2.12 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This Ceylon alexandrite offered by The Natural Gemstone Company is a precision cut collector quality gem, weighing 2.12 carats, and presented in a classic cushion shape with dimensions of 8.17 by 7.54 by 3.82 millimeters. The gem is fashioned with a mixed brilliant cut that harmonizes a well proportioned table and crown with a deep, faceted pavilion to maximize light return and color saturation. The measured depth is approximately 48.6 percent which yields a strong face up spread for its carat weight while maintaining controlled pavilion volume to enhance the color change. Clarity is graded as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, meaning the stone is effectively eye clean with only minor internal features that do not disrupt the overall brilliance. The polish is excellent across all facets, the symmetry is precise for a hand finished piece, and the stone is natural with no enhancement, originating from Ceylon Sri Lanka.

The mixed brilliant faceting on this cushion alexandrite is executed to balance scintillation and color depth, with the crown presenting modified brilliant facets that disperse light and enhance lively specks of white brilliance, and the pavilion cut to broad facets that deepen the face up color under more incandescent light sources. The table size and crown angle have been chosen to avoid wash out under strong daylight, while the pavilion angles preserve color saturation when viewed face up. The cushion outline with gently rounded corners assists in softening facet junctions, producing even windowing control so that the color change presents uniformly across the face. The workmanship reflects an intention to preserve weight while delivering optimal optical performance, and the excellent polish contributes to crisp facet junctions, superior light return, and minimal surface disturbance during setting.

Color behavior is the defining attribute of this specimen, showing a yellowish green hue under fluorescent and daylight conditions, shifting to a warm brownish orange under incandescent illumination. The transition is driven by chromium related selective absorption typical to chrysoberyl alexandrite, and by trace contributions that shift the balance toward warmer orange brown tones in incandescent light. Compared to classic Russian Ural alexandrite, which often exhibits a cooler bluish green in daylight and a stronger raspberry red under incandescent light, this Ceylon stone leans toward the warmer end of the spectrum in both its green and its red field. Compared to Brazilian alexandrites, which can present a more yellowgreen to pinkish brown change and are often lighter in tone, the Sri Lankan example demonstrates greater intensity, producing a pronounced presence on the finger despite a mid depth proportion. Compared to recent Madagascar and East African finds that sometimes show high saturation but limited change, this Sri Lankan alexandrite offers a reliably dramatic shift between distinctly different hues, with intensity that remains strong in both lighting environments.

From a gemological and practical perspective the stone is notable for its combination of intense color intensity, eye level clarity, and a cut that maximizes both color change and brilliance. The very very slightly included clarity grade means inclusions are minor and primarily internal, acting at times to accentuate the alexandrite effect by introducing subtle light scattering without detracting from transparency. The mixed brilliant cushion design and the modest depth percentage give the stone an excellent face up appearance for rings and pendants, and the stone sits comfortably on the hand without appearing small for its carat weight. For connoisseurs seeking a Ceylon alexandrite that is unenhanced and well cut, this gem represents a compelling balance of natural provenance, optical complexity, and durable wearability. For advice on mounting, color forward settings in warm metal such as yellow or rose gold will emphasize the brownish orange change, while cooler white metals will tend to emphasize the green face up color, and our specialists at The Natural Gemstone Company can provide setting recommendations tailored to the desired presentation.