2.66 Ct. Lapis from Afghanistan

This cushion shape blue lapis offered by The Natural Gemstone Company is a 2.66 carat, opaque tablet cut specimen with dimensions 12.08 x 10.21 x 2.13 mm, originating from Afghanistan. The tablet cut gives a low profile form with a shallow pavilion and a carved, radial starburst motif across the tablet face, a faceting approach that emphasizes planar polish and directional play rather than traditional refractive brilliance. Color grading for this piece is vivid, with a strong, saturated blue tone that is evenly distributed across the table, and the excellent polish produces a smooth, satiny to slightly vitreous surface reflection. No enhancements have been applied, so this lapis retains its natural mineralogy and untreated surface characteristics, including any minor matrix or natural speckling that is typical of high quality Afghan lapis. The combination of the cushion outline with the tablet cut results in a stable outline for setting, while the minimal thickness of 2.13 mm must be taken into account for mechanical security and design integration.

For custom jewelry applications this lapis is particularly advantageous due to its size and shape. The 12.08 x 10.21 mm footprint is large enough to function as a confident center for rings and pendants, yet the tablet profile allows for low bezel settings that sit comfortably against the skin, ideal for everyday wear pieces. From a fabrication perspective, the shallow depth recommends a full bezel or flush setting rather than traditional prongs, as bezel walls provide even support to the edge and protect the carved facets from lateral impact. When designing rings, allow for a bezel seat that accommodates the 2.13 mm thickness plus a thin backing if additional adhesion or reinforcement is desired. For inlay work or mixed metal compositions, consider channel or recessed bezels to keep the stone protected, and avoid excessive force during setting to preserve the carved motif. A warm yellow gold mount will enhance the lapis blue, while white metals and diamond accents will increase perceived contrast and make the vivid blue appear more intense. This untreated Afghan lapis from The Natural Gemstone Company is supplied ready for bespoke work, and our team can advise on bezel dimensions, setting techniques, and mounting options to integrate this tablet cut cushion into your next custom design.