Lapis Lazuli Bangle Bracelet Value Guide

VINTAGE 14K YELLOW GOLD LAPIS LAZULI HINGED BANGLE BRACELET, 23.1g | eBay
Lapis Lazuli Bangle Bracelet
Estimated Value
$750 – $900
Period
1950-1970
Origin
Afghanistan
Materials
14K yellow gold, Lapis Lazuli
Category
Lapis lazuli

This mid-century Lapis Lazuli bangle represents a fusion of ancient Afghan gemstone heritage and 1950s-1970s gold craftsmanship. Highly collectible for its intense ultramarine pigment and celestial pyrite flecks, it embodies a timeless aesthetic prized since the Renaissance.

What Is Lapis Lazuli Bangle Bracelet Worth?

The typical price range for Lapis Lazuli Bangle Bracelet is $750 - $900 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The saturation of the blue color, with deep 'royal' blue commanding the highest market prices.
  • The distribution of pyrite flecks; a balanced 'starry' appearance is more desirable than large, dull patches.
  • The total weight and purity of the 14K yellow gold setting used in the bangle construction.
  • The overall condition of the gemstone surface, specifically looking for a high-polish finish without chips or scratches.

How to Identify Lapis Lazuli Bangle Bracelet?

  • Verify the presence of natural brassy-yellow pyrite inclusions which should resemble stars against the deep blue background.
  • Check for the 14K gold hallmark on the inner clasp or rim, consistent with mid-century jewelry standards.
  • Examine the stone for a rich, uniform ultramarine color without excessive white calcite veining which can lower quality.
  • Confirm the origin of the stone as Afghanistan, known for producing the most historically significant lapis since the 7th millennium BC.

History of Lapis Lazuli Bangle Bracelet

Lapis Lazuli has been prized since antiquity for its intense, deep blue color. It was mined in Afghanistan as early as the 7th millennium BC. Ancient Egyptians used it for jewelry and ornamental objects, believing it connected them to the divine. The golden flecks within lapis, caused by pyrite inclusions, were thought to resemble stars, adding to its celestial appeal. In the Middle Ages, lapis was ground into a pigment called ultramarine, the finest and most expensive blue used by Renaissance painters. This particular bangle design combines this ancient gemstone with classic gold craftsmanship, reflecting a continued appreciation for its beauty and historical significance into modern times.

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