A perfectly crisp autumn afternoon. Deep apatite, bright turquoise, and rich lapis are stacked inside adorable mini hand forged hoops. As sweet as can be. Handmade Shepherd hook earwires. Measure 1 1/4”. 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 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 Apatite: The color of apatite is similar to beautiful tropical waters. Apatite is actually the mineral that makes up the teeth and bones of all vertebrate animals. The name comes from the Greek word apate, which means, "to deceive." Apatite was often confused, therefore "deceiving" many, with some of the more valuable gems such as tourmaline, olivine, peridot, topaz and beryl. Apatite's history with humans is long, yet surprisingly vague. While the stone has been associated with appetite suppression for centuries, few other traditions are known. Give in to the inspirational qualities of the Apatite crystal stone and encourage a peaceful respite from the confusion that comes from adulting in the modern world.
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.