From Authentic Rough to a Masterfully Cut Gemstone
Sri Lanka has long been respected as one of the world’s most important gemstone sources, not only for sapphires but also for rare and extraordinary stones such as alexandrite and alexandrite cat’s eye. Among the country’s many mining regions, Rambuka village holds a special reputation for producing some of the finest alexandrite material, including highly prized chatoyant varieties.
This article documents the full journey of a rare alexandrite rough sourced directly from Rambuka village, tracing its transformation from natural rough to an exceptional finished alexandrite cat’s eye gemstone. It is a real example of ethical sourcing, skilled decision-making, and traditional Sri Lankan cutting expertise.
The Discovery: A Rare Alexandrite Rough
In December, a rare alexandrite rough weighing 2.11 carats (measuring 8.2 × 5.6 × 4.7 mm) was discovered in Rambuka village, Sri Lanka. Rambuka is well known among gem professionals for producing high-quality alexandrite and alexandrite cat’s eye material, prized for both color-change behavior and strong optical phenomena.
What makes this stone particularly special is its direct sourcing. At Danushka Gems & Mining, stones are obtained straight from the mining area without hand-to-hand trading. This ensures authenticity, transparency, and a clear understanding of the material from the very beginning.
Why Sri Lanka for Cat’s Eye Cutting?
Although alexandrite can be found in several countries, Sri Lanka remains one of the best places in the world for cutting cat’s eye and star gemstones. The island’s long tradition of cabochon cutting, combined with deep practical knowledge passed down through generations, gives Sri Lankan cutters a unique advantage.
For this stone, the decision was made to cut locally in Sri Lanka, using traditional hand-operated cutting machines specifically suited for cat’s eye alignment. These machines allow precise control over dome shape, fiber orientation, and ray positioning—critical factors in achieving a strong and centered cat’s eye effect.
Collaborative Cutting Decisions
Due to the rarity of alexandrite cat’s eye material, cutting decisions were not taken lightly. The final approach was shaped by three perspectives working together:
1. The cutter’s expertise
2. The buyer’s expectations
3. Our own experience with similar rare material
The buyer’s vision was prioritized while maintaining realistic expectations based on the rough’s internal structure and color behavior. Careful planning ensured that size, beauty, and optical performance were all balanced without compromising the stone’s natural color-change properties.
Master Craftsmanship by Mr. Sunil
The cutting process was led by Mr. Sunil, a master craftsman renowned for his work with cat’s eye stones. His role was critical in evaluating the rough, identifying the optimal orientation, and aligning the chatoyant ray precisely along the stone’s axis.
Every step was performed with extreme care to:
Preserve the alexandrite’s color-change effect
Achieve a sharp, centered cat’s eye
Maintain maximum possible weight
Create a smooth, well-proportioned dome
This level of craftsmanship cannot be rushed and requires deep experience, patience, and respect for the material.
The Final Result: Exceptional Quality
The finished gemstone weighs 1.30 carats, with final dimensions of 6.1 × 5.8 × 4.1 mm. The result is a very fine quality alexandrite cat’s eye displaying:
Strong and well-defined cat’s eye ray
Excellent dome symmetry
Distinct color-change behavior
Clean, attractive appearance
Balanced proportions suitable for fine jewelry
Most notably, the cutting achieved a 61.61% weight recovery, which is an outstanding result for alexandrite cat’s eye material. Recoveries above 50% are considered excellent in such challenging stones, making this outcome a significant achievement.
A Testament to Ethical Sourcing and Skilled Craft
This alexandrite cat’s eye represents more than a beautiful gemstone—it reflects the value of direct sourcing, honest evaluation, and traditional expertise. From Rambuka village to the cutter’s bench, every step respected the stone’s natural character and potential.
At Danushka Gems & Mining, our focus remains on working closely with miners, cutters, and buyers to ensure that each stone’s journey is transparent, respectful, and professionally executed.
Final Thoughts
Rare gemstones demand more than technical skill—they require understanding, collaboration, and restraint. This alexandrite cat’s eye stands as an example of what can be achieved when nature, experience, and craftsmanship come together.
From a 2.11 ct natural rough to a 1.30 ct masterpiece, this stone tells a genuine Sri Lankan story—one shaped by knowledge, tradition, and precision.