1.17 Ct. Cabochon Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful translucent 1.17 carat cabochon round alexandrite from Ceylon Sri Lanka presents itself as a study in natural color change and collector grade clarity, the gem measuring 6.23 by 6.11 by 3.19 millimeters, evaluated as very very slightly included at eye level, with vivid color intensity and an excellent polish, and with no enhancement. In daylight and fluorescent lighting the stone reads a clear, saturated green with a cool undertone, while under incandescent lighting it shifts decisively to a purplish red, a hallmark of high quality alexandrite and a trait prized by informed buyers, the cabochon form has been chosen to maximize the perceptible color change and to present the internal character of the stone as a rounded, luminous surface that interacts with light in a way that faceted presentations cannot replicate. The translucency is balanced, allowing a soft internal glow without becoming opaque, and the cabochon height and curve have been optimized to display both the green face and the red heart of the stone as lighting conditions vary, a desirable feature for collectors and designers who seek alexandrite that performs reliably in everyday wear and in changing environments.

Under magnification this Ceylon alexandrite displays an inclusion suite that gives it an unmistakable signature, inclusions that are diagnostic of natural growth rather than treatment or synthetic origin, and that contribute to the gems individuality and appeal. Fine silk like growth tubes and parallel acicular features trace subtle growth patterns across the dome, creating a delicate internal texture that scatters light in a way that enriches the perceived color change, these slender silk inclusions are oriented and distributed in a manner consistent with chrysoberyl crystallization, and they are complemented by tiny, rounded two phase inclusions and isolated negative crystals that capture minute pockets of fluid and gas from the original formation environment. In several views the stone shows soft, arcuate fingerprint like growth wings and occasional micro platelets that reflect light as faint flashes, these reflective platelets help to create the gentle banding and soft luster seen across the cabochon surface, and when viewed under directional light the internal features produce a layered depth that emphasizes the red side of the color change while preserving an evenness to the green side. The inclusions are sufficiently fine that they do not interfere with the gem’s surface polish or sparkle, yet they remain visible under modest magnification, which provides confident, verifiable evidence of natural origin and deep geological history, qualities that sophisticated buyers often seek in stones destined for investment grade collections or bespoke jewelry.

For the educated buyer the combination of provenance, optical performance, clarity grade, and inclusion character makes this alexandrite a compelling acquisition, The Natural Gemstone Company is presenting this gem with full disclosure of its natural inclusions, its exact dimensions, its lack of enhancement, and its Sri Lankan origin, all factors that materially influence long term value and desirability. Ceylon alexandrite is known for a particular palette and a set of growth features that differ subtly from material from other classic sources, Ceylon stones often show a pleasing, sometimes slightly bluish green to clean purplish red change, and the inclusion constellation observed here is consistent with that origin, these internal markers tell a geological story that collectors and connoisseurs recognize as authentic, and they provide assurance that the gem has not been altered to achieve its visual effect. In practical terms the cabochon form and the excellent polish make this 1.17 carat stone well suited to a sophisticated ring, a pendant that highlights its color change, or a collector setting that allows controlled viewing under both daylight and incandescent light, buyers seeking certification will find that the very very slightly included grade evaluated at eye level will read as clean and attractive when set, while the presence of natural inclusions enhances rather than diminishes provenance and interest.

In offering this alexandrite The Natural Gemstone Company is emphasizing transparency and education, we encourage buyers to consider how the specific inclusion signature contributes to the gem’s personality and to its long term collectibility, the silk like growth tubes, the two phase inclusions, and the reflective platelets are not flaws to be hidden, they are fingerprints of formation that validate the stone as a natural Ceylon alexandrite and that interact with the cabochon profile to produce a living color change that is both vivid and nuanced. For jewelry designers the stone’s measurements and weight provide an easy reference for bezel or crown settings that will protect the cabochon while allowing light to reveal its dual nature, for collectors the unenhanced origin and the demonstrable internal features provide strong arguments for retention and future appreciation, and for anyone who values natural, well documented gemstones this alexandrite stands as an example of why material provenance, responsible sourcing, and detailed gemmological description matter. If you would like additional photographs, magnified detail images, or an independent laboratory report, The Natural Gemstone Company will provide those materials to support your evaluation and to ensure that your decision is informed and confident.