In this article we would like you to learn more about a gemstone that has been very important for many years in the history of jewellery, lapis lazuli.
In Blasco Jewellerwe have created a Isis" collection inspired by Ancient Egypt using lapis lazuli as the main gemstone in our jewellery in honour of the great importance it has had for its value since the Middle Ages.
The most important deposit dating back 6,000 years is in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan. Other deposits include those in Angola, Canada, Germany, the United States, Pakistan, Chile and Russia. The latter two are currently the most important. The Chilean deposits are in Santiago and the Russian deposits are in Lake Baikal where the source rock is a white dolomitic marble. The presence of whitish calcite in these two deposits devalues the stone. While the presence of pyrite finely well distributed gives authenticity. An excess of pyrite produces a greenish tone. Its colour can be modified and highlighted by heating and staining.
Ring in 18k yellow gold with diamonds and lapis lazuli. Blasco Jeweller.
It is vulnerable to strong pressures and high temperatures, hot baths, acids and soaps, therefore it is advisable not to wear lapis lazuli jewellery when doing household chores.
It began to be used in prehistoric times for ornamental purposes. In the Middle Ages it was used as a colouring agent for tiles and coverings in palaces and churches. It was also used in painting because of its colour stability and permanence. At that time it came to be known as "blue gold", as its value was four times higher than that of gold.
Earrings in 18k yellow gold, diamonds and lapis lazuli. Blasco Jeweller.
Its blue colour was considered a symbol of purity, health, luck and nobility.It was used by Egyptians and Babylonians for ornaments and funerary masks. In Ancient Egypt it was considered a very important and precious stone, and sacred scarabs were adorned with it.
Currently, the largest exporter of lapis lazuli in Europe and the United States is Chile. It is used in jewellery, sculptures and industrial art objects.
