1.63 Ct. Alexandrite from Tanzania

This listing describes a single, transparent alexandrite from Tanzania, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. The gem weighs 1.63 carats and is cut into a cushion shape with mixed brilliant faceting, dimensions 6.69 by 6.52 by 4.74 millimeters, clarity graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, and a medium color intensity with an excellent polish. The material is natural, with no enhancements, and it exhibits the characteristic alexandrite color change, presenting a bluish green appearance in cooler light sources and a shift toward reddish purple under warmer illumination. The mixed brilliant cut is executed to balance light return and color saturation, with pavilion facets arranged to enhance the perceptible color change as lighting conditions vary, and the stone shows even faceting and symmetry that support both brilliance and color presentation.

In a jewelry setting the stone behaves predictably and favorably, its cushion outline offering a classic silhouette for rings, pendants, and earrings, while the 4.74 millimeter depth provides sufficient crown height to display the color change without appearing shallow. Alexandrite, as a variety of chrysoberyl, has a hardness that is suitable for daily wear in rings when set securely, and this specimen benefits from settings that protect the girdle and crown. A four or six prong mounting will maximize light entry and the visible color shift, while a low bezel may protect the stone for active wear with a modest trade off in how freely the color change reads. Metal choice influences perceived color, with cool white metals emphasizing the bluish green phase and warmer yellow or rose metals enriching the reddish purple phase. Accent stones should be selected to either contrast or harmonize, for example fine white diamonds to provide a neutral halo and brighter contrast, or warm tone sapphires to reinforce the red phase.

When considering how this alexandrite will complement different skin tones, the dual nature of its color change offers distinct advantages across a broad range. On fair skin with cool undertones the bluish green phase reads as a refined, cool accent, pairing naturally with platinum or white gold and appearing crisp against porcelain complexions. Fair skin with warm undertones benefits from the reddish purple phase, which can be emphasized by rose gold settings that reflect and intensify warm hues. Medium and olive skin tones will find both phases complementary, the green phase harmonizing with olive undertones to create a subtle continuity, while the reddish purple phase introduces a flattering contrast that brightens the overall appearance. Tanned and deeper skin tones provide a strong backdrop for this alexandrite, both color phases appearing vivid and saturated, and a yellow gold setting will offer a rich interplay with the reddish purple phase, whereas a white metal setting will deliver striking clarity to the bluish green phase. For neutral undertones the gem adapts elegantly to a variety of metals, and the wearer can choose a setting to favor the color phase they prefer to highlight. In all cases an open setting with good light access will maximize the perceptible shift in color, and selecting accent stones or metal tones to either contrast or harmonize with the desired phase will determine whether the overall piece reads as cool, warm, or balanced. If you would like assistance in choosing a setting that optimizes color and wearability, The Natural Gemstone Company is available to provide measured recommendations and photographs of sample mountings.