0.39 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

This transparent green emerald from Afghanistan, offered by The Natural Emerald Company, is a precisely executed 0.39 carat specimen with dimensions 5.16 x 3.92 x 2.83 mm. The profile is an emerald cut, a rectangular step cut with truncated corners, producing a broad table and parallel facet arrangement that emphasizes pure color transmission rather than dispersion. The color intensity is classified as intense, with a saturated green hue that remains consistent across lighting conditions due to the controlled proportions of the pavilion and crown. Clarity is graded as very slightly included at eye level, indicating that inclusions are minimal to the unaided eye and do not materially interrupt the visual field. Enhancement is standard, applied to improve apparent clarity and stability, and the polish is excellent, providing crisp facet junctions and a smooth, reflective finish that maximizes light return and color saturation.

The cutting style of this emerald is a textbook emerald cut, employing sequential concentric step facets on the crown and pavilion that create a hall of mirrors effect while preserving chromatic depth. The length to width ratio is approximately 1.32, a proportion that balances elegance with face up presence, avoiding excessive elongation while maintaining classic rectangular geometry. Measured depth is 2.83 mm against an average of the length and width of 4.54 mm, yielding a depth of approximately 62.3 percent, a proportion that supports strong color saturation without appearing overly deep. The large table facet provides a clear window into the body of the stone, and the step facets on the pavilion are proportioned to redirect light laterally, which enhances the perceived intensity of the green. Symmetry is precise, with facet junctions aligned to minimize light leakage, and the excellent polish ensures that light is returned with minimal scattering, producing a vivid, stable face up appearance that is ideal for both solitaire and multi stone settings.

Regarding internal characteristics and treatment, the very slightly included grade observed at eye level reflects small needle and feather type inclusions that are typical for natural emeralds and that contribute to the gemology and provenance of the stone. The standard enhancement, commonly a refractive index matched oil or resin, fills micro fissures to reduce the visual impact of those inclusions and to improve lustre and apparent transparency. This treatment is well accepted in the trade, and it is reversible under certain conditions, making it important to avoid exposure to high heat and aggressive ultrasonic cleaning. From a durability perspective, emerald, a variety of beryl, has a Mohs hardness of approximately 7.5 to 8, which places it well above common jewelry minerals like quartz, and below corundum at 9 and diamond at 10. This hardness means the stone resists surface abrasion in everyday wear, however the internal fissures that accompany most natural emeralds can reduce toughness, so careful setting and handling are recommended to preserve the gem over time.

For mounting and care, The Natural Emerald Company recommends settings that protect the girdle and corners, such as a bezel or protective prong design that covers the truncated corners typical of the emerald cut. Low profile settings with secure prongs and metal guards will reduce the risk of impact damage to internal fissures whilst allowing the broad table to present the intense green color. Avoid high temperature treatments and ultrasonic cleaning due to the presence of standard enhancement, and instead use gentle cleaning with warm soap and a soft brush, followed by rinsing with water and drying with a lint free cloth. For buyers seeking certification or additional technical documentation, we can provide detailed imagery, magnified inclusion maps, and provenance notes on request, and our gemological staff can advise on optimal mounting strategies to balance security and light performance. If you would like to view this 0.39 carat Afghan emerald in hand or discuss custom setting options, The Natural Emerald Company is available to assist with technical guidance and secure procurement.