Solitaire Alexandrite Ring 1.01 Ct., 14K White Gold

This ring centers a rare and transparent 1.01 carat oval alexandrite measuring 6.46 by 5.08 by 4.13 millimeters, mounted in a refined 14K white gold setting from The Natural Gemstone Company. The stone is a classic mixed brilliant cut, originating from Russia, with medium color saturation and a clarity grade of slightly included, evaluated at eye level. There is no enhancement, and the polish on every facet is excellent, which speaks to careful lapidary work and a natural state that collectors recognize as more valuable. Russian alexandrite carries historical and gemological cachet because of its chromium driven color change and often robust zoning, and a natural, unenhanced specimen of one carat is significant in the market for connoisseurs who value provenance and untreated material. The oval silhouette offers a timeless elegance that reads slightly larger on the finger than a round of equal carat weight, while the white gold setting provides a neutral, reflective backdrop that supports the stone without imparting warmth to its color change.

From a clarity and optical performance viewpoint, this alexandrite is well suited to daily wear and to display under varied lighting environments. Slightly included at eye level means small natural internal characteristics are present, yet they are not structurally compromising, and they are effectively masked by the mixed brilliant cutting style and the excellent polish. The stone proportions, with a pavilion depth that is noticeable in hand, contribute to robust face up color and intensify the green to purple transition that alexandrite is prized for. A deeper pavilion tends to concentrate color and can increase the perceived depth of hue, which benefits an alexandrite with medium saturation that might otherwise read pale under some light sources. The mixed brilliant cut balances pavilion and crown facets so that scintillation and color are both emphasized, and the prong style 14K white gold mounting is intentionally minimal to allow light to enter from multiple angles, maximizing the gem's changeability between daylight and incandescent conditions.

When compared to other cuts and styles, the mixed brilliant oval presents distinct advantages for color change gems. Versus a round brilliant, the oval mixed brilliant delivers a similar degree of scintillation and fire when well cut, while offering an elongated face up that appears visually larger per carat. The oval shape can also spread color differently across the table, which for alexandrite may produce a pleasing, dynamic shift from green to purple as viewing orientation or light source changes. Against cushion brilliants, which often produce broader flashes and a more blocky appearance of color, the mixed brilliant oval preserves more lively sparkle and a more even distribution of light. Step cuts, such as emerald cuts, are a different aesthetic altogether, prioritizing clarity and broad flashes rather than scintillation, and they tend to show color change in larger, flatter planes which can be dramatic but less lively. For alexandrite specifically, step cuts may expose inclusions more readily and concentrate color into a single strong field, whereas a mixed brilliant disperses light through multiple faceting planes to both reveal the color change and conceal minor inclusions.

In practical terms for an educated buyer, this ring offers a rare combination of natural origin, untreated status, and cut design that optimizes both color phenomenon and wearable brilliance. The mixed brilliant oval is particularly well matched to alexandrite because it balances the gemological priorities of this species, namely the chromium induced color shift, pleochroic tendencies, and the desire for lively return of light. The Russian origin adds provenance value, and the one carat weight is meaningful given alexandrite scarcity in larger sizes. The 14K white gold setting secures the stone while maintaining bright contrast, and the excellent polish ensures clean facet junctions that translate to crisp sparkle. For collectors and discerning buyers seeking a natural, well cut alexandrite ring that reads as both classic and technically thoughtful, The Natural Gemstone Company presents this piece as a responsibly sourced, professionally finished option that communicates rarity, craftsmanship, and enduring appeal.