18ct Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise Diamond Ring

The new in store Handmade 22ct Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise Diamond Ring is a magnificent piece that you should add to your Avenue J Jewellery collection today!

The beautiful, blue stone called Lapis Lazuli has been used in jewellery since ancient times. Lapis was a favourite of the Ancient Egyptians.

It was inlaid into the Tutenkamun death mask, his sarcophagus and other ancient jewels. Lapis is named after the Persian word 'Lazhward' for blue.

Since the earliest of times, lapis lazuli has been associated with royalty, strength and courage, wisdom and intellect, friendship and truth.

From antiquity, lapis lazuli has been worn in the belief that it will ward off evil. In ancient Egypt, it was powdered and worn about the eyes to improve eyesight.

Lapis lazuli is an intensely blue stone made of a deep blue lazurite, cloudy white calcite, sparkly pyrite and other minerals. This beautiful mixture of textures gives lapis lazuli its characteristic look.

Lapis lazuli is found with limestone or as separate boulders. Stones from what is now modern Afghanistan and Pakistan are still considered to be of the best quality. Argentina also produces a premium deep blue variety. Lapis lazuli is found in the USA and Canada and less intense blue examples are found in Chile and in the former USSR.

The mineral turquoise is formed by a chemical reaction which occurs when water containing specific minerals such as copper and aluminum leak through a rock. It forms in veins, which later then turn into a clump of turquoise.

Turquoise is also a calming stone that can induce internal serenity and lift depleted spirits. Not only will turquoise help to flush negative emotions from the mind, it is also said to support detoxification of the body. Because it aids tranquility and protection, turquoise is a great stone to accompany meditation.