Rich, juicy colors. A darling turquoise heart is paired with dreamy rubies, deep amethyst, and striking lapis. The perfect playful pop of color. Finished with a lobster clasp and closure loop. Measures 7 1/4-8". Sterling silver, which has been oxidized and hand polished for an antique finish.
About Amethyst: Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz. The name comes from the Ancient Geek “methustos” ("intoxicated"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkeness; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. Amethyst is renowned for bringing a sense of calm and clarity to our chaotic world.
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 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 Rubies: The birthstone for July, the ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Historically, it has symbolized love and passion, considered an aid to firm friendship, and believed to ensure beauty. It can range in color from purplish or bluish red to a yellowish red, but the finest color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint undertone of blue. The ruby is a very brilliant stone and is also a very hard, durable, and wearable stone.
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.
Your jewelry will arrive beautifully gift wrapped in a small box. Multiple items will be combined, unless separate boxes are requested. If this is a gift being shipped directly to the recipient, please let me know. I will be glad to include a note from you.