This impressive collection of rondelle-style unpolished semi-precious stone spacer beads measuring 2x2-5mm, should appeal to all serious beaders – particularly those who have an interest in creating delicate ethnic-style tribal jewellery – like jewellery created by the nomadic people of the Middle East.
Almost 1400 individual beads – each piece is different from the other, make up this extraordinary blend of exceptionally small and fine rocailles.
Just imagine chunks of A-Grade lapis lazuli excavated from rich deposits throughout Afghanistan – and then used to make these spacer beads.
Lapis lazuli is regarded a prized semi-precious stone since antiquity – partly because of its natural beauty, its ‘intense blue colour and tiny gold pyrite flecks sprinkled throughout, plus its use in art and jewellery – but also for its metaphysical healing properties.
Since time immemorial, lapis lazuli, has been regarded a highly spiritual stone, believed to balance energy within the body – in particular, the throat, crown and brow chakras.
The purists also think it will enlighten one's internal and external power and will purify the mind and thinking capacities.
The majority of the world’s lapis comes from northern Afghanistan – and has been a prized part of our collection for many years – and we have lots of it!!
The collection weighs in at 64 grams. Please bear in mind the accompanying photos have been enlarged to show detail.