lapis lazuli - Necklace - Round beads 40cm long

Lapis lazuli is a highly valued deep blue metamorphic rock historically prized for its vibrant color and cultural significance. Composed mainly of the mineral lazurite, it often contains flecks of pyrite, giving it a natural shimmering appearance that has captivated artisans and collectors for thousands of years. This necklace, made of round lapis lazuli beads approximately 40 cm in length, is a classic style that showcases the stone’s rich blue color and subtle gold or white inclusions, characteristic features known to be prized since antiquity. Lapis lazuli has been used extensively in jewelry, art, and even as a pigment for ultramarine paint. The historical and artistic associations add considerable value to lapis lazuli pieces, making such necklaces emblematic of both aesthetic and cultural heritage. The stone is primarily sourced from Afghanistan’s Sar-e-Sang mines, the oldest known lapis lazuli deposits, but can also come from other locations like Chile or Russia. Its use in bead necklaces has remained popular due to the mineral’s hardness and stunning color, creating lasting beautiful adornments.