Vintage Choker Necklace 14k Textured Gold Lapis Lazuli Beads

About lapis lazuli jewelry A distinct combo of a deep blue color and gold flecks makes lapis lazuli easy to recognize. This semi-precious gemstone has been in use since antiquity. It’s 6,500 years old and considered one of the oldest gems in history. Being a base for ultramarine color, lapis had a crucial meaning for the Renaissance and Baroque artists. For instance, a famous bright blue scarf of Vermeer’s Girl with a pearl earring was painted by using ultramarine. Today an amazing color of lapis remains in favor among jewelry designers and their clients. Lapis contains such minerals as lazurite, pyrite and calcite. The sulfur content of lazurite provides the blue color. The gold specks come from pyrite inclusions. The color palette of the gem varies from deep purple and royal blue to turquoise and even greenish blue. Quality of the rock is measured by the content of blue lazurite along with golden color iron pyrites.            The most common cuts for lapis are cabochon or beads. Inlays are widely used for lapis cufflinks and bracelets. Cartier’s and Webb’s greatest hits have been made of lapis within the history of the brands.