1.36 Ct. Alexandrite from Russia

One beautiful transparent 1.36 carat marquise shape alexandrite is presented by The Natural Gemstone Company, a gem that measures 10.49 mm by 5.11 mm by 3.64 mm, and which displays the classic and much prized color change for which alexandrite is renowned, shifting from a greenish hue under fluorescent lighting to a reddish tone under incandescent lighting. The stone has been cut in a mixed brilliant style, a cutting approach that combines the scintillation advantages of brilliant faceting with step facets that can deepen body tone, this balance enhances the apparent color change in a marquise outline that maximizes face up area for its weight. Clarity has been graded as included, evaluated at eye level, which indicates the presence of natural internal characteristics that are visible to an unaided eye, yet the gem remains transparent and carries an intense color intensity, and the polish is rated excellent, a combination that gives the stone lively reflection and a clean visual presentation when examined in hand. No enhancement has been applied to this alexandrite, the gem is in its natural state, and it has a Russian origin, a provenance that is historically and gemologically significant for alexandrite and that carries cachet among collectors and connoisseurs alike.

A clear and practical explanation of the clarity grade will help place value and appearance in context for an educated buyer, included at eye level means that the stone contains natural inclusions that are observable without magnification, these inclusions may be small crystals, needles, or minute fissures that are typical for natural alexandrite and they attest to the gem's authenticity and natural growth environment. In many alexandrites the internal features do not reduce the stone's beauty, and in this marquise they are positioned and accommodated by the mixed brilliant cutting plan so that light return and color change remain strong, the excellent polish further aids in reducing surface disruption, allowing light to flow through the pavilion and crown facets to display the intense color. When examined under fluorescent lighting the body tone and greenish cast appear pronounced, and under incandescent lighting the stone shifts toward a rich reddish tone, this pronounced dichroic response is a primary driver of value in alexandrite, and an intense color change is preferred by collectors over stones with weak or murky shifts. The dimensions and marquise profile produce an elegant elongated silhouette that tends to mask minor inclusions when set, while the mixed brilliant cut works to scatter light in a way that accentuates both brilliance and the distinct color change characteristic.

Origin and treatment status are central to valuation, Russian alexandrite carries historical importance because the original and classical sources in the Ural region produced some of the finest color changing chrysoberyls, and material with a documented Russian origin continues to command premium attention in the marketplace, especially when it is of natural color and untreated. No enhancement recorded for this gem ensures that its color and clarity are the product of natural formation, and for a buyer who prioritizes provenance and integrity this is a decisive point, the intense color intensity is a further value addition, because the more vivid the green to red transition, the more visually compelling and rare the specimen. At 1.36 carats the stone occupies a sweet spot for wearable fine jewelry and for collectors who seek stones that are large enough to appreciate the color change distinctly, yet still practical for rings and pendants, the marquise cut gives a larger apparent size relative to some round or oval cuts at the same carat weight, and the measurements 10.49 by 5.11 by 3.64 mm are an appealing and proportionate format for a centerpiece gem. For investors and collectors who consider long term desirability, a natural Russian alexandrite with no enhancement and excellent polish is a strong offering, particularly because well cut alexandrite that exhibits an intense color change is comparatively rare.

When designing a bespoke piece around this alexandrite the interplay of color and contrast is the key consideration, because the stone shifts between greenish and reddish tones, a setting that allows light from varied sources to reach the pavilion will enhance the color change in daily wear, practical metal choices include platinum or 18 karat white gold to emphasize cool green side tones while also lending a modern elegance, alternatively 18 karat yellow or rose gold will warm the overall presentation and may enrich the red side under incandescent light. Complementary gemstones that enhance and not overpower the alexandrite include small white diamonds used as a halo or as tapered shoulders to increase brightness and to create a vivid contrast which makes the alexandrite appear more saturated, for a color accented design consider pairing with well matched green tsavorite garnets or emeralds to emphasize the green aspect, or with purplish spinels or rubellite tourmalines to pick up the red side in a coordinated palette. A three stone ring design with tapered baguette or kite shaped diamonds will provide a classic aesthetic and focused contrast, a halo of fine melee diamonds will increase apparent size and sparkle while maintaining the alexandrite as the star, and a bezel with a milgrain edge can be chosen when protection is prioritized for an active wearer without sacrificing the marquise silhouette.

We at The Natural Gemstone Company can provide guidance on mounting options that respect the gem's inclusions and cutting proportions, the marquise shape benefits from secure prong placements at the points and from a setting profile that does not overly restrict light entry, we can recommend facet matching for side stones to ensure harmonious scintillation, and we can assist in sourcing responsibly matched accent stones that complement the alexandrite in color and clarity. For collectors who require documentation we can arrange an independent report that records the gemological details including carat weight, dimensions, cut type, clarity grade, color change observation, polish grade, treatment status, and origin, this transparency supports informed purchasing decisions and preserves resale value. This 1.36 carat Russian alexandrite offers a rare combination of intense color change, natural origin, and a refined mixed brilliant marquise cut, and for buyers who value historical provenance, natural state, and wearable elegance it represents an exceptional opportunity presented by The Natural Gemstone Company.