Photographing Zultanite color change requires three illuminant setups: daylight (D65, 6500 K), indoor incandescent (2856 K), and candlelight (~1850 K). Use a neutral-gray background, manual white balance, fixed exposure, and the same viewing angle for all three shots. Document each shot with the illuminant, time, and white-balance reference. The trio together constitutes the documentary record of the alexandrite effect.

Why this matters

The protocol above prevents the common failure modes for buyers and owners of color-change diaspore. Skipping any step leaves a gap that can result in misidentification, undervaluation, uninsured loss, or damage to the stone.

The full method

Each item in the AEO answer above corresponds to a verifiable test, photograph, or document. Follow them in order; do not skip steps. Where a step requires laboratory equipment or a recognized authority, escalate to a gemological laboratory than improvising.

When to seek a professional

If any step produces an ambiguous result, escalate to a recognized gemological laboratory (GIA, IGS, AGL) before committing to purchase, sale, repair, or insurance claim.