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

These two beautiful, opaque lapis pieces present as a matched pair that will immediately catch the eye, they weigh 2.12 carats and 2.32 carats respectively, they are cushion shape blue lapis, tablet cut, and finished with an excellent polish, the whole presentation speaks to careful cutting and attentive finishing. The dimensions are 10.11 by 8.17 by 2.61 mm for the first stone, and 10.06 by 8.06 by 2.58 mm for the second stone, these proportions give a pleasing low profile that lies comfortably against the skin. Color intensity is intense, revealing the classic ultramarine to deep royal blue that lapis lovers seek, and natural pyrite inclusions are visible as metallic gold flecks that dance across the blue background, adding character and a sense of natural origin, there is no enhancement, and the origin is Afghanistan, which is renowned for producing some of the finest lapis in the world. The tablet cut means a slightly flattened domed face with rounded corners, a shape that emphasizes the field of color and the metallic inclusions while preserving durability, the excellent polish allows light to skim the surface and enhances the visual depth despite the material being opaque.

As a sales professional at The Natural Gemstone Company I find these two stones particularly versatile for jewelry design and finished pieces, as a matched pair they are ideal for earrings that make a statement without being heavy, they will also work beautifully as the focal elements in a cufflink set or as paired accents in a multi stone pendant or bracelet. The cushion outline combined with the tablet cut lends itself to bezel settings that protect the edges, and the low profile sits nicely in channels and flush mounts for a modern, streamlined look. For a warm, classical presentation consider yellow gold which will harmonize with the pyrite inclusions, for a contemporary white metal look choose rhodium plated white gold or sterling silver which will push the blue to the forefront, designers and collectors will appreciate the balance between the rich body color and the natural metallic highlights. Because these stones are opaque, the visual impact is carried by surface quality color saturation and inclusion pattern rather than by light transmission, and their matching size and shape make them straightforward to set together with minimal additional cutting or alteration.

Care, provenance and service are as important as the gem itself, these lapis pieces are natural and untreated which preserves their natural appearance and value, because they are sourced from Afghanistan you are acquiring material from one of the classic lapis localities, and I am happy to provide additional provenance information or photographs on request. Caring for lapis is simple, avoid harsh chemicals ultrasonic cleaners and prolonged exposure to acids and strong heat, clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and have any setting maintained by a trusted jeweler to ensure the bezel or prongs remain secure. If you are considering a custom project The Natural Gemstone Company can assist with design suggestions metal choices and exact stone placement, we can also provide high resolution images close up for appraisal or design approval and can recommend settings that will protect and showcase the stones while maintaining wearability. Please contact us to discuss pricing availability and customization options, we will be glad to arrange additional photos a short video of the stones under natural light or to hold the pair for a limited time while you make your design decisions.