Lapis Lazuli Necklace Value Guide

This mid-20th-century single-strand necklace showcases the timeless allure of Afghan Lapis Lazuli, a stone prized since antiquity for its royal blue hue. Crafted between 1940 and 1960, the piece highlights the natural beauty of the stone through polished beads accented by classic gold-tone spacers.

What Is Lapis Lazuli Necklace Worth?

The typical price range for Lapis Lazuli Necklace is $80 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The intensity and uniformity of the blue color, with higher value placed on stones with minimal white calcite veining.
• The presence and distribution of golden pyrite flecks, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal and value.
• The overall condition of the polished beads, specifically looking for a lack of chips or surface dullness.
• The integrity of the gold-tone spacers and the functionality of the original mid-century clasp.

How to Identify Lapis Lazuli Necklace?

• Look for the characteristic deep blue color with natural inclusions of golden pyrite (fools gold) and white calcite.
• Verify the single-strand construction typical of the 1940-1960 era, featuring uniform polished beads.
• Inspect the gold-toned metal spacers and clasp for period-appropriate wear and design consistent with mid-century manufacturing.
• Check for the weight and cold-to-the-touch feel inherent to genuine Afghan Lapis Lazuli rather than dyed glass or plastic imitations.

History of Lapis Lazuli Necklace

Lapis lazuli has been prized since antiquity, with its deep blue hue symbolizing royalty and truth. It was used in ancient Egypt for jewelry and ornamentation, and later by artists of the Renaissance to create the pigment ultramarine. This necklace, likely a mid-20th-century piece, represents a continuation of lapis lazuli's enduring appeal in jewelry, often set in simple designs to highlight the stone's natural beauty.