Lapis lazuli, prized since ancient times for its dazzling blue hue and protective properties, is attracting a new generation of admirers, including Rihanna, Kate Middleton and Jennifer Lawrence
Defined by a deep, ultramarine hue,
lapis lazuli is one of the world's oldest and most storied jewellery materials. Unusually, it's not a single mineral, but a rock composed of lazurite – responsible for its signature hue – with veins of white calcite and flecks of metallic pyrite that lend subtle marbling and a hint of sparkle.
Formed within limestone under intense heat and pressure, the finest lapis has been prized for millennia at Afghanistan's Sar‑e‑Sang mines in Badakhshan province, where miners have long sought stones with the richest colour and the fewest veins.
That geological legacy laid the groundwork for lapis' role in adornment, which stretches back to antiquity. As early as the third millennium BC, Mesopotamian rulers carved cylinder seals and amulets from the stone. In ancient Egypt, lapis graced scarabs, jewellery for the elite, and – most famously – the intricate inlays of Tutankhamun's burial mask.
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Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly ring in yellow gold, diamond and lapis lazuli, and earring in lapis lazuli. Photo: Handout
Across the Mediterranean, lapis was powdered into ultramarine pigment so vivid it often cost more than gold leaf, bringing rich colour to medieval manuscripts and Renaissance altarpieces. Over in Mughal India, artisans set slabs and cabochons into pietra dura mosaics adorning palaces and monuments such as the Taj Mahal, cementing lapis' status as a symbol of power and prestige.
Fast-forward to the present day, and the lapis lazuli legacy continues to inspire designers. Unlike transparent gemstones that depend on internal reflection, opaque lapis delivers unwavering colour no matter the light – ideal for carving cabochons, beads and colourful watch dials. Celebrities like
Rihanna and
Jennifer Lawrence are fans, and none more so than
the Princess of Wales , who sported a pair of lapis hoop earrings by London-based label Shyla at Cardiff's Principality Stadium during the Wales vs England Six Nations match in March this year.
In London, Ananya – founded by Central Saint Martins graduate Ananya Malhotra – draws on lapis' healing aura in its long-running Chakra series. Each energy point of the body aligns with a gemstone, and lapis, linked to the third‑eye chakra, takes centre stage. In the white gold Chakra earrings, a deep blue lapis cabochon is cradled by concentric rings of baguette and pavé diamonds, mimicking the spinning wheel of energy. A matching bracelet is strung with polished lapis beads, anchored by a diamond-set bar clasp.
Jacquie Aiche Evil Eye pendant with lapis lazuli. Photo: Handout
French maison Van Cleef & Arpels has woven lapis into two recent lines. The Lucky Summer Wave necklace alternates slices of lapis lazuli, turquoise, chalcedony, white mother-of-pearl and diamonds on a beaded yellow gold chain – the rich blue segments providing depth to an otherwise coastal palette. In the brand's Perlée Couleur collection, lapis appears as a high-dome cabochon on both an open bangle and a matching ring – each framed with the maison's signature gold beads and a trim of round brilliant diamonds.
Opaque lapis delivers unwavering colour no matter the light
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South China Morning Post
a day ago
- South China Morning Post
Lapis lazuli, prized since ancient times for its dazzling blue hue and protective properties, is attracting a new generation of admirers, including Rihanna, Kate Middleton and Jennifer Lawrence
Defined by a deep, ultramarine hue, lapis lazuli is one of the world's oldest and most storied jewellery materials. Unusually, it's not a single mineral, but a rock composed of lazurite – responsible for its signature hue – with veins of white calcite and flecks of metallic pyrite that lend subtle marbling and a hint of sparkle. Formed within limestone under intense heat and pressure, the finest lapis has been prized for millennia at Afghanistan's Sar‑e‑Sang mines in Badakhshan province, where miners have long sought stones with the richest colour and the fewest veins. That geological legacy laid the groundwork for lapis' role in adornment, which stretches back to antiquity. As early as the third millennium BC, Mesopotamian rulers carved cylinder seals and amulets from the stone. In ancient Egypt, lapis graced scarabs, jewellery for the elite, and – most famously – the intricate inlays of Tutankhamun's burial mask. Advertisement Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly ring in yellow gold, diamond and lapis lazuli, and earring in lapis lazuli. Photo: Handout Across the Mediterranean, lapis was powdered into ultramarine pigment so vivid it often cost more than gold leaf, bringing rich colour to medieval manuscripts and Renaissance altarpieces. Over in Mughal India, artisans set slabs and cabochons into pietra dura mosaics adorning palaces and monuments such as the Taj Mahal, cementing lapis' status as a symbol of power and prestige. Fast-forward to the present day, and the lapis lazuli legacy continues to inspire designers. Unlike transparent gemstones that depend on internal reflection, opaque lapis delivers unwavering colour no matter the light – ideal for carving cabochons, beads and colourful watch dials. Celebrities like Rihanna and Jennifer Lawrence are fans, and none more so than the Princess of Wales , who sported a pair of lapis hoop earrings by London-based label Shyla at Cardiff's Principality Stadium during the Wales vs England Six Nations match in March this year. In London, Ananya – founded by Central Saint Martins graduate Ananya Malhotra – draws on lapis' healing aura in its long-running Chakra series. Each energy point of the body aligns with a gemstone, and lapis, linked to the third‑eye chakra, takes centre stage. In the white gold Chakra earrings, a deep blue lapis cabochon is cradled by concentric rings of baguette and pavé diamonds, mimicking the spinning wheel of energy. A matching bracelet is strung with polished lapis beads, anchored by a diamond-set bar clasp. Jacquie Aiche Evil Eye pendant with lapis lazuli. Photo: Handout French maison Van Cleef & Arpels has woven lapis into two recent lines. The Lucky Summer Wave necklace alternates slices of lapis lazuli, turquoise, chalcedony, white mother-of-pearl and diamonds on a beaded yellow gold chain – the rich blue segments providing depth to an otherwise coastal palette. In the brand's Perlée Couleur collection, lapis appears as a high-dome cabochon on both an open bangle and a matching ring – each framed with the maison's signature gold beads and a trim of round brilliant diamonds. Opaque lapis delivers unwavering colour no matter the light
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong singer Tommy Yuen arrested for allegedly stealing snacks worth HK$140
Hong Kong singer Tommy Yuen Man-on has been arrested for allegedly stealing snacks from a supermarket, the Post has learned. Advertisement Yuen, a former member of the defunct Cantopop boy band E-kids, was arrested on Wednesday after he was spotted acting suspiciously by patrolling officers in To Kwa Wan, police said. He allegedly stole items from a Wellcome supermarket and was carrying a credit card belonging to someone else, a police spokesman said. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting. The case is being handled by the Kowloon City district investigation team. Yuen allegedly took 11 items, including bottled drinks, packets of candy, biscuits and coated peanuts, valued at about HK$140 (US$18). Advertisement Officers also confirmed that the credit card in his possession belonged to a friend, who was contacted to retrieve it at the police station. Yuen, 45, previously served 26 months in jail for insulting police and officials and fabricating a fundraising story.
RTHK
09-06-2025
- RTHK
Van Cliburn win still feels 'surreal' to Aristo Sham
Van Cliburn win still feels 'surreal' to Aristo Sham Aristo Sham said people of talent can come up with a work of art once they manage to get through their personal challenges. Photo courtesy of the Cliburn Competition website Hong Kong pianist Aristo Sham says winning the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in the United States was a "surreal" experience that will take time for him to process what the victory truly means to him. On Saturday, Sham became the first local pianist to win the top classical music contest, which is held once every four years. Speaking to RTHK, Sham said he's very happy to have represented the SAR in taking home the prize on this important stage. He thanked his family, friends and teachers for their support and grooming when he grew up in Hong Kong, before he moved to London and the United States for his studies. The 29-year-old pianist said winning the competition gets him more opportunities to perform. However, he said, it gets more difficult from here, as he has to become what he called "a genuine artist" through his performances. Sham said he's always enjoyed self-discovery when young to find out what he loves and values the most. He has also been through times when he very much questioned himself. "It was a rather difficult time for us musicians during the pandemic," Sham said. "For a year I didn't really play the piano – there wasn't much of a chance to perform. "I had plenty of doubts four, five years ago. "I think for artists, we all go through different bottlenecks and challenges during our careers. "But once you get through them, you can make the best works of art." Sham started playing the piano at the age of three and was perceived as a "piano prodigy" from a tender age. He didn't feel pressure because of it, noting that those with talent still need to work hard and gain experience to achieve success. For him, local young musicians should keep loving music and enjoy what it brings to life.
