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

This matched pair comprises two cushion shaped blue lapis pieces weighing 3.58 carats and 3.49 carats respectively, with precise dimensions of 12.14 by 10.19 by 2.91 millimeters and 12.18 by 10.23 by 2.82 millimeters, tablet cut to present expansive, shallow tables, and finished to an excellent polish. The tablet cut in lapis is a purposeful departure from high faceting, it emphasizes the stone body color and surface luster rather than light return, producing a broad visual plane that suits inlay work and classic jewelry mounts. Both stones are opaque, exhibiting uniform saturation across the table without enhancement, color intensity is not applicable as these are evaluated as opaque material, and the absence of treatment preserves the natural matrix characteristics inherent to Afghan lapis. Craftsmanship notes include careful matching of crown curvature and edge rounding, minimal variance in pavilion thickness to ensure consistent weight distribution, and a polish execution that minimizes surface pits and abrasions while maintaining tactile smoothness and strong reflected highlights.

The rarity of such a well matched pair should be underscored, finding two lapis pieces this closely aligned in weight, outline, thickness, and surface quality is uncommon in the current market, especially from a single Afghan origin source with no enhancements. The dimensional concordance, with differences of only 0.04 millimeters in length and 0.04 millimeters in width, and a thickness differential of 0.09 millimeters, makes these particularly valuable for mirrored applications such as earrings, cufflinks, or articulated inlay where symmetry is critical. Visual homogeneity is also supported by consistent body tone and minimal disruptive matrix, which allows setters and designers to rely on predictable color behavior under various lighting. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document origin, cut and finishing parameters to assist designers and collectors in assessing suitability for precision matched settings, and we emphasize provenance from Afghanistan as a desirable attribute for collectors seeking traditional lapis sources. This pair represents a technically refined, naturally intact offering for buyers who prioritize matched geometry, untouched material, and superior surface finishing.