Cleopatra’s Eye - Signature Amethyst (491 ct) | By Mark Oros

A gemstone that doesn’t look like a gemstone—but rather like an artifact from another time.

“Cleopatra’s Eye” is a unique Rose de France amethyst that goes far beyond classical gemmology. Inspired by the idea that archaeologists might discover a hidden relic of Cleopatra deep beneath the sands of Egypt, this stone looks like an eye from a lost world.

At its center, concentric facets create a fascinating optical illusion: a luminous, violet eye that literally draws the viewer in. Depending on the angle of the light, the color shifts between delicate lavender and deep royal violet—a vibrant interplay of light, depth, and movement.

This stone is no ordinary amethyst.
It is a work of art crafted from light.

The extraordinary “Cleopatra’s Eye” faceting uses the material as a canvas and transforms it into a visual experience. Every angle reveals new reflections and structures—an effect made possible in this form only through the highest artistry of cutting.

Mark Oros is known for his large-scale, sculptural quartz gemstones. His approach involves deliberately directing light through complex faceting—often described as “painting with light.” At his studio, Hashnu Stones & Gems in New York, he creates his works, teaches the art of gem cutting, and publishes scholarly articles.