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

This pair of cushion shaped lapis presents as a balanced and carefully prepared set, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. The individual stones weigh 2.18 carats and 2.40 carats respectively, and each displays consistent tablet cutting and an excellent polish. The dimensions are 10.09 by 8.12 by 2.83 millimeters for the 2.18 carat piece, and 10.10 by 8.15 by 2.61 millimeters for the 2.40 carat piece. Both stones are opaque in body tone, with an intense color intensity that characterizes fine quality lapis. No enhancement has been applied to either stone, and the stated origin is Afghanistan.

The color of these lapis specimens is a rich, saturated blue, approaching the deep royal end of the lapis spectrum, with a visual uniformity across the tablet surfaces. The intense saturation emphasizes the primary blue matrix, while discrete metallic specks are visible on close inspection, consistent with naturally occurring pyrite inclusions. These pyrite inclusions provide a subtle, reflective contrast against the blue field, contributing to the typical aesthetic associated with high quality Afghan lapis. The tablet cut produces broad, even faces that showcase the color and inclusion pattern without introducing optical distortion, and the cushion outline offers softened corners that are well suited to both classic and contemporary settings.

From a gemological and practical perspective, these pieces offer reliable handling characteristics for jewelry fabrication and design. The paired dimensions are closely matched, differing by only hundredths of a millimeter, and the weights are complementary, making the pair particularly suitable for matched applications such as earrings, cuff links, or side by side in a pendant. The excellent polish preserves surface luster while minimizing the visibility of cabochon style surface irregularities, and the tablet profile gives a low to moderate thickness, which allows for secure bezel or channel settings without excessive stone height. The lack of enhancement simplifies disclosure and appraisal, and provides assurance that the visual properties are intrinsic to the material.

Regarding composition, handling, and care, lapis is a rock composed principally of lazurite, often accompanied by calcite and pyrite, and these specimens exhibit the expected textural interplay. The Mohs hardness of lapis typically ranges from 5 to 5.5, and these pieces should be treated accordingly. Avoid high heat, prolonged exposure to acids and household chemicals, and aggressive ultrasonic or steam cleaning. Cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap in lukewarm water is recommended, followed by gentle drying. When storing, keep the pair separated from harder gemstones or metals that could abrade the tablet surfaces, and consider individual soft pouches or lined compartments to preserve the polish and edge integrity.

The provenance of these lapis specimens is Afghanistan, a source long regarded for producing some of the most esteemed material worldwide. The Natural Gemstone Company presents this pair with full disclosure of origin and treatment status, and with precise physical specifications to support design, appraisal, and selection decisions. For buyers and designers seeking a natural matched pair with intense blue color, even tablet cutting, and an absence of enhancement, these two cushion lapis stones represent a technically sound option. Additional imagery and measurement verification are available on request, and The Natural Gemstone Company stands ready to provide any further technical data or assistance needed to integrate these stones into finished pieces.