5.61 Ct. Lapis from Afghanistan

From a remote mountain ledger in Afghanistan to the quiet bench of our lapidary studio, this cushion shaped blue lapis tells a story that reaches back thousands of years, and forward to a moment of quiet possession. Lapis lazuli begins its life in the high grade metamorphic zones where heat and pressure conspire to create the intense ultramarine of lazurite, and where tiny veins of calcite and dustings of metallic pyrite punctuate the blue like notes on a score. In the villages that have long provisioned the world with these treasures, miners still work by hand, sorting and breaking rock with an experienced eye for tone and texture. The Natural Gemstone Company retains a relationship with these traditional sources, and each piece that we bring into our collection carries with it the provenance of its origin. When you hold this stone you are touching more than mineral, you are touching a sequence of human care, from the miner who saw potential in a seam, to the cutter who imagined a form that would best display its color.

This particular gem is a 5.61 carat, cushion shape blue lapis with dimensions of 15.61 by 13.45 by 2.46 mm, fashioned in a tablet cut that favors broad, even planes of color. It is opaque, with an intense color intensity and an excellent polish, and it bears no enhancement. The surface presents fields of deep, royal blue that remain even and saturated across the stone, with natural flecks of pyrite that catch the light like distant stars. There are subtle clouded areas where calcite has left a softer texture, and those internal formations contribute to the individuality of the piece rather than diminishing it. The tablet cut keeps the profile elegant and low, making this lapis ideal for settings that require a strong, uninterrupted color field, such as bezel set pendants, signet or statement rings, and cuff links that demand a masculine, grounded presence.

The journey from rough to refined tablet is a careful choreography of decisions. Once the selected rough arrives at our studio, cutters map the stone to maximize its color while minimizing any undesirable seams. For this lapis, the cutter chose a cushion outline and a tablet finish to preserve the broad blue plains and to allow the pyrite inclusions to play across the surface in a pleasingly random way. Preforming removed excess weight in controlled stages, and successive grits brought the shape to a smooth profile. Polishing was completed with diamond paste to achieve the excellent polish that allows the blue to read as deep and saturated, and the pyrite to gleam without distraction. Because this lapis is untreated, every nuance you see is natural, and that truth is part of its charm. At The Natural Gemstone Company we pair this kind of natural honesty with responsible sourcing, and we can provide documented origin information on request. For designers and collectors, the tablet cut offers practical benefits, it lays flat against the skin making it comfortable in rings and bracelets, it sits securely in bezels, and its low crown reduces risk of chipping while still presenting an impactful surface area for viewing.

Beyond measurements and technique, the deeper value of this stone is the story it invites the wearer to tell. Lapis has been prized by civilizations from Mesopotamia to ancient Egypt for its association with sky and divinity, and Afghan lapis in particular has long been considered among the finest in hue and character. A 5.61 carat cushion tablet is a rare and wearable size that can be the centerpiece of a bespoke engagement piece, a refined gentleman s signet, or a singular pendant that draws conversation. To care for it, avoid strong chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches. If you wish to set the stone, we recommend a protective bezel, or a low profile prong setting with a supportive seat. The Natural Gemstone Company offers custom mounting services and can advise on metal choice. Warm yellow gold will enhance the warmth of any pyrite inclusions, while cool white metals will emphasize the stone s deep ultramarine. We stand behind the piece with authenticity information and with guidance for design, ensuring that the lapis will retain its presence for decades.

If you are drawn to a stone that is both ancient in origin and immediate in wearability, this cushion shape tablet cut lapis from Afghanistan offers a rare combination of intense color, natural character, and practical dimensions. The Natural Gemstone Company invites you to consider this 5.61 carat gem as an heirloom in formation, a single natural object that carries provenance, craftsmanship and potential for personal meaning. Whether you are a collector seeking a genuine piece of Afghan lapis, a designer imagining a one off commission, or someone searching for a meaningful gift, we can provide additional images, a certificate of authenticity upon request, and bespoke setting options to complete the journey from mined stone to worn treasure. Contact us to explore settings and commissioning, and allow this lapis to begin the next chapter of its story in your hands.