0.32 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

This transparent 0.32 carat emerald cut green emerald measures 5.14 by 3.16 by 2.79 mm, and is presented in a classical step cut designed to emphasize color uniformity and optical depth, with an excellent polish that produces clean facet junctions and high surface luster. The piece exhibits a medium intense color intensity, with the hue saturation characteristic of Afghan sources, and a clarity grade of slightly included when evaluated at eye level, reflecting fine internal growth structures and minute mineral inclusions typical of natural beryl subjected to regional metamorphism. The step cut, with its parallel pavilion and crown facets, was executed to preserve weight and to align the faceting planes with the crystal habit, reducing windowing and enhancing color concentration through controlled light return. Enhancement is standard, applied to stabilize and modestly improve apparent clarity without altering the intrinsic color, and the overall finish and proportions reflect careful lapidary planning to maximize brilliance and minimize unnecessary material loss. This specimen is offered by The Natural Emerald Company, with clear provenance from Afghanistan and a documented workflow from rough selection through cutting and final inspection.

The geological narrative of this emerald begins millions of years ago during intense tectonic convergence in the region now known as the Hindu Kush, where crustal compression and high grade metamorphism generated conduits for hydrothermal fluids enriched in beryllium, chromium, and vanadium. These fluids migrated through mica schists and carbonate lenses, and under sustained elevated temperature and pressure conditions, hexagonal beryl crystallized slowly in open cavities and veinlets, incorporating chromium and vanadium into the crystal lattice to produce the characteristic green coloration. Slow growth produced the internal growth zoning and the discrete inclusion patterns observed under magnification, features that inform both origin determination and cutting strategy. Subsequent uplift and erosion liberated the beryl crystals from their host rock, and skilled miners recovered the rough material, which was then evaluated for orientation and inclusion mapping. The cutter selected an emerald cut to respect the natural prismatic habit and to concentrate color in a modest 0.32 carat weight, employing precise facet geometry and polishing techniques to yield excellent facet symmetry and optimal light performance. The result is a technically refined gemstone that conveys its tectonic history while meeting the exacting standards of The Natural Emerald Company for color, clarity, and craftsmanship.