0.26 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

This Afghan origin emerald, offered by The Natural Emerald Company, presents a technically refined specimen for collectors and designers who value precise gemological parameters. The stone is transparent, weighing 0.26 carat, with a round outline and dimensions of 4.73 by 4.63 by 2.34 mm. It is cut in a mixed brilliant configuration, combining a faceted crown designed for maximum brilliance with a pavilion optimized to retain color. Clarity is graded slightly included at eye level, indicating fine internal characteristics that are visible under unaided observation, while the color grade is vivid with a strong, evenly distributed green saturation. The polish is graded excellent, and the enhancement is standard, consistent with conventional clarity stabilization techniques used in emeralds from this region.

The mixed brilliant cut on this piece reflects deliberate cutter choices to balance optical performance and material retention. The crown exhibits well proportioned star and bezel facets which interact with the relatively large table to generate lively scintillation, while the pavilion adopts modified brilliant facets to preserve the characteristic Afghan green hue. The average diameter of the stone is 4.68 mm, and the depth of 2.34 mm yields a depth percent of approximately 50 percent, a proportion that supports controlled light return without sacrificing face up color. Girdle thickness and overall symmetry are executed with consistency, producing a round outline with minimal deviation and a crown height that maintains the stone integrity for setting. The excellent polish enhances facet junction crispness, reducing surface diffusion and permitting better optical clarity and color purity.

Color and clarity discussion is central for understanding this gem in technical terms. The vivid green color shows strong saturation with a medium to medium dark tone, which is ideal for producing the visual intensity collectors seek while still allowing internal light play. Slight inclusions are typical for natural emeralds, and in this example they contribute character without substantially diminishing transparency. These internal features, often called garden inclusions in industry parlance, can act as a fingerprint for origin verification and are consistent with Afghan material. The enhancement listed as standard typically involves accepted clarity improvement methods that are reversible and documented, applied to improve the apparent clarity and stability of the stone, while preserving natural color and crystalline structure. For specialists, the combination of vivid saturation, transparent body, and controlled inclusion profile indicates a high quality small emerald that performs well under loupe and to the naked eye.

In terms of application and versatility, this emerald is exceptionally adaptable for both casual and formal contexts in jewelry design. At 0.26 carat and with a round mixed brilliant outline, it functions as a striking center stone for minimalist solitaire rings and pendants, while also serving as a refined accent in cluster and halo compositions. For everyday wear and casual settings, protective mountings such as low profile bezels or partial bezels are advisable to mitigate edge impact and to support the slightly included crystal structure. For formal and high end settings, the vivid face up color is complemented by warm yellow gold to enhance richness, while platinum or white gold provides a sleek, contemporary frame that emphasizes brilliance and contrast. The 50 percent depth proportion enables confidently sized prong settings with predictable light performance, and the excellent polish ensures tight facet reflection for high photographic and display quality.

When selecting this emerald through The Natural Emerald Company, clients receive both a gem with clear, quantifiable parameters and recommendations for maximizing longevity and visual impact. The technical balance achieved in this stone between color intensity, mixed brilliant faceting, and a slightly included but transparent clarity profile creates a versatile gemstone suitable for bespoke and production designs alike. For jewelers seeking a stable, vivid green focal point, and for collectors who prefer documented origin, the Afghan provenance adds a distinct geographical signature. Our team is prepared to provide further measurements, high magnification imagery, and guidance on setting options that respect the stone geometry and internal characteristics, ensuring that the final piece benefits from both the aesthetic and structural qualities intrinsic to this emerald.