A lovely necklace, made of 925 Sterling Silver which features 21.26cts of amazing Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan and 5.55cts of beautiful Blue Topaz.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 10.26g
Number of Gemstones: 7
Shape: Pear, Oval and Round
Total Carat Weight: 26.81cts
Birthstone Month:
Lapis Lazuli is listed as the traditionally associated with the month of December. It is also often used as an alternate birthstone for the month of September.
History & Lore:
Lapis Lazuli is a rock composed of a mixture of minerals including Lasurite, Huaynite, Sodalite, Noselite, Calcite, and Pyrite. The blue coloration is due to sulfuric Lasurite content. The name Lapis Lazuli is derived from the Latin 'lapis' meaning “stone”, and the Persian 'lazhward' meaning blue. Today's most prominent source of fine quality Lapis Lazuli is the same ancient deposit in the Hindukush Mountains of Afghanistan where it was originally mined at least 6000 years ago. It is reported that there was a busy trade in Lapis Lazuli in the ancient city of Ur, situated on the Euphrates River.
Archaeological excavations in numerous locations around the Mediterranean have provided samples of jewelry left in ancient tombs. Necklaces and objects crafted from Lapis Lazuli were found in the tombs. Again and again these samples have been found, indicating that the people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and
Rome cherished Lapis Lazuli.
It was pulverized and used as a paint coloration from pre-Renaissance times until 1834 when it became possible to manufacture the color (known as 'ultramarine' meaning “from beyond the seas”) artificially.
Lapis Lazuli has long been considered a stone of truth and friendship that can enhance the owner's awareness, insight and intellect. It has also been deemed a stone of peace and harmony, and can provide self-acceptance to help the wearer understand themselves as an authentic individual.
Physically, Lapis Lazuli is reputed to help cure, insomnia, depression, recurring fevers, and disorders of the throat, lungs and immune system.
It has long been admired for its intense deep blue color. Gold has long been considered the reason for
Lapis Lazuli's twinkling inclusions that have often been referred to as resembling the glimmering night sky. However, these “Gold” inclusions are not actually gold at all, they are Pyrite. Pyrite has been known as Fool’s Gold. These Pyrite inclusions increase
the value of the stone when finely distributed. White specks (Calcite inclusions), will generally reduce the value of a Lapis Lazuli stone, particularly when arranged in a spotty or irregular pattern.
It has also been used in various carvings / small sculptures.
Topaz
Birthstone Month:
Blue Topaz is associated with the birthstone month of December.
History & Lore:
Topaz has long been related to desire and the name is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word 'tapas' meaning heat, fire and passion. It is also said to have been derived from the Greek word 'topazos' or 'topazion', meaning “to search.” Topazion was also the name of an island in the Red Sea which is commonly known as Zebirget or St. John's Island in Egypt.
The Egyptians believed Topaz would protect them from harm because it was colored by the sun god Ra's golden arms. The Romans believed a similar theory and associated Topaz with their sun god, Jupiter.
Topaz has also been biblically referenced as one of the gemstones used to make the 'Breastplate of Judgment' worn by Aaron.
Topaz is said to increase the wearer’s intelligence, creativity and wisdom, and can enhance one's spiritual potential. It is also known to aid in meditation and in the divine manifestation of desired objects.
Topaz is said to bring physical and intellectual vigor, good health, and is said to offer protection against infectious diseases.
Topaz comes in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Its brilliance and clarity are its chief attractions. A hard stone, Topaz is very difficult to scratch, although it can be brittle. Imperial Topaz occurs naturally in colors ranging from a light golden yellow to deep reddish orange. Red and intense pink are the rarest and desirable colors for Topaz. A gem with these colors will command a relatively high price. Bright orange colored Topaz, also known as Imperial Topaz, falls into the moderate price range and is easier to find. Blue Topaz, having a low to moderate price range, is very popular.