1.66 Ct. Alexandrite from Brazil

This 1.66 carat oval alexandrite from Brazil is a rare and unusual collector grade gem, presented in a transparent, mixed brilliant cut that has been optimized to showcase its striking color change, vivid intensity, and optical performance. Measuring 9.42 by 6.63 by 3.63 millimeters, the gem has an ideal face up spread for an oval, delivering presence on the finger that belies its carat weight. The material displays the classic alexandrite phenomenon, shifting from greenish tones in daylight to reddish hues under incandescent light, a result of chromium trace element absorption acting on its complex crystal chemistry. This dynamic color behavior elevates the stone above ordinary colored gems, because color change is a function of the gem chemistry and its interaction with different light sources, rather than a surface treatment or coating. The effect is vivid, immediate, and repeatable, which makes this alexandrite desirable to connoisseurs who value optical complexity and natural, untreated beauty.

Clarity is recorded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a practical and buyer focused way to indicate what you will see without magnification. The inclusions are minimal, not distracting, and they confirm natural origin without compromising brilliance, because they are positioned and sized such that light still travels freely through the pavilion and crown facets. The mixed brilliant cut combines a brilliant style crown with a faceted pavilion that increases scintillation and dispersion, while preserving color saturation in both lighting conditions. The excellent polish on every facet edge contributes to strong light return and crisp facet junctions, producing scintillation that animates the color shift as the gem moves, and enhancing the perception of depth and life. Proportionally, the gem has a pleasing depth, approximately 45.2 percent using length and width as a reference, which sits within the preferred range for an oval and supports both face up brilliance and strong color presentation.

Provenance matters to educated buyers, because origin can affect rarity, price expectation, and aesthetic signature. This alexandrite is from Brazil, a source known for producing stones with lively color change and attractive clarity at sizes that are more affordable than the legendary specimens from classical Russian localities, while often showing richer color shift than many Sri Lankan examples. Importantly, this stone has undergone no enhancement, so its color, clarity, and polish are the result of natural formation and expert lapidary work, not heating, diffusion, or coating. Untreated alexandrite of this size and quality is a scarce commodity, and the absence of enhancement preserves both the gem’s future stability and its appeal to collectors who prefer natural material. In practical terms, the high polish and clean faceting mean that the stone will sit beautifully in a variety of settings, from a classic prong mount that maximizes light exposure, to a low profile bezel that protects the girdle while still allowing the viewer to appreciate the color change with minimal obstruction.

From a value perspective, this alexandrite brings together the attributes that an informed buyer seeks, namely transparency, vivid color intensity, eye level clarity, superior cutting, and natural Brazilian origin, all in a desirable 1.66 carat size. The hardness and durability of alexandrite, which ranks high on the Mohs scale among colored gem materials, make it an excellent choice for daily wear, especially when set in protective yet elegant mounting styles. Because the color change is inherent to the crystal chemistry, the visual drama is preserved over time, and the stone will continue to reward careful consideration and wear with reliable, repeatable performance under changing light. At The Natural Gemstone Company we take care to present detailed, factual information so you can make a confident purchase, and we can provide additional documentation and high resolution imagery on request. If you are seeking a natural, vibrant, and investment grade alexandrite that reads as both a scientific curiosity and a wearable work of art, this Brazilian 1.66 carat oval is an exceptional candidate.