Natural Afghanistan lapis lazuli - Virgin Mary stone...

ecklace of polished Baroque pieces, Virgin Mary Stone, composed of: - Natural Afghan Lapis lazuli - 142 cm - VERY LONG - 925 Silver clasp with gold plating The relationship between lapis lazuli and the Virgin Mary comes from the history of medieval and Renaissance art, a period in which this semi-precious stone was the sole source for creating ultramarine blue, the most expensive and coveted pigment in the world. The value of the "Blue Gold": Lapis lazuli was imported exclusively from remote mines in Afghanistan. The process of grinding it and extracting its pure color was so costly that the pigment came to be worth more than gold itself. Because of this astronomical price, artists were forbidden to use it freely; patrons and the Church stipulated its use by civil contract, reserving it almost exclusively for painting the Virgin Mary's mantle as an offering of the utmost devotion and status. From this historical context springs the famous saying "the one who wants celestial blue must pay for it". The intense blue of lapis lazuli, speckled with golden pyrite flecks that resemble stars in the firmament, became directly associated with the sky and divinity. Painting the Virgin in this color underscored her spiritual role as Queen of Heaven and mediator between the earthly world and the divine. The necklace is hand-threaded professionally with a knot on each lapis lazuli bead. The thread is a quality blend of silk and cotton. Mineral: Natural Afghan lapis lazuli - FIRST QUALITY Color: royal blue - BEAUTIFUL - NOT DYED / NOT TREATED Length: 142 cm - VERY LONG Piece size: approximately 12 to 9 mm The necklace has been hand-threaded professionally with a knot on every bead Quality thread: silk/cotton blend The clasp is 925 silver with a gold plating - stamped "925" - large and solid Gift box and protective pouch The display bust measures 22 cm in circumference (not for auction) The photos are part of the descriptio

Estimate:£0.83

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