Price is per 16-inch strand of 18 beads. Largest bead on the strand measures about 20mm x 8mm x 8mm - all drilled ready to thread.
Lapis Lazuli is gemstone straight out of fairy tales of the Arabian Nights: deepest blue with golden shining Pyrite inclusions
which twinkle like little stars. Named after lapis, the Latin word for stone, and the Arabian for blue. Thousands of years
before Christ, Egyptian and Persian royalty wore lapis as a talisman to deter danger. In other cultures it was worshipped
as a holy stone and thought to have magical power in oriental countries. Many believe the Biblical sapphire was actually
lapis lazuli. Through the ages, lapis has been associated with power, wisdom, love, and a stimulant for psychic ability. And
in the art world it¿s famous for the ultramarine blue paint used by the Grand Old Masters, like on portraits of the Virgin Mary.
While other compositions have long since paled, lapis has lost nothing of its brilliance.
Lapis is still mined in the remote mountains of Afghanistan, the best stones being deep and intensive blue with finely
distributed golden crystals. The twinkling inclusions are not gold but pyrite, caused by iron. The blue color comes
from the sulfuric content of lazurite, and looks dull until polished. Lapis is a soft stone that should be treated gently while
polishing. Unpolished, the dark blue looks dull with golden inclusions and whitish veins from marble. However, a Lapis which
has dulled after being worn too often is easily polished, and jewelry is often surface sealed with wax or resin.
For many people lapis is a stone of truth and friendship. Bringing harmony to relationships and helping its wearer openly state
their individual opinion. While aiding inner vision, wisdom, insight and good judgment. It¿s also said to be good for treating
thyroid problems and helping to get in touch with our inner selves. A powerful gemstone that should not be worn by those
who lack strength of character.