Lapis Lazuli: Prized Since Antiquity
Birthstone for December (along with turquoise) As early as 5000 years B.C., lapis lazuli (pronounced LA piss LA zoo lee) was mined in what is now Afghanistan. Rough lapis is shown above, and a piece of polished lapis to the left. Lapis is Latin for “stone” and lazuli means blue. (The words azul and azure […]
Silver
The only metal I work with in my jewelry is silver—from sterling (92.5%) to fine (100%). Chemical Properties Silver is an element with atomic number 47. Its chemical symbol is Ag from the Latin argentum. Along with gold and platinum, silver is a precious metal. It is malleable enough to shape easily and takes a […]
Why We Wear Jewelry
Jewelry has always been a part of my life. Before my first memories I was wearing a tiny sapphire ring—my birthstone. In high school I worked in my dad’s jewelry store and a good chunk of my earnings went toward buying jewelry. Your choice of adornment can also signify social status or belonging to a […]
