3.14 Ct. Emerald from Afghanistan

This transparency graded 3.14 carat emerald cut emerald presents a measured and disciplined example of Afghan origin material, offered by The Natural Emerald Company. The stone measures 10.11 x 7.88 x 4.77 mm, proportions that favor a balanced face up presentation and allow the emerald cut to display its color with clarity. The clarity is graded as very slightly included when viewed at eye level, a designation that indicates minimal, natural internal characteristics that do not detract from overall visual appeal. Color intensity is rated vivid, and the polish is excellent, attributes that together maximize the gem face up saturation and offer a strong, even window of green across the table. Enhancement is standard, consistent with common and accepted practices for high quality natural emeralds, and the overall condition and finish support professional setting and bespoke design work.

The hue and tone of this Afghan emerald sit in a spectrum that is characteristically rich and lively, leaning toward a medium vivid bluish to slightly pure green that reads as vibrant under both daylight and balanced artificial light. Compared to classic Colombian material from Muzo and Chivor, this stone displays similar saturation levels, while maintaining a subtly cooler bias on the blue axis in certain lighting, a quality often sought after for its depth and perceived richness. When considered against Zambian stones, particularly from the Kagem district, the Afghan gem generally shows a brighter overall tone with slightly less of the deep, inky blue that some Zambian pieces can exhibit. Versus Brazilian material, which can trend a touch warmer or more yellow green, this specimen appears cleaner and more purely green, with less of the yellow component that can soften a stone's visual intensity.

Clarity and cut interact well in this example, the emerald cut allowing inclusions to be managed and minimizing distraction through long, straight facets that guide the eye to color rather than to internal markings. Very slightly included at eye level indicates that inclusions are present but discreet, and in this case they contribute to the stone’s natural character without visually impairing transparency. The excellent polish enhances facet definition and surface luster, improving light return and the sense of internal glow. Standard enhancement for emeralds typically refers to the application of optically clear oils or similar fluids to improve apparent clarity and stability, and this treatment has been executed in a manner consistent with trade norms, preserving the stone’s integrity and desirability.

From a practical perspective the 3.14 carat weight and the 10.11 x 7.88 x 4.77 mm dimensions place this emerald in a size range suitable for many ring designs, as well as for pendants, brooches, and bespoke pieces where a rectangular emerald cut silhouette is desired. The emerald cut’s step facets and broad table emphasize hue and tone, making this stone particularly well suited to settings that frame the table face and allow for platelike color display, such as four prong, bezel with open back, or halo designs that add a complementary accent without overwhelming the center gem. In design terms the stone’s vivid intensity supports both minimalist modern styles and more classical settings, and its very slightly included clarity allows for confident setting without extensive stability concerns. When advising clients our focus is on matching mounting materials and accent stones to the inherent color axis, choosing companions that either enhance the bluish green leaning or provide a warm counterpoint depending on the desired final effect.

Reiterating comparative notes on hue and tone, this Afghan origin emerald from The Natural Emerald Company presents a compelling middle ground among world sources, showing a vivid, medium to medium deep green with a subtle bluish inclination. Compared directly to renowned Colombian examples, it shares a comparable level of saturation and a pure green quality, while differing slightly by a cooler, more crystalline edge in certain lights. Against Zambian pieces the tone is generally brighter and less dark, delivering a more immediate face up presence, and compared with Brazilian emeralds it reads as less yellow biased and more consistently green. Those familiar with regional distinctions will recognize that Afghan material, when well cut and finished as in this example, can compete very favorably with other high quality sources, offering a distinct and attractive balance of color, clarity, cut, and origin provenance.