2.73 Ct.Tw.Total Carat Weight Tourmaline Pair from Afghanistan

This pair comprises two transparent cushion shape tourmalines weighing 1.34 carats and 1.39 carats respectively, sourced from Afghanistan and presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. Each stone is precisely faceted in a mixed brilliant cut, with dimensions 8.70 x 5.85 x 3.98 mm for the 1.34 carat example, and 8.63 x 5.90 x 4.04 mm for the 1.39 carat stone. The color is a greenish blue with intense color intensity and even saturation across each pavilion and crown. Clarity is reported as very very slightly included as evaluated at eye level, producing an eye clean appearance in practical viewing conditions. The polish is excellent, delivering crisp facet junctions and bright light return, and there has been no enhancement applied to either stone, ensuring the color and clarity are entirely natural.

Locating two gemstones that match so closely in weight, dimensions, color and clarity is exceptionally uncommon, and the reasons are geological and technical. Tourmaline crystals exhibit natural variability in hue and saturation due to minor changes in trace element concentrations during growth, and pleochroism can cause the apparent color to shift depending on orientation. Growth zoning and internal inclusions produce differences in light transmission that are not apparent until the rough is cut, and yield considerations during cutting often force compromises between weight retention and optimal proportion. Achieving a matched pair therefore requires both fortunate rough and expert cutting to align hue, tone, saturation, and facet architecture so that the stones present as a visual pair when set. In this instance the slight variance in weight and dimensions is within a narrow tolerance and does not affect the visual harmony of the duo. The consistent intense greenish blue color, the very very slightly included clarity at eye level, and the uniform mixed brilliant faceting together produce two stones that read as a balanced pair for matched mounting.

For practical use and longevity these tourmalines are well suited to matched jewelry applications such as stud earrings, drop earrings, matched ring shoulders, or a bespoke pair of cufflink stones, where uniform color and proportion are essential. The cushion shape and mixed brilliant cut favor both brilliance and color depth, and the excellent polish enhances face up brightness. Because these stones are natural and unenhanced, their color stability under normal wear is reliable, however routine care is recommended to maintain appearance. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and prolonged heat, and consult a professional jeweler for ultrasonic or steam cleaning if you are unsure. The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional photographic angles and detailed measurements, and can assist with secure mounting recommendations or independent gemological documentation upon request.