18.84 Ct. Cabochon Lapis from Afghanistan

This 18.84 carat oval blue lapis presents a concise and verifiable set of attributes, suitable for appraisal, design, and collector records. The stone measures 20.20 x 15.15 x 7.35 mm, and it is fashioned as a cabochon to best express its opaque character and rich color. The piece exhibits vivid color intensity across the dome, with an excellent polish that enhances surface luster and optical depth. There has been no enhancement applied to this lapis, and its origin is Afghanistan, a source known for historically important and high quality deposits. The Natural Gemstone Company documents these technical details as part of our standard provenance and quality reporting, providing clear information for gemologists, lapidaries, and clients alike.

The journey of this lapis begins in the limestone and metamorphic formations of Afghanistan, where skilled miners and local teams extract lapis rough by hand and with small scale tools, guided by generations of local knowledge. The first selection separates material that shows the deep, saturated blue that lapis prized for millennia can display, from fragments with more muted tones or excessive matrix. Once selected, the rough is stabilized for transport, and it is transported under documented chain of custody procedures to ensure legal and traceable movement. At this early stage natural inclusions, and small variations in texture and tone, are noted and recorded, because they will inform the cutting strategy that follows, and because these features contribute to the gemological identity of the stone.

In the lapidary workshop, experienced cutters evaluate the rough piece for orientation and potential, deciding that an oval cabochon of the dimensions now recorded will best preserve the vivid blue color while minimizing the loss of weight. The cabochon shape is a deliberate choice for opaque stones, because it showcases uniform color fields and a smooth reflective surface rather than attempting to create transparency where there is none. The cutter worked to center the color and any desirable inclusions, and to eliminate structural weaknesses that could compromise integrity. After shaping, the stone underwent successive stages of sanding and polishing to achieve the excellent polish that brings out a deep, velvety sheen. Quality control checks confirmed absence of treatments, and spectroscopic and visual assessments support the declared Afghan origin, a matter that The Natural Gemstone Company records and certifies as part of our provenance practice.

From the finishing room the lapis passes through final inspection, documentation, and careful packaging before entering the inventory ready for market presentation. The documentation includes weight, dimensions, cut type, polish grade, and a note on enhancement status, together with origin information, all recorded under The Natural Gemstone Company standards. For designers and collectors, this oval cabochon offers a stable and vivid centerpiece, suited to bezel settings, statement rings, pendants, and artisanal bespoke work. Care guidance is straightforward, avoid prolonged exposure to acids and harsh chemicals, clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners to prevent surface damage, and secure the stone in settings that protect the cabochon dome from hard knocks. The provenance and unenhanced condition make this lapis relevant for those who prioritize natural material integrity, and The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the recorded attributes, offering traceable documentation and support for incorporation into creative and curated projects.