9.74 Ct. Cabochon Lapis from Afghanistan

One look at this exceptional 9.74 carat cushion shape blue lapis and you immediately see why it stands apart from the many lapis options on the market, it measures 11.86 by 11.85 by 9.36 mm, it is cut in a classic sugar loaf form that emphasizes depth of color and surface luster, it is truly opaque with an intense, saturated blue that reads as deep royal blue to the eye, and the polish is excellent, delivering a satin sheen that brings out the stone character without artificial enhancement, unlike many commercial lapis offerings that are dyed, stabilized, or assembled, this stone is natural with no enhancement, originating from Afghanistan, a source renowned for producing some of the finest lapis historically sought after by collectors and designers, at The Natural Gemstone Company we prioritize stones that require no treatment to show their beauty, which places this piece above the numerous treated lapis pieces that dominate online listings.

When compared to other lapis stones in this weight class, this 9.74 carat gem delivers exceptional presence, many sellers market lapis at similar prices that are under 5 carats and often rely on dyeing to hit the ideal blue, whereas this cushion sugar loaf retains its genuine mineral character while offering a large and wearable size, the sugar loaf cut is advantageous because it concentrates the color across a rounded dome, it reads larger on the finger and pendant than faceted or flat cabochons of similar dimensions, and it minimizes the appearance of internal mottling that can detract from visual impact, the excellent polish enhances color saturation and makes it easier to set elegantly in fine and bespoke jewelry, if you compare this to lower grade lapis that looks flat or chalky, this piece stands out with a depth and vitality that is difficult to replicate by treatments alone.

The uniqueness of this stone is not only in its color and cut, it is in the authenticity and the tactile quality that you feel when holding a natural Afghan lapis, the surface may display subtle natural mineral inclusions which are a hallmark of genuine lapis and can add a hint of character similar to the classic pieces that appear in museum collections, many buyers are offered stones that imitate this look through composite manufacturing or heavy dyeing which may wear or fade over time, by contrast, a no enhancement lapis from Afghanistan like this one will age gracefully and maintain its visual integrity in jewelry use, the cushion proportions of 11.86 by 11.85 by 9.36 mm are ideal for center stone settings in rings and pendants where a domed sugar loaf will catch light differently than a standard cabochon, designers will find this stone easier to place in bespoke work because its intense, even color reduces the need to hide imperfections in the mounting, value conscious collectors will appreciate that a natural, untreated lapis of this size and polish is rarer on the market than smaller or treated alternatives.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we present this 9.74 carat Afghan lapis as a superior choice for those who seek authenticity, enduring color, and a refined cut that enhances the natural beauty of the mineral, compared to the mass market offerings that emphasize uniformity through treatment, this stone offers genuine character and investment value because it is presented in its natural state with excellent craftsmanship applied to the cut and finish, our customers who prefer stones that tell a story and perform well in daily wear will find this lapis excels in both regards, if you want a prominent, natural lapis that will stand the test of time and elevate any jewelry setting, this cushion sugar loaf from Afghanistan is a standout option that outperforms many treated or lesser cut alternatives on quality, value, and uniqueness.