3.75 Ct. Lapis from Afghanistan

This cushion shaped blue lapis presents a vivid, saturated primary blue, offered in an opaque tablet cut that emphasizes the stone surface and color depth. The piece displays an even, intense blue tone across the open table, with characteristic fine, metallic flecks that are consistent with naturally occurring pyrite inclusions. These minute reflective points provide a discreet scintillation against the deep blue field, and they contribute to the typical visual character associated with higher quality lapis specimens. The cutting style is a tablet cut with gently rounded cushion contours, producing a broad, flat face and subtle beveling at the edges, which together create a calm, uniform appearance under both natural and artificial lighting. The overall visual effect is restrained and classical, suitable for designs where color consistency and surface polish are the primary considerations.

Technically, the specimen weighs 3.75 carats, and measures 12.02 by 11.88 by 2.88 millimeters, dimensions that provide a substantial visual presence while remaining versatile for a range of jewelry uses. The finish is noted as excellent polish, yielding a smooth, near lustrous surface across the tablet face and the subtly rounded girdle. The stone is opaque in body color, with no transparency through the plane of the tablet, which is typical and desirable for lapis used in polished tablet or cabochon treatments. Enhancement status is reported as none, indicating the gem is in its natural, untreated state, and the provenance is Afghanistan, a source known for producing classic, richly colored lapis with natural pyrite inclusions. In terms of material properties, lapis typically ranks in the middle of the Mohs hardness scale, therefore appropriate handling and setting design should consider relative softness compared to common jewelry gemstones. The combined attributes of vivid color intensity, authentic inclusions, exact measurements, and excellent surface work define the gem’s character and suitability for both fine jewelry and collector use.

From a practical design and care perspective, the dimensions and tablet profile make this lapis especially well suited to pendants, brooches, and earrings, and it can be employed successfully in rings if the mounting provides adequate protective bezel support. A flush or low profile bezel setting is recommended to protect the relatively thin edge and the flat tablet plane, and inlay work or channel settings are also appropriate applications that emphasize the tablet cut. Given the natural composition and relative softness, the use of ultrasonic or steam cleaning methods is not advised, and prolonged exposure to strong acids, bleaching agents, or high heat should be avoided to preserve surface polish and color. Clean gently with a soft cloth and warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly before storage in a separate compartment to prevent abrasion from harder gemstones or metals. The Natural Gemstone Company offers this lapis as a verified, untreated specimen with documented origin, and we can provide additional imagery, exacting measurements, and handling recommendations upon request. If you require further technical details, setting suggestions, or provenance documentation, please contact our specialist team for a precise consultation.