0.31 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

From the high, rugged valleys of Afghanistan where mountains meet the sky, this emerald began its long, patient journey. Buried in mineral rich seams of ancient rock, it formed slowly as beryllium bearing fluids threaded through fissures and left behind the verdant green crystals that have been prized for centuries. Local miners carefully recovered the rough, aware that each piece can hold a story in its growth, a map of the pressures and waters that shaped it. At The Natural Emerald Company we honor that origin, and we document this stone as a transparent 0.31 carat princess shape green emerald, with dimensions of 4.02 x 3.94 x 2.95 mm. Its medium color intensity speaks of the precise balance of chromium and vanadium present at formation, and its transparency lets the light that first visited it among the rocks now return to meet your eyes.

After extraction the rough was carried to our cutters, who read the crystal like a musician reads a score. The princess cut was chosen to transform the natural geometry of the crystal into a modern, architectural beauty that plays with light. Skilled hands and exacting tools brought the stone to its squared form, and the faceting was planned to maximize return of light without losing the delicacy of its green tone. Our polishers then gave the stone an excellent polish, refining each plane until the surface moved like glass and allowed the interior dance of light to become uninterrupted. Enhancement is standard for this piece, applied with care to stabilize and to present the emerald at its best, and the clarity grade stands as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level. Those small natural inclusions are part of the stone story, evidence of its authenticity and of the earth that created it.

The way this emerald sparkles is a conversation between its crystal structure and the way it was cut. As a variety of beryl it carries a hexagonal lattice that organizes atoms into planes that reflect and refract light with a calm, clear voice. The princess cut translates that internal order into a geometry of facets that catch light from many angles, producing a lively interplay of brilliance and scintillation. Light enters the crown, meets the pavilion, and is redirected by precisely angled facets back through the table, giving the impression that color and light rise from the center of the stone. The symmetry of the cut, combined with the excellent polish, ensures that reflections are crisp, edges are clean, and that flashes of pale green unfold with each motion. Because the stone is transparent, each internal reflection is visible, creating depth and a sense of motion that is more immediate than in more included stones. The medium color intensity provides a perfect balance, allowing the sparkle to be bright and lively without overwhelming saturation.

In the hand this little emerald offers an intimate and confident presence, perfect for a delicate ring or as a refined accent in a bespoke setting. The princess shape lends itself to modern designs, while the Afghan origin gives it a narrative that connects wearer and world, from mountain vein to finished jewel. At The Natural Emerald Company we pair technical expertise with respect for that journey, and we can advise on settings that honor the stone, whether you choose a halo to enhance its face up presence, a bezel to protect its edges, or a minimalist mount to make the color the star. This emerald is more than a measurement and a grade, it is a small piece of geological time, a carefully cut object that brings together the deep history of its place of origin and the precise craftsmanship that makes it sing. If you seek an emerald that carries story, structure, and an unmatched sense of inner light, this 0.31 carat princess shape gem awaits, ready to become part of your next creation.