Lapis Lazuli, From Afghanistan Options

[Denise]

Dypheron sent us some Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan to work, sure is some beautiful stuff! Here is a close up picture of the slab he sent.




After taking it to the saw to slab it out more, we were able to get more slabs producing these pieces. First I made this 26x26mm. heart for his wife. Turned out really nice and was set with a gold filled hoop in the center top. Double sided so can be worn either way.





Dan (CP) made several great cabochons from some of the slabs. He took some pictures but with them all in one photo. Don't want to take away from the beauty of each piece so I blotted out the other cabs till they are shown later. This way the sizes can be added to each photo of the piece. Lots of Lapis left yet even so several more will be made and added later.

The first one he did was this stunning large teardrop measuring 49x16 mm. Nice work Dan! Turned out fantastic!!





More pictures coming later! You get first choice at these Dypheron, so If you see any you like just let us know.

[CP]

Thank you Denise! I do like the tear drop shape but it can be a buggar to finish out. What, I thought all in one picture would be easier.
Here are a couple of hexagons which I also like doing but can be trying at times. But I think these ones turned out ok.
The larger one is 7/8 inch and the smaller is 1/2 inch.....I know inches instead of mm but it was drafting template.

Pictures are such a tough thing with these because of the contrasting white calcite on dark blue lazurite with some pyrite flakes tossed into the mix. The colors seem much "brighter" when in hand and the pyrite shows both gold or silver depending on the lighting source. Fun stuff!