21.45 Ct. Cabochon Chrysoberyl from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

From the riverbeds of Ceylon, where monsoon rains reveal treasures hidden for centuries, this chrysoberyl began its life as a quiet green crystal resting in ancient alluvial gravels. Local miners guided by knowledge passed down through generations carefully recovered rough pieces from shallow terraces and panned streams, selecting stones that showed promise under sunlight. This particular gem, now a translucent oval weighing 21.45 carats and measuring 15.73 x 14.56 x 9.32 mm, carried an unusual, soft yellowish green hue that suggested it would respond beautifully to a cabochon finish. At The Natural Gemstone Company we trace each step of that journey, from the Ceylon soil that formed the crystal, through the hands that cleaned and examined it, to the decision to preserve its natural character without resorting to enhancement. The choice to leave this chrysoberyl unenhanced is purposeful, it respects the stone history and affirms its authenticity, so the intensity of color and the depth of translucency that you see are the result of earth and time alone.

When the rough arrived in the workshop, skilled cutters set out to coax the inner life of the stone into a single luminous expression. The cabochon cut was selected to honor the stone natural tendencies, the smooth dome amplifies light play while protecting form, and meticulous shaping produced an oval silhouette that accentuates the gem proportions. Expert polishing finished the work, producing an excellent polish that lets light glide across the surface with satin like ease. As the artisan examined the cabochon under different lights, a crisp luminous band became apparent, a cat eye effect that runs cleanly across the dome, giving a living motion to the gem. This chatoyancy arises from very small, fine inclusions aligned within the crystal, a kind of internal architecture that translates into a single bright thread of light. The result is a gemstone that seems to breathe with movement, changing subtly as the viewing angle shifts, and holding its intense color intensity in every orientation.

Inclusions inside this chrysoberyl are not flaws to hide, they are the stone unique fingerprint, a record of its formation deep within Ceylon earth. Under magnification these features present as tiny needle like needles, narrow channels and minute pinpoint crystals, aligned with the crystal growth and responsible for the cat eye phenomenon. At eye level however the gem is eye clean, meaning that these internal characteristics are inconspicuous in ordinary wear, while still giving the stone character and provenance. These natural markers help gemmologists and connoisseurs alike to identify origin and growth history, they are often the evidence that distinguishes untreated, natural gems from those altered by heat or filling. Because no enhancement has been applied, those inclusion patterns remain undisturbed, offering reassurance that the color, the chatoyancy and the exact internal pattern are entirely natural. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document these features for our clients, and we are happy to provide detailed photographs and microscopy notes for the collector who wishes to study the stone close up.

This 21.45 carat oval cabochon chrysoberyl combines presence and subtlety, a substantial size that wears beautifully as a statement ring or as the centerpiece of a pendant, yet it retains an intimate, almost personal glow when held to the light. The yellowish green tonality is versatile, pairing well with warm gold settings to emphasize its golden undertones, and also with cool metals to bring out the green freshness. Care is simple, gentle cleaning with mild soap and water and a soft cloth will maintain the excellent polish, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals to protect the integrity of the cut and surface. For bespoke commissions we can recommend setting designs that embrace the cat eye band and protect the dome while allowing movement, ensuring the luminous eye remains the focal point. As representatives of The Natural Gemstone Company I invite you to experience this gem in person, to see how the band of light crosses the dome and to feel the quiet history it carries from Ceylon soil to polished beauty, and I am available to discuss certification, setting options and the story behind this unique chrysoberyl.