I ♥ Lapis Lazuli

Lapis isn't just for jewelry; it was also used, real and faux, in decorative arts.  It polishes very well and can be carved into boxes, ornaments, and vases. In architecture it was used to line the walls and columns of palaces.

Since the early eighties, lapis has been a favourite stone of mine. Lapis is a rock, actually a rare, semi-precious stone, and not a mineral.  Lapis is rich in look and in history. The Egyptians used it a lot, especially in their amulets and their ornaments, such as the scarabs. Cleopatra even ground it into powder to use as an eye-shadow. Later it's powder was also used as pigment in tempera paint, and more rarely, oil paint.  I think it has a very regal look, maybe it's because of it's intense royal blue colour.

Top Row, left to right: c1970's Kutchinsky pendant and chain from England, from Robin Katz; Early 19th-century Italian painted and gilt planter with faux lapis panel, from Kevin Stone Antiques & Interiors; Late 19th/early 20th-century ormolu mounted lapis lamps from Herringbone Home

Middle Row, left to right: Bucherer watch from Camilla Dietz Bergeron; Watch from Craig Evan Small, Tiffany & Co earrings from Neil Marrs

Bottom Row, left to right: Italian ring with diamonds from Buck House; 1970's American necklace from Kimberly Klosterman; Estrucan revival earrings from Coach House. All vendors listed on 1st Dibs.

A sample of necklaces from the Lapis Collection from Sautoir. The two strands with lapis beads feature 22k gold, the carved pendant is on a gold-plated chain, and the vintage European gold cross actually has blue enamel, not lapis, but looks great when paired with the lapis beads. (image: cashon & co)

Actress Freida Pinto in John Galliano