0.92 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

This transparent 0.92 carat asscher octagon emerald presents a measured and balanced presence, with precise dimensions of 5.67 x 5.52 x 4.31 millimeters. The gem has been cut in an asscher style, yielding a stepped pavilion and a square octagonal outline that emphasizes symmetry and table stability, and it exhibits an excellent polish that enhances facet delineation. Origin is Afghanistan, and the stone has been subject to standard enhancement, consistent with trade practice to improve stability and optical continuity. Clarity is graded as included when evaluated at eye level, and the stone displays a medium color intensity, which allows for a pleasing degree of both saturation and translucency. The material reads as bluish green in hue, close to the central spectrum of emerald coloration, and its transparency permits internal features to interact with light, producing a soft scintillation within the asscher geometry.

The asscher cut chosen for this piece moderates the impact of internal characteristics, converting the stone into a controlled field of parallel facets that reveal rather than hide its natural features. Inclusions are present and visible to the unaided eye, and they manifest as fine veils and isolated crystals that create a textured internal landscape rather than large occlusions. This inclusion profile affects light return in a subtle manner, lending a depth to the color and a slightly frosted appearance in certain viewing angles. The excellent polish mitigates surface disruption and contributes to crisp facet junctions, which is especially important in an asscher cut where step facets define the visual architecture of the gem. The asscher octagon proportions are well suited to a solitaire ring setting or a refined three stone composition, where the stone can be observed from both table and side, demonstrating pavilion facets and the play of color through the girdle.

When comparing hue and tone to emeralds from other famous locations, this Afghan stone occupies an interesting midpoint. Colombian emeralds are often cited for their vivid pure green hues with a slight bluish tendency and a bright, lively tone, when of comparable quality, Colombian material typically shows a more saturated pure green with less obvious blue infusion than this gem. Zambian emeralds often carry a stronger bluish cast, and their tone can be somewhat deeper, producing specimens that read as deep bluish green and occasionally cooler to the eye, so this Afghan example is slightly lighter and more transparent in tone. Brazilian emeralds frequently present a lighter, sometimes yellowish green hue and a clearer, more lime oriented expression, thus the bluish green of this stone differs from Brazilian material by offering a cooler, greener appearance with less yellow influence. In the context of Afghan deposits, which are less widely represented in commercial lists, this gem exemplifies the regional tendency toward a fresh bluish green that balances clarity and color intensity in a way that distinguishes it from both the deeper Zambian tones and the often more saturated Colombian warmth.

For gemologists, jewelers, and discerning clients seeking a precise statement piece, this emerald from The Natural Emerald Company offers a clear set of attributes to evaluate. The medium color intensity paired with the asscher cut produces a gemstone that reads as elegant and restrained, rather than aggressively saturated, and the included clarity grade provides a natural character that some collectors prefer for authenticity. Standard enhancement should be considered in setting decisions, and the excellent polish supports settings that expose the pavilion and crown to allow maximum visibility of the stone geometry. Practical considerations for mounting include protective bezels or four prong assemblies that secure the octagon shape while minimizing exposure to knocks, and for those wishing to emphasize the bluish green hue, pairing with warm metals such as yellow gold will create a slight contrast, whereas white metal settings such as platinum or white gold will complement the cooler aspects of the stone. The provenance designation of Afghanistan is noted with provenance documentation where available, and The Natural Emerald Company stands ready to provide additional grading details and imagery upon request.