Antique Style Alexandrite Ring 0.55 Ct., 18K Yellow Gold

Alexandrite has a history that reads like a tale from the era of empires, a gemstone that captured the imagination of jewelers and collectors when it first appeared in the nineteenth century. Valued by royalty for the way it changes color under different light, alexandrite has come to symbolize rare moments and quiet permanence. At The Natural Gemstone Company we honor that legacy with a ring that pairs the storied character of alexandrite with contemporary precision. This ring centers on a transparent 0.55 carat cushion shape alexandrite, measuring 5.42 x 4.39 x 2.81 mm, cut in a mixed brilliant style to bring both scintillation and depth. The gem presents a remarkable bluish green to pinkish purple color change, with vivid color saturation and an excellent polish. Evaluated at eye level the clarity is slightly included, a feature that affirms natural origin rather than detracting from its beauty. The origin is Brazil, and the stone is free from enhancement, a fact that will appeal to anyone who treasures authenticity and natural rarity.

The cushion shape paired with a mixed brilliant cut is a deliberate choice that unites two centuries of cutting tradition. The cushion silhouette has classical roots, recalling the old world charm of mine cuts and early cushion styles, while the mixed brilliant facet arrangement borrows the best of modern optical science to increase light return. Compared to a pure step cut, which emphasizes broad flashes of color and deep, even tone, the mixed brilliant cushion scatters light into smaller, lively facets, creating a livelier play of brilliance and scintillation. Compared to a round brilliant, which is engineered for maximum white light return and fire, the cushion mixed brilliant preserves more of the stone face for color display, a desirable trait in a color change gem. The mixed brilliant layout allows each facet to interact with the alexandrite s unique absorption spectrum, enhancing both the bluish green presence in cool light and the pinkish purple warmth in incandescent light, so the wearer experiences the legend of alexandrite in every environment.

When assessing light performance it helps to consider the familiar attributes of brilliance, fire, and scintillation, and how different cuts trade these qualities for color and depth. A round brilliant offers extraordinary brilliance and fire, but smaller facets and a round outline can sometimes dilute the perceptible color shift in a color change stone. A step cut such as an emerald cut maximizes color saturation and makes the hue more consistent across the table, but it does so at the expense of lively sparkle. The mixed brilliant cushion that crowns this ring finds the middle path, delivering strong light return and a pleasing sparkle that keeps the gem lively on the finger, while preserving enough depth and broad facets to showcase the alexandrite s color change. At 0.55 carat and with the given proportions, this cushion shape offers a generous face up presentation, and the excellent polish ensures that light flows across the facets with minimal obstruction. Slight inclusions noted at eye level are typical for a natural alexandrite and in many cases contribute to the stone s character, while the high transparency makes sure that light reaches the pavilion and reflects back to the viewer.

The setting and finish of the ring complete the story of a heirloom ready to be worn for generations. The stone sits in a finely executed 14K yellow gold mount, a classic metal choice that complements both the greenish and pinkish aspects of the alexandrite by adding warmth to the palette. The engraving along the band speaks to vintage workmanship and evokes the continuity of tradition, making the ring equally suited to an engagement, a milestone gift, or a treasured addition to a curated collection. Compared to a bezel or flush setting that would sacrifice some light entry, the four prong setting used here allows ample light to enter from the sides and beneath, enhancing the color change and scintillation that define alexandrite. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the natural origin and untreated condition of this stone, and we welcome inquiries about certification, custom sizing, or pairing options. This ring is meant to bridge past and present, to honor the ancient fascination with color changing gems while offering the optical advantages of modern cutting, a timeless piece for those who value legacy and luminous beauty.