Elegant Ciner Lapis Beads With Rams' Head Enamel & Diamond Clasp Necklace and Earrings Set

NWS 2-1435

~ Lapis Lazuli stinks. That is to say, the gemologist can smell the stone when cutting or drilling it. That's because when exposed to high heat, its high sulfur content releases the odor (no smell from wearing it, obviously!). But that high sulfur content is also what lends the stone its intense blue color. Indeed, Lapis is the most intense, the most vibrant blue gemstone the world has ever known. Mined for over 6,000 years, Mesopotamian cultures, Greece and Egypt frequently used this expensive stone in their jewelry and decorations. "Lapis", of course, is the Latin word for "stone", and Lazuli comes from the Arab word, "azul", for blue. The beads and cabochons in this Ciner set are real Lapis Lazuli.

~ Lapis Lazuli has been mined for thousands of years from the remote mountain valley of Kokcha, Afghanistan. First mined 6000 years ago, the rock was transported to Egypt and used by the Pharaohs in their jewelry, as well as thin slabs of it to decorate the walls of their palaces and tombs. After Alexander The Great finished conquering Asia, he introduced Lapis Lazuli to Europe (about 330 B.C.).

~ Artists know that tubes of oil paint are relatively inexpensive, except if you want to buy "ultramarine blue". For many centuries, people have ground down Lapis into a fine powder. Even pulverized, the stone retains its intense blue color.  When mixed with a binding agent, the powder makes the most fantastic color of blue paint (ultramarine= "bluer than the ocean"). Hence, it was used by all of the Grand Old Masters. The oil paint is still made that way today, and is still very expensive.

~ As usual, Ciner selected the best quality stones for this necklace & earrings set. I have examined them with a jeweler's loupe. The beads are an intense, vivid blue, with no white inclusions. Further, the stones are gently mottled with areas of slightly lighter blue, with a myriad of tiny pyrite flakes.

~ The large ram's head is made of thickly plated, goldtone metal, with glossy blue enamel. Details, such as the rings around his horns, his eyes and nostrils, are depicted in gold.  The ram holds in his mouth a ring of faux diamonds, springing from a diamante lotus blossom.

~ Two faux jade cabochons form the ram's eyes. Up the center of the ram's forehead are dozens of pavé-set, faceted crystals that extend beyond the horns. At the top of his head is a large Lapis cabochon, and right behind that bezel-set stone is where the shovel clasp is disguised into the design. Awesome! 

~ There are two strands of Lapis Lazuli beads measuring a maximum of 38 inches long. The inner strand is slightly shorter. It is intended to be doubled around your neck. The ornate ram's head clasp can be worn in any way you choose, and looks fabulous in several different positions.

~ Each bead measures approx. 11 mm. They have been strung by hand, and knotted between each stone! The necklace is substantial and heavy, while remaining comfortable to wear. Indeed, the cool, smooth stones feel wonderful against the skin.

~ The matching earrings have a large Lapis cabochon at the center of each, with enameled blue details applied to the golden frame, and more pavé-set, faceted crystals. They are clips and measure 1.5" long.

~ All three pieces are signed "CINER®".

c. 1960, in perfect condition, this is an extraordinary find. The best Lapis in the world still comes from Afghanistan and is rare.

Price = $985.00 sets 3, a-c

Who was Ciner?