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

This pair of natural lapis, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company, comprises two closely matched cushion-shape tablets weighing 2.32 carats and 2.28 carats respectively. The dimensions are 10.10 x 8.14 x 2.67 millimeters and 10.14 x 8.16 x 2.63 millimeters, yielding depth percentages of approximately 29.3 percent and 28.7 percent when calculated against the average of length and width. Both stones are opaque with an intense, saturated blue color and display the characteristic interstitial pyrite speckling associated with Afghan lapis. These are tablet cut examples, with a low domed crown and very shallow profile, cut specifically to present a broad, uniform color plane rather than internal light return. Enhancement status is none, confirming they are untreated natural material from Afghanistan, and the surfaces exhibit an excellent polish that maximizes specular reflection across the flat viewing plane.

From a lapidary and gemological perspective, the tablet cut employed here is optimized for opaque, color-rich material. The shallow depth and broad face area reduce light absorption below the surface, which for lapis enhances perceived color saturation and minimizes any local tonal variability from calcite or other inclusions. The cushions have been cut and oriented to present a balanced distribution of pyrite inclusions so that metallic accents appear as compositional highlights rather than distracting clusters. The polish regimen used produces a high luster, consistent across both stones, indicating careful stepwise abrasion and final finishing likely with fine diamond abrasives or cerium oxide to achieve a smooth, reflective plane without polishing pits or haze. Edge treatment is gently rounded to protect the slab edges while maintaining a defined cushion outline, and symmetry in outline and thickness is tightly controlled to ensure matched appearance in paired mounting applications.

For setting and wear considerations, lapis is a rock composed primarily of lazurite with accessory pyrite and occasional calcite, and it typically registers around 5.0 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. The tablet cut, shallow depth, and excellent polish of these pieces make them particularly suitable for closed-back bezel settings, inlay work, or cufflink and earring designs where abrasion resistance and frontal color presentation are priorities. Bezel and channel settings will protect the shallow edges and reduce exposure to mechanical shock and detergents, while closed-back or gold foil-backed mounts can further intensify the visual depth if desired. Because these stones are untreated, avoid ultrasonic cleaning, steaming, and exposure to acids, household chemicals, or prolonged UV exposure to preserve the natural surface and pyrite luster. If you would like assistance with custom mounting, exact color matching for companion stones, or documentation of origin and untreated status, The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional images, measurement verification, and bespoke setting advice to ensure these two cushions perform optimally in your design.