41.22 Ct.Tw.Total Carat Weight Cabochon Lapis Pair from Afghanistan

This pair of lapis presents as a balanced and carefully matched set, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, each stone showing an opaque, saturated blue that reads as vivid in intensity. The stones weigh 20.65 carats and 20.57 carats respectively, reflecting a near identical mass that supports matched use in paired jewelry applications. Both gems are oval in outline and have been fashioned as cabochons, a cut choice that emphasizes color depth and surface continuity rather than faceted brilliance. There is no enhancement recorded for these pieces, and their origin is Afghanistan, a source known for producing lapis with rich chromatic character. The cabochon treatment combined with the opacity of the material produces a uniform color field that reads clearly across the dome, and the vendor grading of vivid color intensity aligns with the visual impression of strong, saturated blue with even distribution across each stone.

The physical proportions of each stone support visual symmetry when set together, an important consideration for designers and clients seeking matched pairs. The first stone measures 25.01 by 17.99 by 5.66 millimeters, while the companion stone measures 25.25 by 18.30 by 5.27 millimeters, numbers that indicate a close correspondence in length and width as well as a modest variance in dome height. The slight difference in cabochon height is within the expected tolerance for hand worked natural material and can provide a subtle dimensional contrast that reads as intentional symmetry in finished pieces. The elliptical silhouettes are well centered, with the principal axes of each oval aligning to produce a coherent visual flow when the pair is placed side by side, and the marginal outlines show consistent curvature, which simplifies bezel or collet setting by minimizing the need for extensive seat work to reconcile shape differences.

Reflective qualities are a defining attribute of well polished cabochons, and these lapis cabochons demonstrate an excellent surface finish that makes their reflective behavior a feature for design emphasis. The polish is described as excellent, and the surface presents a high degree of specular reflection, producing clear highlights along the domed faces that trace the curvature of each stone. These highlights are useful for showcasing symmetry, because they mirror the domed geometry and provide a visual datum that invites precise alignment in matched settings. Light interacts with the polished surface to produce a smooth, glass like sheen, and because the material is opaque, the perceptible reflections remain on the surface plane, preserving the integrity of the deep blue coloration without internal translucency that would otherwise disrupt even color reading. The consistent polish quality across both stones ensures that reflected bands of light will appear parallel and comparable, which is particularly desirable for designers aiming to accentuate symmetry in twin earring configurations or paired in a pendant ensemble.

Practical considerations for these lapis cabochons focus on their suitability for matched jewelry, longevity, and handling to retain reflective quality. Given the weights, dimensions, and matched nature, the pair is especially appropriate for a set of earrings or a matched pair of cufflinks where even proportions are critical, but they can also be used as a focal pair in custom rings when a balanced visual anchor is required. The excellent polish and vivid color intensity reduce the need for additional surface treatments, and the absence of enhancement is relevant to clients and makers who prioritize untreated natural material. Care recommendations include avoiding harsh mechanical abrasion and prolonged exposure to strong acids or alkaline solutions, because the surface polish is the primary contributor to the gems observable luster. For setting, a bezel that follows the oval outline or a low profile collet will secure the stones while allowing the dome to present its reflective highlights, and consideration of metal tone can influence perceived color depth, with cooler metals typically complementing the vivid blue. The Natural Gemstone Company confirms the documented attributes and provenance, supporting accurate specification for design planning and quality assurance.