1.13 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This offering from The Natural Gemstone Company is a transparent, Other certified, 1.13 carat cushion shape alexandrite, presenting dimensions of 5.53 by 5.21 by 4.75 millimeters. The gem has been fashioned with a mixed brilliant cut that balances a faceted crown with a pavilion optimized for light return, and it carries a clarity grade of very slightly included, evaluated at eye level. Color intensity is described as intense, and the polish has been assessed as excellent. There is no enhancement, and the material is of Ceylon Sri Lanka origin, a provenance known for producing stones with attractive clarity and nuanced color chemistry. The combination of a modest carat weight, precise proportions, and a refined finish yields a gem that reads as both lively and elegant when viewed unaided.

Visually the stone exhibits a restrained, refined color character, shifting in tone between greenish and yellowish depending on light source and viewing angle. In daylight that favors cooler spectral components the gem displays a fresh green presence. Under warmer, incandescent light the stone tilts toward a soft yellow undertone, a response that is characteristic of quality alexandrite material. The mixed brilliant cut enhances this behavior by presenting a dynamic play of light that emphasizes the color shift without sacrificing scintillation. Clarity at the stated grade means small inclusions are present, yet they are not distracting to the eye and they do little to impede the passage of light through the pavilion facets. The excellent polish contributes to crisp facet junctions and a clean table plane, which together produce a crisp, lively face up appearance and an overall sense of precision in cutting. The absence of treatments reinforces the natural color balance and makes the gem suitable for clients who prioritize untreated material and documented origin.

For a custom design the stone offers versatility in both metal choice and companion stones, allowing the color shift to be accentuated or balanced according to aesthetic intent. Set in yellow gold, the yellowish phase becomes warm and integrated, producing a classic, vintage inspired look that reads as softly luminous. In white gold or platinum the cooler greenish aspects are emphasized, resulting in a fresher, more contemporary presentation that highlights the gem as a focal point with strong contrast against near colorless metals. A low four prong setting will maximize visible surface area and allow the color shift to be read easily, while a well executed bezel can provide a refined silhouette and extra protection for an active wearer. Surrounding accents can be used to frame and clarify the central color response. A halo of high clarity diamonds will increase apparent size and introduce bright white light that sharpens the green phase and adds brilliance during the yellow phase. For a warmer palette, small yellow sapphires or citrines placed as side stones will reinforce the yellow facets of the shift and create a harmonious progression of tone. For contrast and depth, small green sapphires or chrome tourmalines can be set to the shoulders, creating a coordinated counterpoint to the alexandrite and enriching the green expression.

In a more considered bespoke composition, mixed shaped accents may be used to complement the cushion outline, for example tapered baguette diamonds along the shoulders to elongate the finger in a ring, or trilliant cut sapphires to add a directional flash in a pendant. If the intention is to celebrate the gem as a jewel that performs differently in varying light environments, a dual metal treatment may be applied, with a white metal gallery to brighten the table and a yellow gold bezel or mounting detail to warm the pavilion reflections. Because the alexandrite is untreated and of documented Sri Lankan origin, it responds particularly well to settings that expose it to both ambient and direct light, allowing the wearer to experience the color change in daily life. The Natural Gemstone Company can advise on precise stone orientation, prong placement, and companion stone selection to achieve the desired balance of contrast, protection, and visual effect, ensuring that the finished piece showcases the stone s natural behavior and optical strengths.