18.07 Ct. Citrine from Brazil

This specimen from The Natural Gemstone Company is an 18.07 carat citrine in an asscher octagon shape, with precise dimensions of 15.52 by 15.39 by 11.59 millimeters, a transparent body, and a clarity grade of very very slightly included evaluated at eye level. The gem exhibits intense color intensity and an excellent polish, with no enhancement and a confirmed origin of Brazil. The geometry is effectively square with truncated corners, producing the classic asscher silhouette while retaining octagon plane stability for faceting symmetry. The depth to crown ratio calculated from the given dimensions is approximately 75 percent, a proportion that contributes significantly to the internal light behavior and to the bold visual presence of this large single stone.

The asscher cut faceting design employed in this citrine leverages concentric step facets on the crown and pavilion to create controlled light paths, the result being a hall of mirrors effect characterized by broad flashes and repeated reflections rather than the pinpoint scintillation typical of brilliant cuts. The large table facet serves as the primary entry and exit plane for incident light, while the truncated corners and parallel step facets reflect and reorient light back through the table in layered planes. Precision in facet junctions and pavilion angles is essential for this outcome, and the cutter has optimized the pavilion step depths and crown angles to balance return of light with preservation of color saturation. The octagon outline combined with the asscher step architecture yields alternating zones of light and dark, enhancing perceived contrast and giving the yellow hue increased depth and dimensionality under varied lighting conditions.

Color distribution and clarity interact with the cut to determine the stone performance, and in this example the intense yellow saturation is evenly distributed across the table and along the crown facets, indicating homogeneity in chromophore presence. Citrine derives its hue principally from iron related centers, and the unenhanced origin in Brazil ensures that the color is natural and stable to standard wear conditions. The very very slightly included clarity grade evaluated at eye level indicates that any internal features are minor and do not interrupt the clean light pathways established by the step facets, they are typically masked by facet reflections and are not disruptive to the overall optical return. The excellent polish enhances facet crispness and edge definition, reducing light scattering at facet junctions and maintaining sharp demarcation between the bright and dark planes that define asscher aesthetics, this results in a lively but controlled play of light where broad flashes and channelled reflections emphasize the gemstone color while preserving clarity.

For practical use and setting recommendations relevant to the gem s optical behavior, the robust table and deep pavilion benefit from a mounting that allows unobstructed top light ingress and secure protection of the truncated corners, a four or eight prong setting with a low to medium profile gallery will stabilize the stone and permit the asscher step sequence to interact with ambient light as intended. A bezel with cutaway gallery or an open back mount can be used to modulate the tone, while full closed back bezels will deepen the color and reduce the contrast effect, design choices should therefore be informed by whether the goal is to accentuate brilliance and contrast or to intensify the yellow hue. Given the large face up area and the substantial carat weight, this citrine is well suited to statement rings and pendant designs that exploit the hall of mirrors effect, and careful attention to bezel thickness and prong placement will protect the corners and maintain the integrity of the excellent polish. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the provenance and description of this stone, and we invite technical buyers to request additional angle photographs and faceting diagrams to verify cut symmetry and facet alignment prior to selection, our team can also provide guidance on mounting strategies that preserve the gem s optical performance and long term wearability.