12.06 Ct. Lapis from Afghanistan

This beautiful opaque lapis, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, is a standout example of natural Afghan material, weighing 12.06 carat, and measuring 17.00 by 11.59 by 5.92 mm. The cushion shape presents a pleasing balance of classic form and contemporary appeal, while the tablet cut gives the stone a gently domed top with a flat pillared profile that highlights its rich surface color. The purplish blue hue displays vivid color intensity, a trait that immediately separates premium lapis from ordinary pieces. The polish is excellent, producing a smooth, lustrous surface that catches the light in a warm, consistent way. Importantly, this specimen has no enhancement, which means the color and character you see are entirely natural, and the origin from Afghanistan adds provenance and desirability, since Afghan deposits are renowned for producing deep, richly colored lapis that is favored by connoisseurs and designers alike.

When compared to other lapis offerings on the market, this piece asserts clear advantages in both quality and value. Many commercial lapis stones are treated, stabilized, or dyed to achieve a more saturated color, and those treatments can mask inferior material while reducing long term desirability and resale value. By contrast, an untreated natural lapis with vivid purplish blue saturation is increasingly rare, and collectors know to pay a premium for authenticity. Other blue stones like sodalite and azurite may mimic the blue of lapis at a glance, but they lack the same depth of color, and they often show different textures and lower hardness. Even among lapis specimens, lighter or mottled stones are common, while a piece that combines rich color, uniform opacity, and minimal surface matrix offers a superior aesthetic and a more reliable performance in jewelry. For buyers seeking investment grade or designer quality material, the combination of weight, color, polish, and proven Afghan origin makes this example more valuable than many mass produced alternatives.

From a gem cutting and design perspective, this tablet cut cushion lapis has several practical and stylistic benefits that set it apart. The tablet cut maintains more of the original material volume than deep cabochon cuts, which means designers can showcase a substantial color block in wider bezels and inlay work, while keeping a low profile for comfort in rings and bracelets. The cushion outline provides soft corners that are versatile for a variety of mountings, and the dimensions of 17.00 by 11.59 by 5.92 mm are ideal for statement rings, pendants, and artisan brooches where a bold, single stone focal point is desired. The excellent polish enhances tactile appeal and reduces the visibility of small surface irregularities, making the stone suitable for daily wear when set securely. In terms of durability, lapis is more robust than many dyed or treated materials, and an untreated natural piece conserves the original structural integrity of the stone. Designers who prefer authentic, character rich materials will appreciate how this lapis integrates into both traditional and modern designs, offering a depth of color that photographs well and shows beautifully under gallery lighting.

Choosing this lapis from The Natural Gemstone Company represents a strategic decision for buyers who require superior quality, verifiable origin, and enduring value. Our clients often compare similar stones and remark on how untreated Afghan lapis with vivid purplish blue tone stands out against the sea of enhanced or mixed origin material available elsewhere. If you are a jeweler, collector, or private buyer seeking a confident purchase, this 12.06 carat cushion tablet lapis brings clarity in provenance, excellence in finish, and a richness of tone that commands attention. We can provide additional images, fitting suggestions, and assistance with independent certification upon request, to ensure you acquire exactly the right material for your project. Contact The Natural Gemstone Company for further details, and allow our gem specialists to guide you in making an informed choice that prioritizes natural beauty, lasting value, and design versatility.