The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
25 Stunning Pieces of Lapis Jewelry
Pantone has predicted that lapis blue will be a top color for spring; here are 25 versions of the gem-inspired shade as interpreted by fine jewelry’s top designers.
New York--When Pantone predicts seasonal color trends, it occasionally delivers jewelers a softball with a hue plucked straight from the gemstone world.
The color forecasting company crowned rose quartz one of two “colors of the year” for 2016 and in 2013, the honor went to emerald. Recently, it deemed lapis as one of 10 shades that will be big for spring 2017.
For designers, this can provide a great marketing angle in coming months, though lapis lazuli has long been a beloved material.
“It has such a regal and ancient feel to it,” said designer Pamela Love. “Recently, our customers have really seemed to gravitate toward the pieces with lapis we have produced."
"Something about lapis is exotic and regal, the color is just so rich,” agreed designer Jacquie Aiche. “It’s a stone of wisdom, so I think people are drawn to that as well."
Many designers noted the historic import of the gemstone, which counts an appearance on Tutankhamun’s funeral mask, adorning the young pharaoh’s eyes and eyebrows, as one of its most iconic moments.
“There are so many historical associations with lapis,” said emerging fine jeweler Liz Phillips.
“You see it used so much in ancient art, particularly Egyptian jewelry and decorative arts, and also in beautiful ‘pietra dure’ inlay work from the Italian Renaissance and also Mughal India.”
Lapis’ vivid hue, which is oftentimes included with specks of other minerals, is the primary reason the stone figures in so many designers’ oeuvres, they said.
Andrea Fohrman explained, “I am obsessed with all gemstones that are blue and lapis has such an incredible deep color with flecks of gold; it pairs well with almost anything. My use of lapis with turquoise and opal is my favorite way to combine this stone.”
Jamie Joseph added, “I prefer lapis with intense blue color. These are the ones I love using most, and especially the pieces that include the pyrite splatter.”
“We decided to work in lapis because we wanted to incorporate stones and color into our line,” said Smith + Mara designers Sara Smith and Mara Rothbart. “We love the deep, dark blue with flecks of gold--it helps bring out the gold in the jewelry and adds a beautiful accent to the design.”
For London-based designer Pippa Small, lapis has taken on an important role in her life. Small works with Turquoise Mountain, an organization that aims to revive traditional Afghani crafts.
Afghanistan
“Lapis lazuli is the national stone of a troubled country that has come to mean so much to me,” said Small, who has worked with Turquoise Mountain for nine years and travels to Kabul regularly.
Small continued, “(Lapis was) once traded across the world on ancient silk routes, and now is being used to help the struggling jewelry industry in war-torn Afghanistan.”
Below, find a sampling of the stone’s many visual possibilities.
The Latest
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.