0.49 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

This is a transparent 0.49 carat, round shape green emerald, with exact dimensions of 5.24 x 5.21 x 3.48 mm, offered by The Natural Emerald Company. The stone has a mixed brilliant cut, a clarity grade of slightly included evaluated at eye level, and an intense color intensity paired with an excellent polish. Enhancement is standard, which for natural emeralds commonly means traditional oiling or resin filling to minimize the visual impact of internal fissures and to stabilize surface-reaching fractures. The origin of this emerald is Afghanistan, a source known for producing emeralds with rich, saturated greens and a depth of color that resonates strongly with connoisseurs and collectors. These fundamental specifications define the stone for an educated buyer, by describing not only measurable dimensions but the practical qualities that determine wearable beauty and market value.

From a gemological perspective the structure of this emerald is central to the gorgeous sparkle and distinct visual behavior it exhibits. Emeralds belong to the beryl family, crystallizing in a hexagonal system, and their green is produced by trace chromium and vanadium substituting into the crystal lattice. This substitution not only creates the green hue, it also interacts with light in a particular way, giving emeralds strong color saturation and subtle pleochroism, where the tone may slightly shift with viewing angle. The refractive index for beryl is modest, typically around 1.577 to 1.583, with low dispersion relative to gemstones like diamond. What this means practically is that an emerald will not display dramatic spectral fire, but rather a lively interplay of color and brightness. The mixed brilliant cut of this round stone has been chosen deliberately to enhance return of light and to marry brilliance with color, by combining a brilliant crown configuration that captures and refracts incoming light, with a pavilion geometry that returns light to the viewer’s eye rather than leaking it away. The excellent polish and precise symmetry amplify these effects, so that rays entering the table and crown facets are carefully managed by the pavilion to create an even, scintillating face-up appearance that reads as exceptional sparkle for a colored gem.

Inclusions and enhancement practices are part of the honest language of emeralds, and this piece is described accurately as slightly included. Slightly included at eye level means the stone contains natural internal features that are visible when observed without magnification in normal lighting, yet these inclusions do not materially detract from the overall transparency or the strong, intense green that defines the gem’s value. Typical internal features in emeralds, often called jardin, can include tiny crystals, liquid inclusions, growth zoning, and healed fissures, and they serve as indicators of natural origin. Standard enhancement, when disclosed, is an accepted and responsible finishing step in the trade, commonly employing colorless oils or resins to reduce the visual contrast of surface-reaching fissures and to improve apparent clarity and stability. The excellent polish listed for this emerald ensures minimal surface diffusion of light, so the stone’s mixed facet arrangement and internal color centers work together to produce lively reflections, crisp facet junctions, and an even face-up color impression. For the educated buyer, the combination of intense color, a skillful mixed brilliant cut, and excellent polish often outweighs the presence of slight inclusions, particularly when the inclusions are stable and the enhancement is standard and reversible for most jewelry treatments.

Practical recommendations and value considerations complete the buyer-focused picture. At 0.49 carat and the dimensions given, this round Afghanistan emerald is ideally suited for a range of settings including solitaire rings with protective prongs, halo settings that emphasize color and apparent size, or classic stud earrings. Because emeralds are somewhat softer than corundum and gem diamond, a secure setting such as a low profile bezel or four to six prongs with rim protection will help avoid edge chipping while showcasing the stone’s intense green. For metal choices, both warm yellow gold and cool white metals create different visual effects, yellow gold will enrich the green, while white metals will emphasize clarity and contemporary styling. For investment minded purchasers, provenance matters, and Afghan emeralds carry recognition among connoisseurs for their saturated, clear green and limited supply, which can be attractive in the market. We recommend obtaining a professional report from an independent laboratory if intended for investment, and routine care includes avoiding ultrasonic cleaners or harsh acids, and occasional reapplication of a jeweler’s oil if cosmetic filling is present. The Natural Emerald Company stands behind this description and provides full disclosure on clarity, enhancement, and origin so that you can make a confident, informed purchase that balances aesthetic appeal, gemological integrity, and long term enjoyment.