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

This matched pair of lapis lazuli offered by The Natural Gemstone Company presents a rare combination of balanced weight, precise dimensions, and natural character that will appeal to an educated buyer. Each stone weighs 3.56 carats, and each is fashioned into a cushion shape with tablet cut proportions, measuring 12.18 x 10.19 x 2.87 millimeters for the first stone, and 12.08 x 10.21 x 3.01 millimeters for the second stone. The tablets exhibit an intense blue color intensity and an excellent polish, with an opaque body that is typical for fine lapis lazuli. Importantly, these stones are natural with no enhancement, and their documented origin is Afghanistan, a source long recognized for producing some of the world"s most desirable lapis. For a buyer who values provenance, natural state, and a clean presentation ready for high quality jewelry use, this pair checks the essential boxes.

From a grading and gemological perspective there are several attributes that determine value in lapis lazuli, and this pair scores strongly on the most important ones. Color is primary, and these stones show an intense, saturated ultramarine to deep royal blue that reads evenly across the tablet surfaces. Clarity in opaque gems is assessed by the uniformity of color and the nature of any visible inclusions. Lapis is commonly composed of the mineral lazurite with accessory minerals such as calcite and pyrite. These pieces show minimal to no chalky calcite veining, which would reduce value, and contain tasteful, discreet pyrite specks that create a desirable golden contrast against the blue. The presence of fine pyrite accents is often appreciated by connoisseurs, as long as the metallic inclusions are well distributed and do not dominate the stone. The excellent polish and careful tablet cutting maximize color saturation and surface reflection, while the cushion outline provides classic proportions that sit well in both traditional and contemporary settings. The slight difference in thickness between the two stones is well within acceptable tolerances for a matched pair intended for earrings or matched inlay work.

For the practical buyer and the designer purchaser, a few technical considerations explain why these stones are valuable long term. The fact that they are not treated or dyed removes uncertainty about stability and resale value, since many lower cost lapis materials are stabilized or dyed to improve appearance. Afghanistan origin is a premium attribute, because historically Afghan deposits, especially from the Badakhshan and surrounding areas, have yielded deeply colored material with fine texture and attractive pyrite. At a hardness around five to five and a half on the Mohs scale, lapis requires thoughtful mounting choices. Settings that provide protection, such as bezel or flush inlay, are recommended for daily wear pieces. Because these stones are tablet cut and relatively thin, they are ideal for elegant, low profile settings that protect edges and support the cabochon plane. For pairing into earrings the matched weights and closely matched dimensions make setting straightforward, and for collectors the symmetry of weight and color between the two stones enhances their appeal as a true matched pair.

Care and long term stewardship are practical factors that preserve value, and prospective owners should follow simple guidelines. Avoid exposure to strong acids and household chemicals, clean with a soft damp cloth and mild soap, and avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners which can damage or remove surface polish and any residual surface films. For storage, separate soft pouches or compartments prevent abrasion against harder gems and metals. For buyers considering custom design, The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional images and angle views to assess the patterning and pyrite distribution under controlled lighting, and can offer consultation on ideal mounting styles given the tablet cut and cushion shape. This pair of natural Afghan lapis lazuli, with its intense color, matched weights, thoughtful cutting and excellent polish, represents a well considered acquisition for designers, collectors, and discerning clients who prioritize natural origin, stable material, and classic beauty.