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

This pair of opaque lapis presents as two cushion shape stones with weights of 2.30 carats and 2.24 carats respectively, dimensions 10.07 by 8.13 by 2.61 millimeters and 10.07 by 8.15 by 2.71 millimeters, tablet cut, intense color intensity, excellent polish, and origin Afghanistan. The tablet cut is executed to a low profile plane with a broad flat table and gently rounded shoulders, preserving maximum color saturation while minimizing light leakage, an approach ideal for truly opaque material. Color grading is characterized by an intense, saturated blue with medium to deep tone, showing uniform chroma across each face, and occasional fine pyrite speckling that is natural to Afghan lapis and that provides subtle contrast without disrupting the primary blue field. No enhancement has been applied to these stones, the natural surface and dye free state are verified by consistent color distribution and inherent texture visible at loupe magnification.

Craftsmanship attention is evident in the precision matching of pair dimensions and the quality of the polish, which yields a smooth, satiny luster across the tablet planes and edges, an indicator of careful lapidary work and appropriate abrasive selection during finishing stages. The proportional similarity between the two pieces, differing by only 0.06 carats and by hundredths of a millimeter in two axes, makes them well suited for matched settings where symmetry is required, such as a pair of cufflinks, pendant pairings, or side stones in a larger composition. Given their tablet profile and shallow depth, mounting in bezel or channel settings is recommended to secure the thin girdle area and to protect the tablet surfaces from edge impact, while open back settings are unnecessary for this opaque material. These stones are offered by The Natural Gemstone Company with full disclosure of origin and treatment status, making them appropriate for collectors and designers who prioritize natural provenance, meticulous cutting, and consistent color performance.