Superior Lapis Lazuli, origin the harsh high country regions of far north-east Afghanistan, Badakhshan, up by the borders of Kyrgizstan and Tajikistan, the only source since antiquity for this gemstone, much appreciated throughout history for its beauty in jewellery and ornament, and as the main ingredient in the production of the deep blue colour agent known as ultramarine.
The deep blue in the Superior Lapis Lazuli beads of the above strand is vibrant and natural, and though there is a basic uniformity in the colour, there can be observed a pleasing natural variation, largely due to natural characteristic inclusions.
The nine Turquoise beads are Chinese in origin, of good colour, with some natural inclusions.
Professionally stranded on Sydney by one of Sydney’s best known professional Pearl stranders, on silk, with knotting here and there throughout.