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

I am pleased to present a beautiful matched pair of natural lapis from Afghanistan available through The Natural Gemstone Company, a pair that stands out in a crowded market, the two stones weigh 2.15 carats and 2.13 carats respectively, each cut into a cushion shape with tablet cut faceting to present a broad, face up surface, the dimensions are 10.12 x 8.18 x 2.53 millimeters and 10.03 x 8.03 x 2.55 millimeters, the color intensity is described as intense, the polish is excellent, and importantly these lapis are natural with no enhancement, this combination of weight, shape, cut and untreated origin immediately positions this pair above many mass market options, buyers who compare treated, dyed or composite lapis to natural unenhanced material quickly appreciate the difference in depth and integrity of color, the vivid ultramarine blue of these stones reflects the classic Afghan lapis hue that collectors and designers seek, and the precise pairing in size and color makes them ready for matched jewelry applications such as earrings or a complementary ring and pendant set.

When compared to other lapis offerings on the market this pair offers distinct advantages in quality and value, many commercial lapis stones are dyed to even out color or to mimic the prized Afghan blue, others are reconstituted from small fragments and pressed into slabs which can compromise both durability and long term appearance, by contrast these tablets are cut from solid, untreated material so the color comes from the stone itself and not from surface treatments, this means the color is stable and will not fade or alter with routine wear and cleaning, another difference is the quality of the cut and polish, lower grade lapis often appears flat or chalky because cutters attempt to maximize yield rather than enhance the optical appeal, the tablet cut of these cushions creates a pleasing flat profile with a refined bevel that shows off the stone surface while the excellent polish produces a smooth, satiny finish that catches light in a way that dyed or poorly polished stones cannot, for clients seeking authenticity and long term satisfaction this pair represents a superior choice.

Against alternative blue gems such as sodalite, azurite, turquoise or synthetic imitations these lapis from Afghanistan offer a unique aesthetic and better provenance, sodalite often resembles lapis but typically shows a lighter, more violet blue and lacks the rich ultramarine depth, azurite can be brilliant but tends to be softer and more fragile for everyday jewelry, turquoise is valued for its own character yet it has a very different texture and often contains matrix patterns that appeal to different tastes, synthetic or stabilized substitutes may provide similar color at lower cost but they do not carry the natural story or rarity of an untreated Afghan material, collectors and designers prize Afghan lapis for its classic history and distinctive color, small pyrite inclusions can add a natural metallic sparkle that enhances visual interest and confirms authenticity, the paired weights and near identical dimensions make this set particularly valuable for creating balanced, high end designs where matching is essential, the nearly identical carat weights and complementary measurements are difficult to find in untreated material at this quality level.

Purchasing through The Natural Gemstone Company assures a combination of product integrity and service that is difficult to match among fast fashion suppliers, we source responsibly and can provide clear information about origin and enhancement status, because these lapis are unenhanced and sourced from Afghanistan the stones command a premium compared to treated alternatives yet they also represent better long term value since buyers do not pay repeatedly for replacements when treatments fail, for jewelry makers these tablet cut cushions offer practical advantages, they sit comfortably in bezels and low profile settings, they present a stable surface for daily wear, and their dimensions make them easy to pair in conventional settings without extensive remounting work, if you are considering alternatives we can show comparable options from different origins so you can directly compare color saturation, polish quality and overall suitability for your project, our team can also assist with matching metal choices, setting styles and any certification needs, in short this pair of intense blue, untreated Afghan lapis provides a rare intersection of beauty, provenance and practical value that outperforms many market alternatives, please contact The Natural Gemstone Company for further details, pricing, or to request additional images and matching services.