Ancient Lapis shapes in handcut natural Afghani Lapis Lazuli, in earrings created in Sydney, all in Silver.
Afghanistan, the source of the gemstone Lapis Lazuli since Antiquity, has also been a cross-roads state forever, folk moving through it east to west, north to south, propping, moving on, settling, being moved on. A number of the fertile valleys of the north of the country have hosted very serious excavation digs since the late 1800s, and always part of the treasure unearthed has always been jewellery, especially bead jewellery.
The Ancient Lapis shapes of the above handcut beads are typical of the different bead cuts used over the millenia.