Julie's Friday Crystal Ball 17 May 2019
Hi there dear Empaness supporters and gemstone jewellery fanatics
Well last week’s post never made it to publishing ! - I had to go to Sydney to help my mum recover from an operation. Hope I didn’t disappoint anyone but my blog is back this week though I will have to keep things short as still juggling mum's care with my jewellery design.
Let have a look at a fascinating gemstone called Lapis Lazuli
Handmade Lapis Lazuli gemstones and oval sterling silver bead drop earrings
Its a striking, intense blue rock - it cannot be classed as a mineral because its made up of a few minerals combined. The majority though is Lazurite which can be up to about 40%. Also in the Lapis Lazuli stone are calcite (white), sodalite (blue), and pyrite (yellow), also known as fool’s gold.
The ancient Egyptians and Romans loved this stone - it was once more valuable than gold. In the funeral mask of Tutankhamun (1341-1323 BCE), Lapis Lazuli was used for the eyebrows of the young Pharaoh. There are even mentions of Lapis Lazuli in literature form the 17th-18th century BCE. [Wikipedia]
The major sources are Afghanistan, the Andes in South America and also a place in Siberia.
Michaelangelo used Lapis Lazuli in his paintings. The first blue pigment to hold its colour was often prized over gold. The semi-precious stone Lapis Lazuli was ground into an iridescent pigment, sometimes called ultramarine, that seemed to shine when applied to the canvas. [source: Hyperallergic art forum]
Lapis Lazuli is associated with the third eye chakra and so is highly effective in connecting spiritually and has effects on intellect, intuition and consciousness. It is though to bring clarity to thought and ability to connect with the truth.
Judy Hall’s Crystal Bible says that it can alleviate pain like migraines and helps overcome depression, benefits the respiratory and nervous systems and the throat, larynx and thyroid.
What an awesome gemstone !
Handmade sterling silver pendant with Moonstone and Lapis Lazuli gemstones on sterling silver belcher chain
This week’s news from Julie’s craft bench:
Its been a challenging week for me, but I have made some gorgeous new pieces. Just been playing around with new pictures and think I'm getting better. It is challenging at times. So just about to load on my new creations to website www.empaness.com.au
Remember the rewards program we have on the homepage for referring or purchasing - go take a look on the top right hand corner of the page.
If you have any questions about Empaness or our products you can message me on FB, Instagram or email julie@empaness.com.au
Quote from me for the week is “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved.” [Jane Goodall]
Bye for now - wishing you all a wonderful, happy and safe weekend.
Jules