GRADING REPORT RUs100
- Identification: Natural Unheated & Untreated Alexandrite
- Carat: 1.00
- Shape: Pear
- Measures: 6.53x4.63x4.18 (millimeter)
- Color Grade: Excellent+
- Color Change: Very Good
- Tone: MD60
- Color Zoning: None
- Clarity: Free of Inclusions
- Cutting Grade: Very Good+
> Brilliancy: 90%
> Depth: 64%
- Origin: Russia
- Treatment: None
Certificate No: IGI 291782112
Overall Grade: Excellent+ (extra for origin and pure green day color)
Comment: At day, and in most mixed light settings, this alexandrite sparkles in such vivid green that it might be considered a vanadium chrysoberyl, but it is not known (thus far, inquiries are under way) if chrysoberyl can be blessed with vanadium AND qualify as an alexandrite. The IGI report attests to its 'fine color quality' (a rare comment from IGI with a realistic day-photo) and to its legendary country of origin: Russia, where the history of alexandrites began. It has been said that Russian alexandrites are mined out and available only from estate sales (read 'terribly expensive private dealers'), but I did come across some sources reporting irregular finds of new gems. Such, I think, may be this 1.00, lens-clean, no window, no treatment (3*Nos). Like in all alex, the color-change is a tough show on images particularly here where the day-hue comes in such an extremely strong green, yet I have succeeded to capture the ochre-red at night, with and without green sparks. However, the night color is elusive on camera while the green at day easily reminds of fine emerald or demantoid, seriously, and thus avoids the often-muddy appearance of alexandrites in mixed light-settings. On the other hand, it needs pure tungsten light (the classic candle does it) to optimize the night color. Even a ray of daylight brings out some green. Also, under 'more images', see the LED-light shot turning the gem sky-blue! Its fine crystal, clear, clean and crisp, makes for an equally rare occurrence in alexandrite. At its price-level and extreme rarity, this is a serious collector stone, though the vivid green brilliancy makes it a less complicated gem for jewelry than most alexandrites who easily look 'muddy' in mixed light (please ask if this is not clear). Probably best set in a ring to better observe the color-change and the amazingly beautiful green. In a ring, please protect (or let us) the tip with a V-shaped prong or better a full bezel. THE best-looking alexandrite with EXTRA good color change and the strongest day-green ever. One of our pride possesions with legendary origin and '3*Nos of Excellence'. If you see an alex with a similar strong green anywhere, please let us know.
