Natural Gem Jewelry

Lapis lazuli is a rock, not a mineral: whereas a mineral has only one constituent, lapis lazuli is formed from more than one mineral.The finest color is intense blue, lightly dusted with small flecks of golden pyrite. Stones with no white calcite veins and only small pyrite inclusions are more prized. Patches of pyrite are an important help in identifying the stone as genuine and do not detract from its value. Often, inferior lapis is dyed to improve its color, producing a very dark blue with a noticeable grey cast which may also appear as a milky shade.Denim Lapis is a paler blue variety of Lapis Lazuli, the colour difference is caused by a greater calcite content.

Cultural and historical/mythical usage:
A Mesopotamian lapis lazuli pendant circa 2900 BCE. A 11 cm (4.3 in) long lapis lazuli dove studded with gold pegs. Elamite. Dated 1200BCE from Susa, Iran. An Elephant carving in high quality lapis lazuli, showing gold-colored inclusions of pyrite. The carving is 8 cm (3.1 in) long. Carved lapis lazuli of a mountain scene, from the Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).In ancient Egypt lapis lazuli was a favorite stone for amulets and ornaments such as scarabs; it was also used by the Assyrians and Babylonians for seals. Lapis jewelry has been found at excavations of the Predynastic Egyptian site Naqada (3300–3100 BC), and powdered lapis was used as eyeshadow by Cleopatra.

Item #1097: Denim Lapis & African White Turquoise Necklace 21" Denim Lapis 8mm Beads Turquoise 25mm, Tubes 13mm, 6mm Rounds Silver Plated Clasp: $30.00	Item #1098: Denim Lapis & African White Turquoise Necklace 19" Denim Lapis 8mm Beads Turquoise Oval 30mm, Ovals 16mm Silver Plated Clasp: $30.00	Item #2000: Denim Lapis & African White Turquoise Necklace 19" Denim Lapis 8mm Beads Turquoise Twist 28mm, Rounds 6mm Silver Plated Clasp: $30.00
Item #2046: Denim Lapis & Pendant Necklace 19" Denim Lapis 8mm Beads Metal 55mm Pendant German Silver Clasp: $35.00	Item #2048: Denim Lapis & African White Turquoise Pendant Necklace 22" Denim Lapis 8mm Beads Turquoise 18x12mm Metal Dragonfly 55mm Pendant German Silver Clasp: $35.00

HOME