Handcrafted lapis lazuli pendant with silver wire wrap. The stone —44.5 × 19 mm— displays the intense, deep blue of lazurite, with white calcite veins and golden pyrite flecks distributed organically. Includes a black leather cord (2 mm × 65 cm). Unique piece.
Item details
| Mineral |
Lapis lazuli (lazurite + calcite + pyrite) |
| Item dimensions |
44.5 × 19 mm (including wire setting) |
| Technique |
Wire wrap |
| Metal |
Silver-filled wire (10% sterling silver over copper core) |
| Stone finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
5–6 Mohs — wire-wrapped with moderate tension |
| Stone origin |
Material acquired from wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Includes |
Round black leather cord, 2 mm × 65 cm |
| Type |
Unique piece |
This particular piece
The lapis lazuli in this pendant features a dominant blue area with white calcite veins running diagonally through the stone — this white pattern breaks the uniformity of the blue and adds visual depth. The pyrite points, though small, catch the light differently from the matte blue background, creating micro-sparkles that change with the viewing angle.
The elongated format (44.5 × 19 mm) allows the pendant to hang naturally on the sternum. The wire wrap respects the irregular edges of the stone instead of conforming them to a standard shape, making the pendant's silhouette unique to this specific piece.
Lapis lazuli in lapidary tradition
One of the minerals most closely linked to the history of art and jewelry. It appears in Egyptian tombs from the 1st Dynasty (c. 3000 BC), was used in Mesopotamian seals and furniture, and during the European Renaissance, its powder produced ultramarine pigment —more expensive than gold— with which Vermeer, Titian, and Raphael painted the cloaks of the Virgins.
In crystal tradition, lapis lazuli (wisdom and honest communication) is described as the stone of knowledge and true speech.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the lapis lazuli dyed?
No. The intense blue is the native color of lazurite, the main mineral in this rock. No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
What is silver-filled and how does it differ from silver-plated?
Silver-filled wire has a layer of sterling silver that represents 10% of the piece's total weight, mechanically bonded to a copper core. It is much more durable than conventional silver plating (which uses micron-thick layers) and maintains its appearance with normal use for years.
Is lapis lazuli fragile with a hardness of 5–6 Mohs?
In everyday use as a pendant —without bumps or direct abrasion— it is perfectly stable. Avoid rubbing it against hard surfaces and store it separately. It is less hard than quartz (7 Mohs), but it is one of the most used minerals in jewelry since Antiquity.
Are the dimensions exact?
The indicated measurements (44.5 × 19 mm) correspond to this specific piece including the wire setting. Due to the handmade nature of the setting, there may be a variation of ±0.5 mm.
How do I care for this pendant?
Avoid contact with water, perfumes, and creams. Clean with a soft dry cloth. Store separately from other jewelry. See full guide: jewelry care.
More about lapis lazuli: properties and uses of lapis lazuli. See also: wire wrap collection.
