33.71 Ct.Tw.Total Carat Weight Cabochon Turquoise Pair from USA

This matched pair comprises two substantial, opaque, round cabochon turquoises, weighing 17.63 carats and 16.08 carats respectively, with precise dimensions of 16.12 x 15.97 x 11.16 millimeters and 16.10 x 16.15 x 10.46 millimeters, the shape and size lending themselves to high presence in finished jewelry. The material presents a bluish green hue with medium light tone and medium saturation, distributed evenly across each dome, resulting in an attractive, soft pastel appearance that remains true under varied lighting. Both stones are cabochon cut with high domes and gently curved profiles, exhibiting excellent polish that produces clean specular highlights and a soft, waxy luster consistent with natural turquoise. Enhancement status is none, these pieces are untreated and unfilled, and the documented geographic source is USA, which informs expectations for stability and minerology while reinforcing provenance for collectors and designers.

From a lapidary perspective the cabochon execution demonstrates careful preforming and symmetry control, the round outline maintained within tight tolerances to facilitate matched pair mounting. The domes are proportioned to balance visual height and surface area, the larger example showing a slightly higher crown corresponding with its 11.16 millimeter thickness, and the slightly smaller example retaining a 10.46 millimeter thickness to preserve proportional harmony. Surface preparation followed successive abrasion stages, moving from coarse silicon carbide grits for shaping through intermediate grits to polish grade abrasives, with final polishing achieved using a fine cerium oxide or aluminum oxide slurry on a soft felt or leather lap, producing the described excellent polish without overworking the surface and thereby preserving natural texture and secondary color characteristics. The backs are flat and suitable for bezel adhesion or mechanical settings, and the girdle transitions are smooth, indicating precise trimming at the cutting stage.

Materially, these turquoises display the typical microcrystalline phosphate structure, presenting as opaque with no translucency, and they show only minimal, sporadic matrix flecking that does not detract from overall color uniformity. The absence of stabilization or resin impregnation means the natural porosity remains, which influences both handling and setting choices, and it underscores the need for protective setting strategies to prevent penetration by oils or solvents. Color grading aligns with medium light tone terminology, and the bluish green hue places these pieces within a desirable natural range that complements warm and cool metals, with gold tones enhancing the green component and silver tones preserving the bluer aspect. Optical phenomena such as chatoyancy or banding are absent, consistent with a homogeneous microstructure, and any minor surface pits or natural etchings are typical character marks rather than processing defects.

For application in finished work these cabochons are exceptionally well suited to matched pair uses, most notably earrings where their similar diameters and matched domes will present consistently, and for small pendant pairs or cufflinks where their combined weight and depth will convey significant presence. The flat backs and robust thickness favor bezel settings for long term protection, while prong settings can be employed with careful seat construction to avoid edge chipping, given the untreated porosity. Cleaning and care should be conservative, using a soft damp cloth and mild soap when necessary, avoiding ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and steering clear of acids, solvents, or prolonged exposure to cosmetics and perspiration. The Natural Gemstone Company certifies these stones as natural, untreated USA origin turquoises, and we provide additional high resolution imaging, measured reports, and recommended mounting specifications on request, ensuring that knowledgeable buyers and designers receive the technical detail necessary to integrate these fine cabochons into considered, long lasting jewelry designs.