0.88 Ct. Tourmaline from Afghanistan

This 0.88 carat cushion shape green tourmaline is a finely finished, transparent example that will appeal to collectors and discerning jewelry designers. The stone measures 5.88 x 4.65 x 4.00 mm and carries a mixed brilliant cut, which combines step facets with brilliant facets to balance sparkle and color depth. Its medium intense green color is steady across the table and pavilion, offering an attractive saturation without veering into overly dark tones. The gem has been evaluated as very slightly included at eye level, a clarity that preserves strong transparency while documenting natural growth features that confirm its authenticity. Polish is excellent, which enhances facet definition and surface brilliance, and there has been no enhancement applied to this stone, so the color you see is natural. The piece originates from Afghanistan, a source known for producing clean, well colored tourmalines that often present a pleasing combination of tone and hue, and the provenance of this specimen adds provenance value for collectors who prioritize natural origin and untreated status.

From a gemological perspective, this tourmaline is notable for its balance of cut, clarity, and color. The cushion shape, when executed with a mixed brilliant scheme, tends to deepen perceived color while permitting lively scintillation when the stone is moved. The mixed brilliant cut in this example appears to have been planned to maximize face up color without sacrificing light return. The very slightly included grade at eye level implies that inclusions are present but unobtrusive, and they are unlikely to affect durability for normal wear. Tourmaline typically has a refractive index in the range of about 1.624 to 1.644 and a Mohs hardness near 7 to 7.5, and those physical constants mean that a well cut and polished stone like this will stand up well as a center gem in everyday jewelry, with reasonable care. The excellent polish also speaks to quality lapidary work, producing crisp facet junctions and a clean table that aids in assessing the stone under magnification and in hand.

For the educated buyer, this green tourmaline offers several attractive value propositions. First, the combination of a near one carat weight, natural medium intense color, and lack of enhancement makes it more market rare than heat treated or irradiated material, which is common in some gem categories. Second, Afghan origin has market cachet because certain Afghan deposits yield clean material with vivid hue and good crystallographic development, traits that support both aesthetic appeal and collector interest. Third, the mixed brilliant cutting strategy is practical for jewelry design, as it brings color to the fore while maintaining lively light performance, which in turn enhances perceived size and presence. Buyers who are considering allocation into bespoke jewelry or into a private collection should also note that clarity described as very slightly included at eye level usually photographs beautifully and responds well to close setting or halo mounting, where minor inclusions are masked by surrounding metal and accent stones. For those who seek documented provenance and untreated material, this specimen checks both boxes, and we recommend professional grading and an origin statement if you require formal certification for resale or appraisal purposes.

When planning a custom piece, the versatile green of this cushion tourmaline opens many attractive pairing strategies. For a classic and luminous combination, a fine quality melee diamond halo in either near colorless or warm champagne tones will amplify brilliance and set off the green without overpowering it. If you prefer color contrast, consider pairing the green tourmaline with small pink tourmaline accents, or with rose cut sapphires in a delicate pink to peach range, which will yield a sophisticated, floral inspired palette. For a bolder, contemporary look, small deep blue sapphires set on either side or as bead accents will create a striking triad with green at the center. Metal choice further refines the presentation, yellow gold will add warmth and make the green appear richer, rose gold will introduce a soft romantic cast, and platinum or white gold will create a cooler, more modern contrast that emphasizes the stone s clarity and internal fire. Design options that perform especially well for this weight and cut include a modest halo with tapered baguette shoulders, a three stone ring with color accent side stones, or a solitaire pendant with a subtle bezel to protect the girdle, each approach maintaining the tourmaline as the focal point while using complementary gems to enhance tone and perceived size. At The Natural Gemstone Company we can provide design sketches and consultation on pairing stones and metals to meet aesthetic and durability goals, ensuring that the final piece highlights the natural beauty, clarity, and Afghan provenance of this attractive green tourmaline.