A lovely pair of Earrings, made of 925 Sterling Silver features 16.84cts of amazing Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 2.61g
Number of Gemstones: 2
Shape: Fancy cut Round
Total Carat Weight: 16.84cts
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 not a mineral, but 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.
Pliny
the Elder once referenced Lapis Lazuli as “a fragment of the starry firmament”
in admiration of its deep blue color and twinkling gold Pyrite inclusions.
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.
Afghanistan is the main source of fine Lapis Lazuli. The most prominent
deposits of Lapis Lazuli are still to this day in the Hindukush Mountains of
Northern Afghanistan.
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.
If Lapis Lazuli becomes dull from constant wear, it can easily be re-polished
to restore its original beauty. Household chemicals, acids, ultrasonic
cleaners, and prolonged exposure to excessive heat should all be avoided as
they can cause permanent damage to the stone. Lapis Lazuli is best cleaned
using warm soapy water and a soft brush.