Cleopatra's eye shadow. King Tutankhamun's death mask. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. What do they all have in common? It's a bright blue stone that's been prized by humans for over 9,000 years: Lapis Lazuli.
What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis lazuli, commonly known as lapis, is a deep blue metamorphic rock found in Afghanistan, in Russia near Lake Baikal—the deepest lake in the world (well-known now thanks to Spooky Lake Month!), plus Chile, Pakistan, Colorado, U.S.A. (where we're based), China, and Myanmar.
Its rich blue color has made it highly sought after by artists and jewelers throughout history, and can you blame them? Just look at that beauty!
For millennia, lapis has been used in jewelry, inlays, and even ceremonial objects, making it one of the most cherished stones in human history. European painters started using lapis lazuli to create blue pigments around the 13th century, and it became increasingly common in the 14th century.
Can you imagine Girl with a Pearl Earring without her pretty blue headscarf, or the Virgin Mary without her blue robes? Lapis made them possible!
Why Does It Have Gold or White Flecks?
Lapis lazuli forms when existing rocks, like limestone or marble, are transformed by intense heat and pressure from magma or tectonic activity. This metamorphic process fuses minerals such as lazurite (giving the deep blue color), pyrite (golden flecks), and calcite (white veins) into a single, striking stone, creating the unique patterns and colors we treasure in lapis.
Pyrite may be known as fool's gold, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful when it sparkles through your lapis jewelry. I find it especially pretty in denim lapis, with its softer coloring. Denim lapis is a variation of lapis lazuli that contains more white calcite, giving it a lighter blue color. The gold flecks almost look like stars in a sea of light blue—absolutely stunning.
Where Our Lapis Comes From
While I wish we could offer Colorado lapis, it's incredibly rare! Lapis lazuli is most commonly found in the middle east, and so are our specimens. We visit local gem shows to source our stones, and only use lapis that has the highest quality and authenticity.
Lapis Jewelry at Waystone
Our Lapis Lazuli jewelry collection brings this ancient stone into modern life. Each dainty pendant necklace and stone stud earring is crafted in sterling silver or 14k gold fill, showcasing the stone’s unique blue hues and sparkling inclusions. The variations in color and pattern make every piece one-of-a-kind.
To make it even more unique, don't forget to personalize your piece with free custom engraving. With 80+ options to engrave, you're bound to find an illustration that speaks to you—or add a name, date, or meaningful phrase to transform your necklace or earrings into a personal keepsake or thoughtful gift. If you choose a necklace, you'll get to customize your chain style and length too. We then make your jewelry to order, shipping it to you in just 2-4 business days.
Shop our Lapis Lazuli collection to start designing your keepsake.
