10.72 Ct.Tw.Total Carat Weight Lapis Pair from Afghanistan

Across millennia, lapis lazuli has been treasured for its deep, celestial blue, a color that ancient artisans equated with the heavens, and this pair of cushion shaped purplish blue lapis offered by The Natural Gemstone Company continues that noble tradition. From the royal tombs of Egypt to the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe, lapis has carried connotations of wisdom, status, and timeless beauty, and these stones speak to that same lineage. Their opaque, tablet cut surfaces recall the smooth, tactile objects of antiquity, objects that were held and valued not only for their color, but for the stories they carried. When you choose lapis, you are choosing a gem that has been part of human adornment for thousands of years, a constant through changing fashions, and these pieces capture that persistent legacy in a contemporary form.

These particular stones are a matched pair, weighing 5.22 carats and 5.50 carats respectively, each in a generous cushion shape, with dimensions of 16.06 x 12.13 x 2.77 mm for the first, and 16.05 x 12.16 x 2.60 mm for the second, and they have been tablet cut to emphasize broad, even planes of color. Their vivid color intensity and excellent polish allow the rich purplish blue to present itself fully, without the distraction of enhancements, because these lapis are natural and untreated. Origin matters with lapis, and Afghanistan has long been synonymous with the finest classical material, the same region that supplied lapis to ancient civilizations, and these stones come to you with that provenance intact. The match in size and tone makes them ideal for a variety of paired settings, and their opacity gives them a strong, graphic presence that reads beautifully from close inspection and across a room.

For those who cherish classic design and the sense of continuity that comes from historical materials, these lapis are particularly well suited to settings that honor their past while allowing them to serve in modern jewellery. Imagine these cushions set in a pair of elegant stud earrings, each stone framed by a simple, high polish bezel that nods to ancient metalwork, or placed as a focal pair in a collar necklace with gold or silver links that echo Byzantine motifs. They also lend themselves to more elaborate settings that incorporate filigree or engraved metal, designs that reference the detailed handwork of Renaissance and earlier artisans. The tablet cut, with its broad top and restrained depth, allows the color to read flat and even, making it especially effective in settings where the stone is the principal visual element. For those who collect matched stones for mounted pairs, these pieces offer both symmetry and the slight natural character that true antique pieces often display, preserving the sense of an object that has watched centuries pass.

Care, provenance, and presentation are vital when investing in a gemstone with such a storied past, and at The Natural Gemstone Company we take pride in ensuring that each piece is described with precision and honesty. Because these lapis have no enhancements, their color and surface characteristics are entirely natural, and they will age with a quiet dignity rather than changing under artificial treatments. Basic care for lapis involves avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasives, cleaning with a soft cloth and warm water, and storing separately from harder gemstones to preserve the polish. When set in jewellery, a protective bezel can reduce the risk of chipping at the edges, and professional re-polishing can restore the original luster if the piece sees heavy wear over generations. We are happy to advise on appropriate settings and to assist with custom design options that respect the stone's character, ensuring that your finished piece becomes a heirloom to pass forward.

These matching cushion lapis stones represent more than material value, they are a continuation of a human affinity for deep blue that symbolizes sky and spirit, tradition and refinement, and they arrive to you with the clarity of origin and the honesty of no enhancement. Whether you are a designer seeking a beautifully matched pair for a signature collection, a collector who values provenance and authenticity, or a client wishing to create a meaningful heirloom, these stones offer a tactile link to history while accommodating modern sensibilities. At The Natural Gemstone Company we are committed to guiding you through choices that honor both the gem and your own design intentions, and we invite you to reach out for additional photographs, bespoke mounting suggestions, or any questions about these exceptional Afghan lapis.