Lapis lazuli has been mined in northeast Afghanistan at the Sar-i-Sang mine for more than 6000 years. It is also mined in the Andes in Chile, and near Lake Baikal in Siberia. It was used in ancient Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt - powdered lapis was used as an eyeshadow by Cleopatra. Vermeer used lapis lazuli paint in his painting Girl with the Pearl Earring. Many ancient civilizations prized lapis lazuli. To them, the stone had religious significance and reflected the high status of their rulers. In the Renaissance, painters ground the stone to make ultramarine, a blue pigment used for skies and seas. Today, some people associate lapis lazuli with wisdom, love, and healing and claim it nurtures and promotes psychic ability.
This lapis bullet style charm has a decorative granulated and pink spinel studded cap. A granulated bail completes it. The lapis is smooth to the touch and this is a very tactile charm.
Handmade using 22k gold and pink spinel (.16ctw). Length approximately 42mm, W 10mm (L 1.65in W 0.39in).
Slide on to our leather wrap, mix and match to create your own story. (Lilac leather wrap and additional charms sold separately.) Wear with your favorite bangles, vintage finds and treasured heirloom pieces. Alternatively, find your favorite chain and wear as a pendant.