If you love gemstones with a captivating blue hue, you need to add a lapis necklace to your jewelry collection. Lapis lazuli, the name for this gemstone, has been treasured for centuries due to its color and stunning beauty. However, with many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the lapis necklace. To assist you in making the choice, here are some tips that will guide you through the selection process.
Getting Familiar with Lapis Lazuli
Before delving into selecting your elegant lapis necklace, it’s important to have an understanding of lapis lazuli. This gemstone is a type of rock primarily composed of lazurite—a mineral for its distinct blue shade. Lapis lazuli may also contain pyrite (also known as fool’s gold) and calcite, which can introduce streaks or flecks of gold or white within the stone.
Assessing Lapis Lazuli Quality
When considering a lapis necklace, it’s crucial to evaluate the quality of the gemstone itself. Several factors play into determining the quality of lapis lazuli, including color intensity, clarity, uniformity throughout the stone, and overall visual appeal.
Color: The sought-after lapis lazuli stones boast a deep blue hue.
Make sure that the color of the gemstone is evenly spread throughout without any variations or dull patches. Avoid stones that look too dark or have a tint.
Clarity: Regarding clarity, lapis lazuli tends to have an appearance. Higher-quality stones will have fewer visible imperfections or impurities. These imperfections can show up as gray streaks, pyrite specks, or calcite patches. While a small amount of these characteristics can add to the uniqueness of the gemstone, many inclusions can impact its beauty.
Uniformity: Uniformity is also important in a high-quality lapis necklace. Look for color saturation and even distribution of any inclusions in the stone.
Consider both the cut and shape of the lapis lazuli stone when selecting a necklace. Cabochons are commonly used, which are rounded or slightly domed shapes. However, other shapes, like ovals, rectangles, or beads, can offer unique options.
When choosing a lapis necklace, it’s essential to take into account your preferences and style that best complements your wardrobe.
When searching for the design, there are factors you should take into account;
Necklace Length: Think about the length of the necklace that will suit you best in terms of both flattery and comfort. You can choose from chokers, collar necklaces, opera-length necklaces, and rope necklaces that can be layered or worn long.
Metal and Setting: Lapis lazuli is often paired with gold or silver settings to enhance its beauty. Consider which metal complements your style and skin tone. Yellow gold can bring out the tones in lapis lazuli, while silver can give a versatile look.
Beaded or Pendant: Decide whether you prefer a lapis necklace with a pendant or one that features lapis lazuli beads. Pendants can serve as points and allow the stone to be showcased dramatically, while beaded necklaces offer a subtler, more traditional appearance.
Enhancements and Accents: Some lapis necklaces may incorporate other gemstones or materials to add accents and enhance the overall design. For instance, pearls, turquoise, or additional gemstones can complement the lapis lazuli. Create a piece of jewelry that catches the eye.
Considering Budget and Authenticity
Like any gemstone purchase, it’s important to remember your budget when shopping for a lapis necklace.
The price of a lapis lazuli necklace can vary depending on factors like its quality, size, design, and craftsmanship. It’s important to set a budget range and explore options within that range to find the value for your money.
Furthermore, when purchasing a lapis necklace, it’s crucial to ensure the gemstone is authentic. Look for jewelry retailers or authorities’ certifications to confirm the lapis lazuli’s legitimacy. Genuine lapis lazuli should have a color and should be resistant to scratches or chips.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing the perfect lapis necklace requires consideration of aspects such as gemstone quality, design, and budget. By understanding the properties of lapis lazuli and aligning them with your style and preferences, you can discover a meaningful lapis necklace. Whether you wear it for occasions or as an accessory, a lapis necklace will undoubtedly add elegance and sophistication to your jewelry collection.
