8.90 Ct. Cabochon Lapis from Afghanistan

One beautiful opaque 8.90 carat oval blue lapis is offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, presenting a classic combination of size, color, and surface refinement that makes it especially suitable for custom jewelry projects. The stone is cut en cabochon, finished to an excellent polish, and measures 18.40 by 11.05 by 4.95 millimeters, providing a substantial surface area and comfortable profile for a wide range of settings. Origin is Afghanistan, a source long respected for producing lapis with vivid ultramarine tones and attractive natural character. No enhancements have been applied to this specimen, the material is natural and untreated, and the opaque bodycolor lends visual stability and presence when set in metal.

The oval cabochon profile and the specific dimensions of this lapis make it an efficient choice for jewelers and designers seeking a focal stone that balances scale and wearability. At 18.40 millimeters in length the stone spans enough area to serve as a prominent centerpiece in a ring or pendant, while the 11.05 millimeter width maintains classic proportions that read elegantly when framed in a bezel or low profile claw setting. The 4.95 millimeter depth contributes to secure seatings in bezel mounts, and also allows for thoughtful metal work beneath the stone to reduce weight without sacrificing durability. For designers who prefer outlines that follow organic hand shapes, the oval silhouette complements finger contours and necklace placements, making it well suited to bespoke rings, statement pendants, cocktail pieces, and artisan brooches.

The visual character of this lapis is defined by a saturated blue bodytone with natural markers that add interest to each viewing angle. The opaque nature removes light transmission concerns common to translucent gems, producing a stable, strong visual field that pairs well with both warm and cool metals. Minor matrix veins and occasional metallic pyrite flecks are intrinsic to many Afghan lapis specimens, and these features provide a contextual, authentic appearance that speaks to origin and geology. Because the lapis is untreated, these natural inclusions and matrix patterns can be deliberately incorporated into design choices, guiding bezel orientation, accent stone placement, or complementary metal finishing. The excellent polish enhances hand appeal under natural and artificial light, delivering a smooth surface that reflects highlights without glare that obscures the stone character.

From a practical perspective this lapis offers a combination of workable dimensions and reliable material behavior that simplifies bench preparation for custom settings. The cabochon dome reduces the need for extreme precision in seat shaping compared with faceted stones, and the given depth allows for multiple mounting strategies, including raised settings for visual emphasis, flush bezels for durability, and hybrid designs that integrate metalwork with stone geometry. For clients seeking a single, substantial lapis to anchor a bespoke commission, or for designers building limited edition lines around a recurring silhouette, this 8.90 carat oval cabochon from Afghanistan represents a measured and authentic choice. The Natural Gemstone Company provides this piece with full specification information, enabling accurate planning and confident execution in custom jewelry applications.