1.73 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This 1.73 carat oval alexandrite from Ceylon is an exceptionally rare find, both for its size and for the quality of its color change, and The Natural Gemstone Company is proud to present it to discerning buyers who want a stone that truly stands apart from the usual market offerings. The gem measures 7.75 by 6.22 by 4.53 millimeters, it is faceted with a mixed brilliant cut, and it displays a notable greenish to orangish color change that reads distinctly green under fluorescent lighting and warm orangish under incandescent light, images available on our site illustrate this shift. Many alexandrites offered online or in retail fall below one carat, or they exhibit only weak or muddy color shifts, or they have been subjected to treatments to improve color or clarity. This piece is natural and untreated, it has no enhancement, it is graded very very slightly included at eye level which means it appears essentially eye clean to most observers, and it has an excellent polish that maximizes sparkle and color return. Finding a natural alexandrite of this weight that combines a clearly perceptible color change with medium color intensity and a high quality cut is uncommon, and it raises this stone above the more commonly available material in terms of rarity and desirability.

When compared to other alexandrite sources and to the many synthetics and color enhanced alternatives on the market, this Ceylon alexandrite offers a compelling balance of visual appeal and investment sense. Russian alexandrite is historically the benchmark because of its deep saturation and provenance, however Russian material of collectible size is extremely limited and commands a premium that places it beyond the reach of most buyers. Brazilian alexandrite can be beautiful, but it often shows a different tone profile or lighter change, while many commercially circulated stones have had clarity or color altered by heat or irradiation. This alexandrite from Sri Lanka is notable because Sri Lankan material usually leans toward lighter, pastel change, and a piece with medium intensity and a clear green to orangish shift at 1.73 carats is distinctly uncommon. The mixed brilliant cut is another advantage, because it is designed to preserve weight while directing light to create lively brilliance and to enhance the visible color change when lighting changes, it outperforms simpler cuts that sacrifice fire for weight or that minimize the visual dynamics of color change. The very very slightly included clarity grade, evaluated at eye level, means the stone offers transparent clarity under normal viewing conditions, unlike many pieces that look cloudy or show obvious inclusions that interfere with brilliance. The lack of enhancement confirms that you are acquiring a natural phenomenon, not a manufactured color effect, and for collectors or for someone seeking a lasting heirloom, that authenticity delivers both emotional value and long term market respect.

For use and styling, this 1.73 carat oval alexandrite will sit beautifully in a variety of settings, and it is particularly well suited for a center stone in an engagement ring, a statement cocktail ring, or a bespoke pendant where the color change can be enjoyed in different lighting environments. Its dimensions provide a satisfying face up presence on the finger while the mixed brilliant cutting style ensures lively scintillation that complements the color shift, and the excellent polish makes it catch light gracefully whether you prefer a simple bezel, a classic prong setting, or a design that frames the stone with diamonds. From a value perspective, choosing an untreated, eye clean, medium intensity alexandrite of this size is a superior alternative to purchasing a larger but treated or synthetic sample, because treated stones often depreciate relative to natural material, and synthetics do not carry the same scarcity driven value. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the stone with documentation of its origin and treatment status, and we can advise on mounting options that protect the gem while showcasing its unique color change, such as protective bezel shoulders or secure prong designs. If you are comparing options on the market, consider that this alexandrite offers a rare combination of carat weight, demonstrable color change, eye clean clarity, natural origin, and skilled cutting, and for buyers who want a truly uncommon gemstone that performs beautifully and retains strong collector interest, this piece is an outstanding choice.