4.81 Ct. Lapis from Afghanistan

A rare and arresting cushion shaped blue lapis, weighing 4.81 carats, presented with a refined tablet cut that flatters its intense, vivid color. This piece measures 16.07 by 12.18 by 2.24 millimeters, and its opaque body is finished with an excellent polish that reveals a deep, velvety blue surface punctuated by fine golden specks that suggest the presence of pyrite, a hallmark of classic Afghan lapis. There has been no enhancement to alter its natural character, every centimeter of its color and texture is true to its origin in Afghanistan, and each facet of its tablet cut reflects careful lapidary work designed to maximize surface color and uniformity. When you choose this stone, you are choosing a gemstone that reads as both timeless and singular, a gem that would not only anchor a piece of jewelry but define it. The Natural Gemstone Company offers this lapis as a unique specimen for collectors and designers who prize authenticity, provenance, and an unobscured connection to the earth from which it came.

The tablet cut and shallow pavilion of this cushion shaped lapis make it exceptionally versatile for bespoke settings, offering designers and clients a wide palette of possibilities. Its broad, flat top is ideal for elegant bezel settings that protect the softer stone while showcasing the saturated blue, a choice that suits signet rings, pendants, and cuff bracelets that are meant to be worn confidently and often. For a more modern aesthetic, a minimalist prong set around the long edges can create the illusion of a floating blue plane, perfect for statement cocktail rings or pendant designs that play with negative space. Because of its generous surface area and uniform color, this lapis is also superb for paired settings such as a matched set of drop earrings, or for accents in mixed metal pieces where a strip of lapis can be inlaid into a bracelet or cuff, or mounted into bespoke cufflinks for an elevated masculine expression. For clients seeking high contrast, pairing this deep blue with warm yellow gold brings out the golden pyrite shimmer, while white metals create a refined, contemporary frame that emphasizes color depth. The stone also lends itself to multi stone compositions, where it can act as a bold centerpiece surrounded by diamonds or lighter colored gemstones to create a halo or surround that amplifies its presence. Whatever your vision, its tablet cut makes it straightforward to set flush into a metal plane or to crown as a solitaire focal point, and our design team can advise on protective mounting methods to preserve its polish and color over time.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we treat stones like this as the beginning of a personal story, not merely an inventory item, and we offer bespoke design consultations for clients who wish to transform this 4.81 carat Afghan lapis into a one of a kind heirloom. Availability is limited, and because this gem is untreated and sourced from a specific mining region, we can provide detailed origin information and condition notes to accompany any commission. Our craftsmen recommend bezel or channel settings for everyday wear to protect the stone, and reserve more exposed prong or open gallery designs for pieces that will be worn with care. We also offer design mockups in several metal options and can arrange matched pairings or complementary stones to create a full set. For collectors, the tablet cut affords the option of custom mounting into a display frame or a collector box that highlights the stone as a specimen in its own right. If you wish to secure this lapis or explore bespoke settings tailored to your style, contact The Natural Gemstone Company to begin a private consultation, become one of the few who will wear this exact stone, and commission a piece that is as exclusive and enduring as the lapis itself.