A stylish ring, made of 925 Sterling Silver featuring 9.00cts of amazing Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 8.58g
Number of Gemstones: 1
Shape: Round
Total Carat Weight: 9.00cts
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. Lapis Lazuli is not a mineral, but a rock. The blue coloration is due to sulfuric Lasurite content.
History & Lore:
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. This jewelry often consisted of necklaces and objects crafted from Lapis Lazuli. The people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome cherished Lapis Lazuli.
Lapis Lazuli 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.