Lapis Lazuli House Blog

When selecting lapis lazuli, the decision goes beyond aesthetics—it's about making a choice that aligns with your values. While lapis lazuli from various parts of the world has its own unique appeal, some regions face challenges that may raise concerns for ethically conscious consumers. For those who prioritize responsible sourcing, Chilean lapis lazuli offers a reassuring alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality or beauty. Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan is renowned for its deep blue color. However, the complex situation in the region has made it difficult to ensure that the mining and sale of these stones meet the high ethical..  - Read More

Sterling silver is the staple for high-quality jewelry and is used in the craftsmanship of all of Lapis Lazuli House’s unique pieces. Sterling silver is the most popular silver alloy because it improves on the metal’s properties without affecting its value.  Pure silver is quite soft and malleable, meaning that its easily damaged when used in jewelry handicraft.  Sterling silver is composed of over 90% pure silver, mixed with any other metal.  The most common metal used is copper.  This combination produces a metal that is just as beautiful as pure silver, but more stable and durable.  The presence of..  - Read More

Of all of the various meanings and sentiments given to lapis lazuli since its discovery, perhaps the most significant is its inherent divinity.  The stone’s whimsical coloring, often resembling a starry night sky, undoubtedly evoked an image of the heavens and led to a long-standing relationship between the stone and its use in religious ceremonies. The use of lapis lazuli as a religious ornament goes back to ancient times.  One of the oldest myths, that of the Sumerian Goddess of Love, Inanna, depicts her entering the underworld wearing a lapis lazuli necklace.  In Sumerian culture, lapis lazuli was said to..  - Read More

Because of its stunning color, lapis lazuli has long been associated with various mystical and metaphysical properties. Whether or not these claims have any merit, people have coveted the azure stone through the years, believing in its various healing and enlightening powers. These properties make lapis a popular component in many amulets and talismans. Lapis lazuli is well known for its healing energy. As a deep blue stone, it is typically associated with calming and relaxing. Lapis is said to improve circulation and cardiac rhythm. It can also lower blood pressure and relieve insomnia. Rubbing lapis on afflicted areas can..  - Read More

Lapis Lazuli has become one of the most commonly faked gemstones in the industry.  This makes it critical for consumers to educate themselves on how to distinguish authentic lapis from a sea of imitation stones. Synthetic lapis lazuli has become increasingly abundant in recent years.  Synthetic lapis ranges significantly in quality and appearance and can be almost indistinguishable from the real thing.  These false stones have often been dyed to look like lapis or could even be poor quality lapis that has been dyed to command a higher price.  It may be difficult to call out a fake right off..  - Read More

The union of a gem with a metal is called setting or inlaying. Up until recently, it was common to encrust all gems on precious metal using the inlaying technique, regardless of the gemstone or its particular qualities. However, the procedure for inlaying a stone obscures some of the main characteristics of transparent or semitransparent gemstones. Lapis lazuli was traditionally inlayed in this way as well. A good example is that of the lapis lazuli inlay on Tutankhamun’s golden mask, made by the Egyptians during the age of the pharaohs. This technique is no longer used for lapis lazuli. Jewelry..  - Read More

Apart from carved ornaments and statuettes, lapis lazuli is commonly used in the decoration of table surfaces, boxes, vases, and other flat surfaces – even houses!  The gemstone’s relative “softness” makes it easy to cut thin layers that can be used to adorn different pieces of furniture or walls.  These layers can also be glued together to create three dimensional objects like boxes. Boxes made with lapis lazuli are intricately crafted and highly coveted ornaments. They are made with thin strips of the stone, the thinnest being two millimeters thick, that are attached together.  The artisan will begin the process..  - Read More

The art of carving lapis lazuli is driven by the skills of each individual artisan.  Lapis lazuli figurines are often carved from the raw stone’s initial form, meaning that the artisan will typically decide on a shape based on what the raw stone looks like.  The base of the rock is taken as a main reference point with the rest of the rock completing the figurine’s shape.  Thus, lapis lazuli carvings are truly an inspired art form.  No two carvings are the same. Lapis lazuli carvings range from primitive shapes, to standard animal and talisman carvings, to highly artistic and..  - Read More