be set and cherished.

Owning this Russian alexandrite is to hold a fragment of geological time and cultural romance, a gem that recalls the storied past of Ural alexandrite and its historical popularity, and that promises to become an intimate heirloom. The medium intensity color change makes it suitable for day to day wear in settings that protect the cabochon dome yet allow light to visit the stone, such as bezel mounts with open backs or softly haloed pendants. Care is simple and mindful, use warm soapy water and a soft brush for cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals and extreme heat, and store separately to prevent knocks that could chip the polished dome. Because this stone is natural, with a clarity grade of slightly included at eye level, occasional professional check ups are wise to ensure the mounting remains secure. If you wish, our gem specialists at The Natural Gemstone Company can advise on ideal settings, commission a custom design, or provide documentation of origin and the no enhancement status that distinguishes this alexandrite. In the palm the gem feels warm and alive, in the light it changes like a private sunrise and sunset, and in a jewel it will carry forward its quiet history, ready to be woven into the next chapter of a life well celebrated.