Botswana Agate, Teardrop

DEEP BLUE LAPIS LAZULI EARRINGS in 0.925 Sterling Silver with French ear wires

Originating from the Persian word for the gem, lāžward, Lapis Lazuli is a deep-blue semi-precious stone prized since antiquity for its intense color., As early as the 7th millennium BC, lapis lazuli was mined in the Sar-i Sang mines, in what is now Northern Afghanistan. Lapis Lazuli artifacts have been found dating back to 7570 BC. Lapis Lazuli was used in the funeral mask of Tutankhamun. By the end of the Middle Ages, Europe began importing Lapis lazuli in order to grind it into powder and process it to make the pigment called ultramarine. Ultramarine was used by some of the most important artists of the Renaissance and Baroque, including Masaccio, Perugino, Titian, and Vermeer. In the early Christian tradition, Lapis Lazuli was regarded as the stone of the Virgin Mary.

Hand-cut Moonstones in Baroque 0.925 sterling silver post earrings

Moonstones are the most highly prized of the feldspar gems. The name moonstone derives from the stone’s characteristic visual effect, called adularescence, which produces a milky, bluish interior light. This effect is caused by light diffraction through alternating layers of orthoclase and albite within the stone. Flawless, clear, or translucent gems exhibiting a rich blue sheen are most valuable. Moonstones are typically cut as cabochons. Moonstones are sometimes cut to create chatoyancy, or a “cat’s eye” effect. Both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar deities. Moonstone is the state Gemstone of Florida. Metaphysically, Moonstone is believed to enhance intuition, promote emotional balance, and foster inner growth. It’s also associated with new beginnings, protection, and good fortune in love and business.