1.13 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 1.13 carat cushion shaped alexandrite is an exceptional example of rare color change material, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. The gem measures 5.53 by 5.21 by 4.75 millimeters, and its mixed brilliant faceting has been executed to balance weight retention and optical performance. Under daylight this stone displays a green to greenish yellow hue, while under incandescent lighting it shifts toward a reddish brown, a classic hallmark of true alexandrite. The gem is transparent, with intense color saturation and an excellent polish that enhances its brilliance and scintillation. It is unenhanced, a natural specimen with no heat or other treatments reported, and it carries certification confirming its color change character. The cushion outline offers a comfortable face up presence for rings or pendants, while the well controlled pavilion shown by the mixed brilliant style promotes lively return of light that accentuates the color change across different lighting conditions.

From a gemological and investment perspective, the 1.13 carat weight is particularly significant for alexandrite. Alexandrite is an inherently rare chrysoberyl variety, and prices rise markedly as stones pass the one carat threshold, because larger clean material with strong color change is uncommon. The additional 0.13 carat above one carat represents more than a simple proportional increase in material, it reflects a jump in scarcity and therefore market value for discerning buyers. The dimensions of this cushion, combined with the mixed brilliant cut, indicate efficient use of rough, where cutter skill preserved weight while optimizing the table and crown angles to reveal the color change and maintain strong light performance. Clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, which to an informed buyer means that inclusions are minor and do not materially impede transparency or brilliance, they support the gem authenticity while allowing the intense color to read cleanly across the face up view. For investors or collectors who prioritize natural, untreated stones, the combination of unenhanced status, intense color saturation, and the important 1.13 carat size makes this alexandrite materially more desirable than smaller or heavily included examples.

For practical selection and setting, this gem offers both aesthetic appeal and prudent durability. Alexandrite has a robust hardness and good toughness for everyday wear, and the cushion shape with its generous table will sit attractively in a variety of settings, from classic four prong to more protective bezel styles depending on design preference. The mixed brilliant cut increases play of light, so when set in white metal the stone will show vivid contrast and flash, while warm metal tones can emphasize the reddish brown side of the change under incandescent lighting. Origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a well regarded source that is known for producing alexandrite specimens with lively color and clean material, and provenance from this locality can be an important factor for collectors. When assessing value, buyers should weigh the 1.13 carat weight in conjunction with the intense color change, the excellent polish, the very slightly included clarity, and the unenhanced condition, because together these factors determine both visual appeal and long term marketability.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we present this alexandrite for buyers who appreciate technical gemological attributes as well as rare natural beauty. The combination of a meaningful weight above one carat, a precise cushion outline with mixed brilliant faceting, intense and clear color change, and unenhanced origin from Ceylon creates an item that appeals to collectors, investors, and designers seeking an heirloom quality center stone. If you prefer a custom mounting, we can advise on metal choice and setting style to maximize color shift and protect the stone, and we can provide certification details and high resolution images on request. This alexandrite represents a rare opportunity to acquire a natural, eye catching color change gem at a size where scarcity and desirability begin to command a premium.