Description
This is an antique lapis lazuli necklace in silver mounts from early 20th century Egypt. Made as a ceremonial collection of stones. This necklace is a large collection of delicately laid semi-precious gemstones of lapis and natural pearls to be cherished.
“Lapis Lazuli was among the most highly prized tribute paid to Egypt, obtained from the oldest mines in the world, worked from around 4000 B.C., and is still in use today. Referenced in the Old Testament as sapphire (unknown in that part of the ancient world), Lapis Lazuli is most likely the fifth stone in the original breastplate of the High Priest, as well as those of later times. The golden sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen was richly inlaid with Lapis, as were other burial ornaments of Egyptian kings and queens. It was used extensively in scarabs, pendants, and other jewelry, and ground into powder for dyes, eye shadow, and medicinal elixirs.”
