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

This attractive matched pair of lapis lazuli from The Natural Gemstone Company comprises stones weighing 3.45 carats and 3.50 carats respectively, each in a cushion shape with tablet cut proportions, and with dimensions of 12.14 x 10.21 x 2.83 mm and 12.13 x 10.19 x 2.94 mm. These pieces are opaque, exhibiting intense blue color intensity and an excellent polish that highlights the evenness of tone across the tablet surfaces. There is no enhancement, the stones are natural and untreated, and they originate from Afghanistan, a region long respected for producing deep blue lapis of high quality. The close match in weight, shape, and dimension makes this pair especially desirable for calibrated earrings, matched cufflinks, or a harmonized pendant pair where symmetry is important to a discerning client.

For an educated buyer assessing value, the key grading considerations for lapis are color uniformity, the proportion and distribution of accessory minerals, and the quality of the cutting and polish. Clarity in lapis is measured by the evenness of the blue color, and by the presence or absence of white calcite veining and metallic pyrite speckling, rather than by transparency. High quality lapis will show an intense, saturated blue with minimal calcite and a balanced, aesthetic distribution of pyrite when present. These particular stones show intense and consistent blue, minimal disruptive calcite, and a clean tablet profile that reads well when set, confirming their appeal to connoisseurs who value untreated provenance and stable color. The flat tablet cut and low profile are excellent for bezel or flush settings, offering durability and a modern silhouette, while the excellent polish enhances surface luster without obscuring the natural character of the material. From a provenance perspective, Afghan lapis commands attention for historical significance and for producing some of the best saturated blues available on the market, which supports both aesthetic and investment considerations. If you are considering these stones for a bespoke commission or for a collector grade set, The Natural Gemstone Company can provide further imagery, matching services, and guidance on setting and care recommendations to preserve the integrity of the lapis over time.