1.16 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

This cushion shape emerald, weighing 1.16 carats, exemplifies the premium quality that distinguishes select natural gemstones, and it is presented by The Natural Emerald Company. The carat weight of 1.16 positions this gem within a desirable range for both fine ring settings and bespoke jewelry commissions, offering a balance between presence and wearability. At this weight, the stone registers as a clear investment in color and craftsmanship, rather than mere size, because the visual impact of an emerald is determined as much by color saturation and cutting precision as by carat weight. The Natural Emerald Company emphasizes the importance of carat weight as a key metric of value, and this 1.16 carat example demonstrates how an expertly cut, vividly colored emerald can convey premium status while remaining eminently practical for everyday wear.

This specimen measures 7.98 by 5.92 by 4.14 millimeters, a proportion that supports a pleasing table face and balanced depth, and it has been faceted in a mixed brilliant cut to optimize light return and color display. The cushion outline provides a classic silhouette with softened corners that enhance the perceived size without compromising symmetry. Clarity is graded as slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a common and accepted characteristic in high quality emeralds that underscores their natural origin and contributes to their distinctive character. Color intensity is vivid, producing a saturated, evenly distributed green that reads strongly under both natural and artificial lighting conditions. The polish is excellent, which indicates meticulous lapidary work and contributes directly to the gem’s surface brilliance and the crispness of facet junctions. Enhancement status is standard, reflecting conventional and widely accepted treatments used to stabilize and improve clarity without altering natural color, and provenance is Afghanistan, a source known for producing emeralds with intense green hues and fine crystalline structure.

In practical terms, the 1.16 carat weight combined with vivid color and an excellent polish makes this emerald particularly well suited to center stone use in engagement rings, solitaire pendants, or refined cocktail pieces, where the gem’s color depth and faceting will remain the focal point. The cushion mixed brilliant cut enhances light performance, helping to mitigate the visual impact of minor inclusions while maximizing the perception of size and color saturation. For settings, a bezel can offer protection and present a modern profile, whereas a four prong mounting will allow more light to enter the pavilion and emphasize brilliance, and a halo arrangement can increase apparent size while framing the vivid green tone. Care recommendations include avoiding harsh chemicals, removing the piece during heavy manual work, and having settings inspected regularly to guard against potential damage to the stone or setting. Documentation provided by The Natural Emerald Company will detail this gem’s specifications, treatment status, and country of origin, supporting both aesthetic appreciation and long term value.