Lapis has been mined in the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan for more than six thousand years. Ground to powder it became ultramarine — for centuries the most expensive pigment a painter could buy, worth more by weight than gold, and reserved for the robes of the Virgin.

Look for the small gold flecks scattered through the blue. That is naturally occurring iron pyrite, and it is the traditional mark of genuine lapis rather than a dyed substitute.

Three rounds to an ear, each caught in an open curve of silver wire that alternates direction down the drop, so the pair reads as a ribbon rather than a stack. The ear wires are formed by hand.

Silver against lapis is the historical pairing — it is what the Egyptians used, and the reason is visible the moment you put them on.

Details

• Three natural lapis lazuli rounds per earring
• Visible iron pyrite flecking — the mark of genuine lapis
• Silver wire wraps and hand-formed ear wires
• Drop length approx. 1.5–2"
• Also available in silver
• Handmade

Care: Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Apply perfume and lotion before wearing. Store flat or in a pouch.

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