Lapis Lazuli Jewellery
Discover the Sarah Beth Jewellers collection of beautiful lapis lazuli jewellery, featuring stunning necklaces, pendants and earrings crafted in sterling silver and gold. This captivating semi-precious gemstone has been treasured for thousands of years and remains one of the most sought-after blue gemstones in the world. With its rich, velvety deep blue colour and natural flecks of golden pyrite, lapis lazuli is a stone that truly stops people in their tracks.
What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock rather than a single mineral, composed primarily of lazurite — the mineral responsible for its intense blue colour — along with calcite, sodalite and pyrite. It is the pyrite inclusions that give lapis lazuli its characteristic golden flecks, creating an appearance reminiscent of a star-studded night sky. Some stones display a smooth, highly polished finish that glows with a deep, jewel-like lustre, whilst others reveal fascinating natural patterns and shimmering reflections that make each piece entirely unique.
The finest lapis lazuli is a deep, uniform royal blue with minimal white calcite veining and a generous scattering of golden pyrite. Lower grades tend to have more white or grey patches, which reduce the intensity of the colour. At Sarah Beth Jewellers, we select only high-quality lapis lazuli that showcases the stone at its most beautiful.
The History of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli has one of the longest and most storied histories of any gemstone in the world. It has been mined in the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan for over 6,000 years — and those same ancient mines are still producing lapis lazuli today, making them among the oldest continuously worked gemstone deposits on earth.
In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was considered more precious than gold. It was used extensively in the jewellery, amulets and burial masks of the pharaohs — most famously in the golden death mask of Tutankhamun, which is inlaid with lapis lazuli. The Egyptians ground lapis lazuli into powder to create eyeshadow and cosmetics, and believed it to be a stone of the gods, connected to the night sky and the divine.
In ancient Mesopotamia, lapis lazuli was traded across vast distances and used to create some of the most exquisite jewellery and decorative objects of the ancient world, including the legendary treasures of the Royal Tombs of Ur. The Sumerians and Babylonians associated lapis lazuli with royalty, power and the heavens.
During the Renaissance, lapis lazuli was ground into the pigment ultramarine — the most prized and expensive blue paint in the world, used by masters including Michelangelo, Vermeer and Raphael to paint the robes of the Virgin Mary. So valuable was ultramarine that artists would often reserve it for the most sacred and important elements of a painting. The word itself means ‘beyond the sea’, reflecting the long journey the stone made from Afghanistan to the studios of Europe.
Today, lapis lazuli remains one of the most beloved and recognisable gemstones in fine jewellery, prized for its extraordinary colour, its rich history and its timeless elegance.
Meaning & Benefits of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli has long been associated with wisdom, truth and inner harmony. It is believed by many to encourage self-awareness, emotional balance and clarity of thought — making it a popular choice for those drawn to the spiritual and wellbeing properties of gemstones. In traditional folklore, lapis lazuli is also associated with:
-
Inner peace and harmony — believed to calm the mind and encourage a sense of serenity
-
Wisdom and truth — historically associated with honesty, integrity and clear communication
-
Confidence and self-expression — thought to encourage the wearer to speak their truth with courage
-
Wellbeing — in traditional belief systems, lapis lazuli has been linked with supporting healthy blood pressure, soothing inflammation and boosting the immune system, though these claims are not scientifically proven
Lapis lazuli is also the traditional birthstone for September in some cultures, and is associated with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius and Libra, making it a wonderfully personal and meaningful gift.
Why Buy Lapis Lazuli Jewellery from Sarah Beth Jewellers?
-
Genuine gemstones — every piece in our collection features real lapis lazuli, carefully selected for depth of colour and quality
-
Expert curation — our collection is hand-selected for craftsmanship, design and wearability
-
Sterling silver and gold settings — our lapis lazuli is set in quality metals that complement and enhance the stone’s rich blue tones
-
Exceptional value — beautiful fine jewellery at accessible prices
-
Trusted service — we are proud to offer outstanding customer care and a money-back guarantee
-
Gift-ready — all orders arrive beautifully packaged, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions
Caring for Your Lapis Lazuli Jewellery
Lapis lazuli is a relatively soft stone (5 to 6 on the Mohs scale) and requires gentle care to keep it looking its best:
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth — avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning and harsh chemicals
- Keep away from acids, perfumes, hairsprays and lotions, which can damage the surface and dull the colour
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause the colour to fade over time
- Store separately from harder gemstones such as diamonds or sapphires to prevent scratching
- Remove before swimming, bathing or exercising
With proper care, your lapis lazuli jewellery will retain its extraordinary depth of colour and beauty for many years to come.
Shop Lapis Lazuli Jewellery at Sarah Beth
Browse our full collection of lapis lazuli necklaces, pendants and earrings below. Whether you are searching for a meaningful gift, a special birthday present or a striking piece to add to your own collection, lapis lazuli offers timeless elegance and a depth of colour that is truly unlike any other gemstone. For help choosing the perfect piece, please do not hesitate to get in touch — we are always happy to help.
