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

This pair of lapis presents as two well matched cushion shaped cabochons, each retaining an opaque body and vivid purplish blue color intensity, the left stone weighing 4.72 carats, the right stone weighing 4.73 carats, the exact dimensions are 14.14 x 12.15 x 2.55 mm for the first stone, and 14.19 x 12.23 x 2.56 mm for the second stone, both stones are tablet cut which produces a low profile and a broad flat table, the surfaces have been finished to an excellent polish which enhances the saturated tone and surface uniformity, no enhancement has been applied to these stones, the natural state is preserved, and the origin is Afghanistan, noted for producing lapis of consistently strong color and fine lapis material, these stones are offered by The Natural Gemstone Company.

The visual character of these lapis emphasizes a concentrated purplish blue hue, the color presents with even saturation across each tablet surface, the opacity prevents light transmission and emphasizes the surface tone rather than internal translucency, the tablet cut combined with the cushion outline creates a classic silhouette suitable for matched applications, subtle speckling of metallic luster consistent with natural pyrite inclusions is present within the matrix, these inclusions are distributed in a manner that provides interest without disrupting the color field, small areas of slightly lighter matrix may be present as natural calcite pockets, the overall appearance is of two cohesive stones with strong visual parity in color, texture, and pattern, the excellent polish ensures smooth touch and a reflective surface that conveys depth and richness without excessive reflectivity.

From a practical design perspective these tablet cut, low profile cushions are well suited to settings that benefit from a stable seat and a protective bezel, the uniform thickness and minimal height make them appropriate for stud earrings, drop earrings, low profile rings, pendants that rest against fabric or skin, and decorative inlay work for bracelets or cufflinks, the consistent dimensions between the two stones facilitate matched settings where symmetry is essential, the durable flat base of the tablet cut allows for secure adhesive or bezel retention when set on metal backings, the vivid purplish blue tone pairs effectively with both warm metals such as yellow gold and cooler tones such as white gold and platinum, the choice of metal will influence the perceived warmth of the color, and designers often select a metal finish based on the desired contrast and overall aesthetic balance.

Technical and care information is relevant for long term preservation, lapis lazuli is a rock composed primarily of the mineral lazurite with common accessory minerals including pyrite and calcite, hardness generally falls in the range of five to five and a half on the Mohs scale which necessitates considerate handling to avoid abrasion and scratching during manufacture and wear, the stones should not be exposed to strong acids, household chemicals, or prolonged soaking in ultrasonic cleaners which can affect surface polish or matrix stability, gentle cleaning with a soft brush, mild soap in lukewarm water, and immediate drying with a soft cloth is recommended, storage separate from harder gemstones and abrasive metals will reduce the risk of surface wear, the absence of enhancement indicates these are natural, untreated lapis from Afghanistan, this provenance is consistent with historical sources of high quality material, and The Natural Gemstone Company includes these specifications and observations to support informed decision making for designers and collectors.