1.79 Ct. Cabochon Alexandrite from Madagascar

From the first moment this alexandrite was born, deep in the mineral rich soils of Madagascar, it began a journey that connects earth and art, science and story. Formed under conditions of heat and pressure over millions of years, chromium bearing chrysoberyl crystals emerged in pockets where pegmatites and metamorphic rocks met, each crystal recording the slow work of geological time. Local miners in Madagascar, working with generations of knowledge about where these rare crystals hide, carefully seek out these pockets by reading the rhythms of the landscape, following river gravel, and examining the seams in hard rock. When a suitable crystal is removed from its host, it arrives at a bench where skilled hands evaluate its natural potential, its optical character, and the way it will respond to light. Alexandrite has long carried a mythic resonance, named for a royal celebration and treasured for its chameleon like color change, prized by jewelers and collectors who understand that a strong color change is a conversation between stone and light, between the mineral world and human perception. This particular piece carries the quiet dignity that only a gemstone with true natural origin can hold, a story that begins in Madagascar and continues in every reflection as the gem finds its place in a crafted setting.

What you hold with this description is one beautiful translucent 1.79 carat oval shape alexandrite, with dimensions of 7.17 x 6.14 x 4.26 mm, presented in a cabochon cut that celebrates the gem s innate optical magic. The cabochon form softens facets into a smooth, domed canvas that emphasizes the fluid transition of color, and the cutter s choice to maintain this shape was deliberate, aimed at enhancing the dramatic change from bluish green in daylight to reddish purple under incandescent light. Evaluated at eye level, the clarity grade is very very slightly included, a testament to the stone s natural integrity and to the gem cutter s skill in orienting and polishing the piece to minimize visible inclusions while preserving weight and character. Color intensity is described as intense, a term that reflects saturation and depth across that color change, and the polish is excellent, allowing the surface to reflect light cleanly while revealing the interior glow. This alexandrite carries no enhancements, a pure natural gem from Madagascar, unheated, unquestioned, and true to the material that first formed in the earth.

When you consider how to set such a stone, think of design choices that honor both its origin and its optical performance, choices that will allow the gem to reveal its full narrative with every movement. A low to medium bezel that follows the oval silhouette, or a custom halo that frames the cabochon with a warm metal to accentuate the red shift by reflection, will let this alexandrite play with light as intended, while a simple prong style that supports the dome from beneath offers a more modern conversation with metal and stone. Because this is a translucent cabochon, it also works beautifully as the focal point of a signet or a pendant where the back of the setting can be open or lightly masked to allow light to enter and transform the stone s tone. Care is straightforward, treat the gem with the respect due any fine chrysoberyl, avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature shock, clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and store separately to prevent scratches. At The Natural Gemstone Company we ensure that every piece we present has a clear provenance, careful evaluation, and an honesty about treatment and origin, and this Madagascan alexandrite is a fine example of that commitment. If you are seeking a gem that carries a natural story, a tangible color change, and the quiet authority of a well cut cabochon, this 1.79 carat alexandrite is ready to join your collection or to become the heart of a bespoke piece that will continue its journey with you.