Handworked Lapis Lazuli and Silver pendant. The design of the above pendant is Turkmeni, but traditionally Lapis Lazuli is not used in Turkmenistan jewellery items, even though Turkmenistan, right on the northern border of Afghanistan, is distance-wise relatively near the ancient Lapis mining region of north-east Afghanistan. Turkmeni access to Lapis Lazuli was always severely curtailed by the sheer ruggedness of the terrain between the two areas.
This pendant was handcrafted by Turkmeni artisans in Jaipur Rajasthan, refugees from strife in northern Afghanistan where there has always been a Turkmeni component.
The Lapis in the above pendant has a lovely deep natural blue, with natural inclusions. Jaipur is a major gemstone trading centre, home to many gemstone cutters and dealers, and Lapis Lazuli is always available in that city.
Note: the 60cms 1.5mm thick Silver “box” chain shown in above images is normal retail $40, can be included with the pendant at a reduced $30.