2.61 Ct. Alexandrite from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This specimen is a transparent alexandrite of 2.61 carats, presented in a classic pear shape with dimensions of 11.70 by 7.03 by 4.46 millimeters. The gem displays a medium intense color saturation, shifting from yellowish green in cooler light to purplish brown under warmer illumination, characteristic of fine color change alexandrite. The cutting style is a mixed brilliant cut, and the gem has been evaluated as eye clean at standard viewing distance, indicating no inclusions visible to the unaided eye that affect appearance. The polish has been graded excellent, and there has been no enhancement applied to alter color or clarity. The material was sourced from Ceylon Sri Lanka, a well established locality for collector grade alexandrite. The Natural Gemstone Company provides this information so that the gem may be assessed both for its gemological attributes and for its suitability in refined jewelry designs.

The mixed brilliant faceting of this pear shaped alexandrite has been executed to balance scintillation and color return, employing a brilliant style on the crown combined with modified pavilion faceting. The crown presents a network of kite and star facets that break incoming light into multiple small returns, while the pavilion facets are arranged to control internal reflection and to direct light back through the table and crown. The result is a precise interplay between contrast and flash, where broader facet planes provide color saturation and smaller scintillating facets enhance lively sparkle. Facet junctions are crisp and consistent, contributing to uniform light performance across the face of the gem. The girdle is proportioned to allow secure setting without sacrificing visual performance, and the cut proportions yield a depth that supports both strong return of light and balanced body color. These geometric considerations make the gem visually dynamic, emphasizing both the change of color and the intrinsic brilliance of alexandrite.

The color change phenomenon is reinforced by the gem’s faceting geometry, because the arrangement of facets influences how spectral components of light are separated and recombined as they travel through the crystal lattice. In fluorescent or daylight conditions the stone exhibits a fresh yellowish green hue, with crisp reflections from the crown facets and a lively, clean appearance due to eye clean clarity. Under incandescent or warmer lighting the same facet architecture concentrates longer wavelengths to reveal purplish brown tones, with the polished facet planes creating warmer flashes and a deeper overall presence. Medium intense color ensures that both light and dark viewing environments display attractive and identifiable color characteristics without appearing overly dark in warm light or washed out in cool light. The mixed brilliant design also helps to moderate phenomena such as pleochroism by presenting a variety of optical paths through the stone, so turning the gem will show subtle shifts in color distribution and intensity while maintaining consistent brilliance.

This alexandrite is well suited to bespoke settings where the cutter’s geometry can be complemented by a mounting that allows light to reach the pavilion, thereby maximizing its color change and scintillation. The 2.61 carat weight and pear shape make it appropriate for a distinguished solitaire style, a halo design that frames the stone without obscuring its crown, or a pendant where movement enhances dynamic color shifts. Given its excellent polish and absence of enhancements, standard professional jeweler practices apply for setting and care, including avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and cleaning with mild detergent, warm water, and a soft brush. Its origin from Ceylon Sri Lanka provides useful provenance for collectors and connoisseurs, reflecting known geological sources for alexandrite with natural color change properties. For accurate setting advice and optional certification documentation, The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional measurements and high resolution images, so that the gem’s optical behavior may be assessed in context with a specific design or mounting.