Handcut Shell, Lapis Lazuli. Lapis Lazuli is one of the two rocks in the gemstone world, the other gemstone rock being Turquoise. All other gemstones fall into two camps: they are either classified as “crystal”, such as Amethyst Quartz, Diamond, Ruby etc etc, or “organic”, such as Pearl, Coral, Amber.
Both Lapis and Turquoise can take a high polish, but where unpolished or semi-polished Turquoise is not usual, semi-polished Lapis Lazuli is commonly available and is popular. The unusual long slim bead of Lapis in the above pendant is an example of the semi-polished gemstone. Its origin the wild and rugged far north-east of Afghanistan, this bead shows inclusions of pyrites, “fools’ gold”; visible pyrites inclusions are common in Afghani Lapis Lazuli, and considered characteristic of the Lapis of that origin. (It should be noted that not all Afghani Lapis Lazuli has these pyrites inclusions.)
Note: the 60cms, 1.5mm square, Silver “box” chain in above images has a retail price of just under $40, but would be included with the pendant at a reduced $25 if so desired.