0.62 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

This lot presents a transparent 0.62 carat emerald, cut in an asscher octagon, with precise dimensions of 5.04 by 5.01 by 3.77 millimeters. The asscher cut is a modified square step cut with truncated corners producing an octagonal outline, and in this specimen the pavilion and crown are executed to emphasize parallel step facets that create a hall of mirrors effect. With a measured depth of 3.77 millimeters and an average girdle diameter of approximately 5.025 millimeters, the depth percentage is approximately 75 percent, a proportion that reflects a cutter’s intent to conserve weight while maintaining strong color return and internal contrast. The medium light color intensity is evenly distributed across the stone, giving it a lively, fresh green that reads brighter under strong light and more delicate in softer illumination. The polish is graded excellent, indicating tight facet junctions, smooth facet planes and highly refined facet execution that maximizes light reflection off the step facets rather than scintillation.

The clarity is graded very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a designation that communicates excellent transparency with minor internal features that do not detract from overall visual appeal. Emeralds characteristically host an array of internal features, often referred to collectively as jardin, and this gem contains small growth-related fissures, minute crystalline inclusions and fine needlelike channels that are typical of formation conditions within pegmatitic or hydrothermal environments. Rather than concealing these features, professional lapidaries and connoisseurs value them as natural fingerprints. Inclusions serve as unique identifiers, mapping growth history, local chemistry and treatment history, and they are frequently used in identification and provenance studies. In this stone the inclusions are small, well distributed and largely oriented along growth planes, which allows the asscher step facets to frame and sometimes mirror these internal features, imparting character and depth without compromising the clean face-up appearance.

Enhancement is disclosed as standard, the customary practice for emeralds, and in most trade cases this refers to stable oiling or resin filling of surface-reaching fissures to improve apparent clarity and stability. The disclosure of standard enhancement is part of responsible gem handling and The Natural Emerald Company ensures that treatments are documented to preserve value transparency for collectors and jewelers. From a craftsmanship perspective the cutter has balanced the tradeoffs between weight retention and optical performance. The asscher geometry in this example emphasizes clarity and color zoning rather than brilliant facet scintillation, and the truncated corners provide an additional practical benefit by reducing the vulnerability to chipping during setting. The consistently executed step facets produce crisply defined light and dark field contrasts that accentuate the medium light green, producing a sophisticated, architectural appearance typical of high quality asscher work.

For setting and wear considerations, this stone benefits from protective mounting choices and careful aftercare, especially given the disclosed standard enhancement. A bezel or semi-bezel setting will protect the delicate corners while displaying the square-octagon silhouette, and low-crown collet settings with a secure prong arrangement can also be used by experienced setters to balance exposure and protection. Because standard emerald treatments can be affected by aggressive steam cleaning or prolonged exposure to chemicals, gentle cleaning with warm water, mild detergent and a soft brush is recommended, and ultrasonic or steam cleaners should generally be avoided unless re-evaluation by a gem specialist confirms stability. The Natural Emerald Company provides full disclosure of origin, enhancement and grading, and our team can supply additional photographic angles, mounting recommendations and independent laboratory documentation upon request. This 0.62 carat Afghan asscher emerald is a refined example of step-cut design, combining transparent body, well managed inclusions that serve as natural signatures, and meticulous cutting and polishing to produce a collectible gem suitable for both bespoke jewelry and technical gemological study.