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

This pair of natural lapis from The Natural Gemstone Company presents a precise and well documented offering for collectors and designers who value provenance and unaltered material, the stones weigh 3.77 carats and 3.48 carats respectively, they are fashioned in a cushion shape with tablet cut profiles measuring 12.13 x 10.14 x 2.90 mm and 12.30 x 10.34 x 2.72 mm, the pieces are opaque as is typical for lapis, they display an intense blue color intensity and an excellent polish, there has been no enhancement to these stones, they originate from Afghanistan, which is widely recognized for producing some of the finest lapis in the world.

From a gemological perspective these stones excel in the primary attributes that define high quality lapis, color is the dominant determinant of value, and the deep, intense blue exhibited here is the most sought after characteristic, clarity in lapis is assessed differently than in transparent gems, instead of internal transparency we evaluate the distribution of accessory minerals such as pyrite and calcite, modest and even pyrite speckling can enhance visual interest without diminishing overall uniformity, excessive calcite can create pale patches and lower appeal, these pieces show a pleasing balance of deep blue with subtle pyrite accents, the tablet cut and cushion outline maximize color saturation by presenting broad, flat surfaces and controlled thickness, the dimensions given confirm that each stone maintains an ideal table to depth ratio for this type of cut, the excellent polish further intensifies the perceived color and contributes to smooth tactile quality which is important for wearable jewelry.

For the educated buyer the attributes of these lapis make a compelling case for both aesthetic and investment reasons, Afghanistan is a historically important source, the Badakhshan region in particular has produced classic ultramarine material for centuries, provenance from Afghanistan typically commands a premium because it signals geological conditions that favor low calcite content and rich lazurite concentration, the absence of enhancement is a critical distinction, many commercial lapis stones are dyed or stabilized with resins to improve color and surface durability, natural untreated stones retain their original crystalline and mineralogical characteristics which appeals to purists and to collectors who value authenticity, matching pairs are inherently more valuable than single stones for use in matched earrings or cufflinks, the slight difference in carat weight here is minimal and the near identical dimensions make these stones highly suitable for symmetrical settings, the cushion shape offers classical elegance while the tablet profile sits comfortably in both bezel and flush mount styles, these design possibilities increase the stones practical utility and marketability.

Practical handling and long term care are straightforward with lapis, the material has a Mohs hardness around 5 to 5.5 which requires avoidance of abrasion and careful setting choices to protect edges, chemicals and acids can alter surface color and polish so jewelry should be removed before cleaning with household cleaners or exposure to strong perfumes and lotions, ultrasonic cleaners and steam are not recommended, mild soap with warm water and a soft cloth is the preferred cleaning method, The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the stated details and can provide high resolution images, further measurements, and documentation on request, we can also assist with recommended mounting approaches and connect you with experienced jewelers for bespoke settings, for buyers seeking natural, untreated lapis with clear provenance and excellent lapidary work this cushion tablet pair represents a rare combination of intense color, matched form, and origin that together support both design flexibility and long term desirability.