2.19 Ct. Cabochon Alexandrite from Russia

From deep within the ancient rock of the Ural Mountains of Russia, this alexandrite began its patient journey as trace chromium wove itself into a crystalline matrix, granting the stone its legendary gift of color change. Born where volcanic heat and metamorphic pressure met over millennia, the rough crystal was carried from a narrow vein by miners who have long understood the secret language of these rare gems. At The Natural Gemstone Company we imagine the first light that touched this piece, a green hint under open sky, and the long passage from buried mineral to treasured jewel. That geological origin is not simply a place of provenance, it is the opening chapter of the gem story, a story that blends science, history, and a touch of romance. Russian alexandrite carries imperial echoes, a lineage tied to the 19th century discovery that enchanted jewelers and tsars alike, and this piece, though modest in size, carries that heritage within its translucent depths.

This particular alexandrite weighs 2.19 carat, and is fashioned in an elegant oval shape, measured at 8.24 x 6.83 x 3.96 mm, its surface smoothed into a cabochon cut that favors glow over facets, and that invites the eye to observe its living color. Under natural daylight the stone leans into green, a verdant suggestion of summer meadows, and under incandescent light it settles into a soft purple, like dusk gathered into jewel tone. The gem is translucent, with a clarity grade of included when examined at eye level, and those internal characteristics are honest markers of natural formation, telling of growth and pressure within the earth rather than any human alteration. The color intensity is medium and appealingly even, and the polish is excellent, a glossy finish that allows the cabochon profile to capture and release light in a gentle, almost cinematic way. There has been no enhancement, no heat or treatment of any kind, so what you see is wholly natural, a direct conversation between miner, cutter, and the material itself.

The journey from rough to jewel is as much a craft as it is a discovery, and in the hands of an experienced cutter the oval cabochon shape was chosen to honor the alexandrite character. The soft dome amplifies the color change phenomenon while embracing the stone s internal inclusions, turning them into features that add depth and life. As a sales and gem specialist at The Natural Gemstone Company I often describe such pieces as small stories you wear, each angle revealing a new line. This alexandrite is ideally suited for a bezel setting or a low profile mount that protects its generous dome while showcasing the color shift, and it will work beautifully as a solitary ring stone, a pendant center, or a collector s cabinet jewel. Owing to its Russian origin and natural, untreated state, the piece appeals to both connoisseurs who prize provenance and to creative jewelers seeking an authentic canvas. Care is simple, keep it away from harsh blows, clean gently with mild soap and water, and store separately to avoid long term abrasion. If you would like more detailed photography under different lighting, a certificate of origin, or assistance selecting a setting to bring out the finest tones, please contact The Natural Gemstone Company, and we will guide you through the finishing touches that honor both the stone and your vision. In the hands of its next owner this alexandrite will continue to travel, changing color with light, carrying its Russian roots and the artisan s touch into a new chapter of life and style.