A Guide to Lapis Lazuli Jewellery - Care, Quality & Best Forms

A very deserving comparison to the vast night sky, Lapis Lazuli jewellery comes with its mesmerising charm that has kept us hooked for ages.

Consider this guide 101 on lapis lazuli where you will get to learn the history, its usage in modern jewellery and how to identify high-quality lapis lazuli as well as care for your pieces so your purchasing decisions have no loopholes!

The Rich History of Lapis Lazuli

Ancient Beginnings and Historical Significance

Who knew the stone mined around 7000 years ago in Afghanistan would still be popular even today? From South Asia, it found its way to the Middle East where in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, it was associated with gods and pharaohs and symbolized as protection and power. Being buried with lapis lazuli was believed to ensure a safe passage in the afterlife.

Cultural Importance Across Civilizations

The colour and rarity of the stone allowed it to cross all the borders. Therefore, it is highly prized across many cultures and civilizations. You will find it in the expensive Renaissance artwork as the blue pigment from the stone called ultramarine was used in such esteemed work.

Evolution in Jewellery Making

The stone that was used for crowns and artefacts found its way to modern jewellery where it is often set in silver or gold, and a popular choice for its striking colour.

Understanding Lapis Lazuli

What Is Lapis Lazuli?

It is a metamorphic rock mainly composed of Lazurite, which is responsible for its blue colour. There are other minerals such as calcite and pyrite. The former has a white appearance, and the latter has sparkly golden flecks that pop out in the deep blue.

How It's Used in Jewellery Today

You will find the stone in many popular jewellery pieces. From rings and pendants to bracelets and earrings, it is now found in minimalist and geometric designs, catering to modern fashion trends and establishing itself as appealing to the younger generation.

Key Properties of Lapis Lazuli

Physical Traits and Appearance

The blue of lapis lazuli can range from indigo to royal blue. A metallic gold lustre is the presence of pyrite, which you can say looks like tiny stars scattered around the sky. Consistent colours are high-quality and lower-quality ones are uneven and have excess calcite streaks. The gemstone is softer than sapphire or diamond, with a 5 to 6 Mohs hardness rating.

Symbolic and Metaphysical Properties

Many people believe the stone to have wisdom, truth, and spiritual enlightenment. Since it is a stone of the gods, it is both divine and royal. It is said to help with self-awareness, stimulate clarity of thought, and encourage honest communication.

Factors Influencing Quality

Colour, cut, and polish affect the appearance of the stone and therefore its quality. The presence of pyrite is a positive feature so that speaks quality. Large amounts of calcite are not sought-after and detract from the value. The cut and polish of the stone also affect its standard, with well-cut stones reflecting light evenly across their surface.

Benefits of Wearing Lapis Lazuli

Healing and Spiritual Advantages

Many people believe the stone to have healing properties as it can relieve stress and improve mental clarity. While it’s not scientifically proven, many wearers experience a sense of tranquillity and balance in their emotional energies.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

In addition to its spiritual benefits, lapis lazuli is said to help with self-expression. If you are someone struggling with self-esteem, try wearing the stone for a boost of confidence. Perhaps it can help relieve any past traumas and encourage emotional healing.

Everyday Practical Uses

Lapis lazuli is a stunning accessory that can fit right onto any occasion. Going out for a simple walk, why not wear a subtle and simple ring? Have a fancy dinner to attend? Time to grace the beautiful, sophisticated lapis lazuli necklace.

Identifying Real Lapis Lazuli

Recognizing Authentic Stones

Hold it up to the light and you will see an opaque stone with only slight translucency at the edges if it’s the real deal. Fake ones are too uniform in colour, often made from howlite or sodalite. You can also conduct the streak test.

Common Fakes and How to Avoid Them

Avoid low-priced deals that seem too good to be true and inspect the stone for overly uniform and unnatural colour.

The Importance of Certification

When you are purchasing lapis lazuli jewellery, do not be shy about asking for a certificate. That is your guarantee of getting the real deal. It will give you the peace of mind you need during your purchase.

Taking Care of Your Lapis Lazuli jewellery

General Care Tips

When you are using perfume or lotion or coming in close contact with chemicals such as household cleaners, you should set your lapis lazuli aside. Any sort of harsh chemicals can damage the stone’s surface.

Handling Daily Wear and Tear

You can wear your lapis lazuli every day, but some precautions will help it last much longer. Are you taking part in any activity that could result in abrasion like exercising, swimming, or doing household chores? It’s best to remove the jewellery. We also recommend not wearing it to sleep.

Cleaning Your Lapis Lazuli Safely

Pre-Cleaning Precautions

Make sure to check for any loose stones or delicate settings as they might come off during the cleaning. Vibrations can crack or chip the stone so there’s no need to use ultrasonic cleaners, they may do more harm than good.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Fill up a small bowl with lukewarm water. Do not use excessively hot water.

Dampen a soft cotton cloth with the water.

Do not use any other fabric such as georgette.

Gently wipe your lapis lazuli with the cloth. Make sure there is no water residue left, so keep it out to dry for a while.

Storing and Protecting Your Lapis Lazuli

Best Storage Practices

Invest in good-lined jewellery boxes as well as soft pouches. Keeping your lapis lazuli jewellery separate is crucial as contact with other accessories can cause damage.

Preventing Damage

Keep it in a dry, room-temperature environment. Excess heat and prolonged moisture can cause the stone to crack or weaken the stone structure.

No doubt Lapis Lazuli’s best feature is its colour, so you wouldn’t want it to fade. Therefore, keep it away from sunlight.

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

Just like we need doctors, your jewellery needs a professional cleaner once or twice a year. They will detect any issues and address them promptly. Professional cleaning catches anything that you may have missed in your regular cleaning.

Popular Types of Lapis Lazuli jewellery

Overview of Jewellery Forms

Lapis lazuli is a versatile gemstone used in a wide variety of jewellery, from traditional pieces like rings and earrings to more unique items like anklets and brooches.

Unique Designs and Trends

Given lapis lazuli’s versatility, it is used in so many ways. There are timeless sophisticated classic pieces but also modern trendy designs. You can find pieces that are bolder and more flamboyant but also something more subtle and appropriate for everyday use.

Custom vs. Mass-Produced Pieces

Mass-produced pieces may not be unique, but they are affordable and readily available. However, if you can afford and wait for custom pieces, they truly cater to your unique personality by tailoring to your preferences.

Buying Tips for Lapis Lazuli jewellery

What to Look for in Quality Pieces

While it comes down to your preference, you can look for a naturally uniform deep blue with a nice amount of pyrite flecks and minimal calcite inclusions. Pay attention to the craftsmanship, from the setting to the finishing, everything should be securely placed and polished.

Budget Considerations

There’s no need to burn a hole in your pocket. Set a budget before shopping and focus on finding the best possible option within your price range. Market research is extremely crucial to make sure you get the best value for your money.

Finding Trusted Sellers

Read reviews and talk to friends and family. They will help you find a trusted seller who is straightforward and clear about the quality and origins of the lapis lazuli they are selling.

Conclusion

Unlike fast fashion, lapis lazuli will be a meaningful addition to your collection. Imagine someone telling you how beautiful your jewellery looks, and you get to tell them its history and symbolism. It’s beauty with significance.

Properly cared for, your lapis lazuli can remain a stunning piece for generations to come, becoming a cherished heirloom.

Discover the charm of lapis lazuli with Argent & Asher's exquisite collection and find your perfect piece.

FAQs

1. How should I care for lapis jewellery? Just grab some warm water, mild soap, and a soft cotton cloth. Give it a gentle wipe, and voila—good as new!

2. How to determine the quality of lapis lazuli? Deep blue, pyrite flecks and minimal calcite are equal to high quality.

3. What characteristics define expensive lapis lazuli? Premium lapis is a uniform, intense blue with minimal visible calcite and an even distribution of pyrite.

4. Can water damage lapis lazuli? Yes, prolonged exposure to water can weaken and dull lapis lazuli. Keep them dry!

5. Is lapis lazuli suitable for everyday wear? You can wear them daily, but lapis are moderately soft, so occasional wear is better to avoid scratches and damage.

6. How should I store lapis lazuli? Soft pouches are a good option or lined boxes, so they don’t come in contact with other items.

7. Does lapis lazuli require cleansing? You can smudge it with sage or let it rest on a bed of sea salt for spiritual cleansing.