0.71 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

This 0.71 carat oval emerald exemplifies deliberate lapidary decision making and precision cutting, offered by The Natural Emerald Company. The stone measures 6.97 by 4.99 by 3.47 millimeters, yielding a length to width ratio of approximately 1.40, a profile prized for balanced wearability in rings and pendants. The cutter chose a mixed brilliant faceting scheme to marry color saturation with scintillation, executing a brilliant style crown above a predominantly step or modified pavilion to control light return and minimize windowing. The resulting depth of approximately 58 percent sits within an optimal range for oval proportions, which supports both strong face up color and lively facet dynamics. The excellent polish is evident in the crisp facet junctions and smooth facet planes, an indication of disciplined final lap work that maximizes reflectance and highlights the stone body color without distracting surface graining.

Color grading for this Afghan emerald is vivid in intensity, a term that denotes strong saturation combined with a medium to medium dark tone that reads as lively and intense under standard viewing conditions. The green is evenly distributed across the table and crown facets, with no apparent zoning to the naked eye, which speaks to consistent crystal chemistry and symmetry of cutting. The clarity is described as slightly included at eye level, meaning that internal characteristics are present but do not materially detract from the overall appeal or durability when set. These natural inclusions are typical for genuine emeralds and act as identifiers of natural origin, while the standard enhancement treatment, applied to stabilize and improve apparent clarity, follows established lapidary practice for emeralds. Standard enhancement is compatible with routine wearing, though periodic inspection and potential reproofing or reapplication of treatment can be part of responsible long term care.

From a technical perspective the mixed brilliant faceting optimizes both brilliance and color saturation, the crown facets acting to disperse light and create lively scintillation, while the pavilion facets return color adjusted light to the observer. The cutter calibrated facet angles to balance dispersion with color, prioritizing retention of the vivid green hue over excessive fire which could dilute perceived saturation. The stone sits at a weight that offers efficient yield from the rough, a consideration that reflects both material economics and lapidary expertise. The precision of the girdle thickness and the proportional pavilion depth facilitate secure mounting and minimize the risk of damage during setting, particularly when set in protective settings favored for transparent emeralds. For connoisseurs assessing investment potential, these technical attributes are important because they affect both visual performance and long term preservation.

Provenance from Afghanistan contributes to the rarity profile and stories that informed buyers value, as Afghan sources have produced emeralds with attractive color and a history of artisanal extraction. When considering ownership as an investment in beauty and craftsmanship, the combination of vivid color intensity, controlled proportions, and excellent polish establishes this emerald as a collectible gem that will translate well into bespoke jewelry and curated collections. The Natural Emerald Company stands behind the mineralogical and craftsmanship details we report, and we recommend optional independent laboratory documentation for collectors seeking an additional layer of assurance. Thoughtful settings that protect the girdle and pavilion, along with periodic maintenance to address the standard enhancement, will preserve the aesthetic and structural qualities that make this 0.71 carat Afghan emerald a durable expression of natural beauty and skilled cutting, a tangible investment in both gemological quality and artisanal refinement.