Lapis Lazuli: the Ultimate Jewellery Guide

Deep blue as a midnight sky and flecked with golden starlight, lapis lazuli has captivated hearts for over 6,000 years. Known simply as lapis, this gemstone was once more precious than gold, revered by pharaohs, priests, and artists as the very stone of the heavens.

To hold lapis is to hold a piece of the cosmos — a gem that speaks of wisdom, truth, and timeless beauty.

A Gem Steeped in History

Lapis lazuli was mined as early as 4000 BC in the mountains of Afghanistan, the world’s most famous source. Ancient Egyptians carved it into scarabs and amulets, and ground it into pigment for the blue eye shadow of queens. In Mesopotamia, it was considered sacred to the gods, symbolising divine favour.

During the Renaissance, lapis was ground into ultramarine, the most expensive paint in the world, reserved for the robes of the Virgin Mary in masterpieces by Michelangelo and Vermeer. No other stone has left such a vivid mark on both jewellery and art.

The Beauty of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is unmistakable:

• Colour: Rich royal blue, sometimes with violet undertones.

• Flecks: Sparkling golden pyrite inclusions that look like stars in the night sky.

• Veins: Gentle white calcite streaks, echoing clouds across deep blue.

Its name comes from Latin lapis (“stone”) and Persian lazaward (“sky”), capturing its celestial beauty.

Lapis in Jewellery

Lapis lazuli’s bold colour and timeless appeal make it a favourite in jewellery design, from ancient artefacts to modern luxury pieces.

Popular styles include:

• Lapis Bead Necklaces – Regal and historic, worn for millennia.

• Cabochon Rings – Smooth, polished gems showing off the deep blue.

• Lapis & Gold Pendants – The warmth of gold enhances the gemstone’s celestial glow.

• Statement Earrings – Bold yet elegant, often paired with diamonds or pearls.

• Carved Lapis Cameos – Works of art in miniature, echoing ancient tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Lapis lazuli has always been seen as a stone of wisdom, truth, and enlightenment. Ancient kings and queens wore it as a symbol of power, while mystics believed it opened the mind to divine inspiration.

Even today, it is thought to encourage honesty, clarity, and connection to one’s higher self — a gemstone for dreamers, seekers, and leaders.

Caring for Lapis Jewellery

Lapis is relatively soft (5–6 on the Mohs scale) and porous, so it benefits from careful handling.

Care Tips:

• Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth — never soak or use chemicals.

• Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

• Store away from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.

• Protect from perfumes, lotions, and oils, which may dull its surface.

Final Thoughts

Lapis lazuli is more than a gemstone — it is history, art, and the night sky captured in stone. From the crowns of pharaohs to the canvases of Renaissance masters, it has always symbolised the pursuit of truth, beauty, and the eternal.

At Hallmark the Jewellers, explore our handpicked lapis jewellery — regal, celestial, and timeless — crafted to celebrate a gem that has enchanted humanity for thousands of years.

Hallmark: The Ultimate Jewellery Guide | Hallmark the Jewellers