Uniquely southwest. Speckled Dalmatian jasper, bright turquoise, and deep blue Lapis stones on double strands finished with a hand-stamped southwest cross. Rustic yet feminine. Finished with a side clasp. Measures 7 1/2″. Sterling silver, which has been oxidized and hand-polished for an antique finish.
About Lapis: Lapis is a semiprecious stone valued for its deep-blue color caused by the presence of the mineral lazurite, which is the source of the pigment ultramarine. Lapis is an ancient stone with a history that dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used as a favorite stone for amulets and ornaments such as scarabs; it was also used by the Assyrians and Babylonians for seals. Lapis jewelry has been found at excavations of the Predynastic Egyptian site Naqada (3300–3100 BC), and powdered Lapis was used as eyeshadow by Cleopatra. In Medieval times, Lapis was used as pigment for artists’ paint.
About Dalmatian Stone: With its natural dots reminiscent of the dog’s coat, it’s easy to see where Dalmatian Jasper gets its name. This opaque white stone is spotted with black and brown spots. The black is actually black tourmaline. Dalmatian jasper is believed to lessen or remove disillusionment.
About turquoise: The name turquoise means “Turkish stone” because the trade route that brought it to Europe came via Turkey. Turquoise is a non-translucent stone of which the most valuable specimens are robin’s egg blue or deep-blue azure. It also comes in brown, yellow, and many shades of green. The veins are inclusions from nearby rock fragments or oxides that form during the creation of turquoise.
Turquoise, the gemstone worn by pharaohs and Aztec kings, is probably one of the oldest gemstones known. Native Americans and many of the Indian tribes in Mexico used turquoise for currency, and the stone is still associated with the religious rites of the Navajo. Because it remains fashionable, turquoise is quite highly prized, although it is fairly plentiful.
Handcrafted by Sarah DeAngelo in Lakewood, Colorado.
All jewelry is shipped for free within the continental U.S.
Available online only.
