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

This pair of lapiss presents as two well matched cushion shapes, weighing 5.76 carats and 5.77 carats respectively, with a combined weight of 11.53 carats. Each stone is tablet cut to a low profile, providing a broad, even face for display of hue and surface character. The dimensions are 16.05 x 12.14 x 2.99 mm for the first stone, and 16.04 x 12.15 x 2.76 mm for the second stone, demonstrating an exceptional degree of symmetry and consistency in size. Both stones are opaque and exhibit a uniform blue character, with color intensity recorded as not applicable given the dense, even saturation typical of this material. The finish is an excellent polish, producing a smooth, lustrous surface that enhances the inherent depth of color without the need for artificial modification. There has been no enhancement applied to these stones, and their origin is Afghanistan, a source known for producing deep blue material. These technical attributes make the pair suitable for projects that demand close matching and reliable physical proportions.

The sourcing story of these two pieces underscores their uniqueness. The lapiss were selected in the field from a single parcel of rough that originated in the same mining area in Afghanistan, and they were kept together through the stages of sorting, cutting, and finishing. This continuity from rough to finished pair is deliberate, and it is the reason the two stones display such a close correspondence in weight, face dimensions, and overall tone. During preparation, the cutter prioritized retention of the natural blue and surface continuity, choosing a tablet cut and a shallow cushion profile to preserve color depth while minimizing waste from the original slabs. Attention to orientation and grain during the cutting process ensured that any characteristic mineral patterns or surface textures align between the two pieces, producing a matched pair that reads as a single visual unit when set side by side. The decision to avoid heat treatment, dyeing, or other enhancements was intentional, maintaining the natural state of the material and the traceable provenance to Afghanistan. The result is a pair that communicates geological and human provenance, each stone carrying a record of its originating vein and each step of the craft that followed.

In practical use, these lapiss are suited to matched settings that benefit from their tablet profile and even surface, such as earrings, a dual pendant, cufflinks, or an inlay pair for a bespoke piece. The cushion outline and low height offer stability within bezels or channel settings, while the strong polish aids visual integration with precious metal work. Because the material is opaque and untreated, color will remain consistent under normal wear, but care should be taken to avoid exposure to harsh acids, prolonged heat, and strong chemical cleaners, and ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended. Routine care with a soft cloth and mild soapy water will preserve the polish and surface integrity. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the provenance and stated characteristics of these stones, offering documentation of origin and treatment status upon request. These two pieces are presented as a matched natural pair, selected and finished to provide a reliable, high quality option for designs that value true material integrity and careful, consistent fabrication.