Lapis lazuli, known as the “blue stone,” displays a rich azure color that has fascinated people for centuries. This beautiful gemstone found its way into ancient Egyptian cosmetics and has been popular in many other cultures as well. Native American artists today create exceptional lapis bracelets, pendants, and earrings using time-honored methods passed down through generations. SilverTQ carries a curated range of authentic Native American lapis bracelets, all handmade by talented artists.
Understanding the Cultural and Historical Significance of Lapis Bracelets
For over 6,000 years, Afghan tribes have mined lapis lazuli from mountain caves and turned this brilliant blue stone into jewelry. These communities treated the gemstone as sacred, wearing lapis jewelry during spiritual ceremonies because they believed it connected them directly to divine powers. As ancient trade routes developed, Sumerians started using lapis in jewelry and other artifacts, where it symbolized the sky and the gods. Egyptian artists also began working with this precious material to ensure safe passage into eternal life. Native American tribes, particularly in the Southwest, developed their own traditions surrounding the stone, creating bracelets and other jewelry that were said to balance the mind and to enhance spiritual awareness.
Explore Our Lapis Bracelets
SilverTQ is proud to offer stunning lapis lazuli bracelets handmade by notable Native American artists who work with high-grade stones and sterling silver. These beautiful pieces display the ultramarine blue color of natural lapis with a focus on traditional quality.
Single-Stone and Multi-Stone Lapis Bracelets
Single or multiple oval lapis stones are often set in a straight line along heavy-gauge sterling silver bands. Renowned Native American silversmiths create each bracelet with solid construction that lends it substantial weight and quality. The deep royal blue stones come from acclaimed mines and display the rich color that makes lapis so prized around the world, particularly in jewelry. These eye-catching, timeless pieces work perfectly as statement jewelry on their own and also look stunning stacked with other bracelets.
Natural Lapis Cluster Bracelets
Multiple lapis stones in clusters of between one to a few dozen pieces create captivating patterns that highlight each gem’s natural beauty. Navajo artists such as Tyler Brown use well-established techniques to design high-quality pieces with careful attention to every detail. These lapis cluster bracelets feature oval and round stones of varying sizes, forming bold compositions set in sterling silver. Each stone is set with small silver spacers on split band cuffs, and techniques such as stamp work, saw work, appliqué, twist wire, and satin finish are used on the metal.
Other Collections
A number of our artists make sterling silver bracelets with raised cobblestone and stone-on-stone inlay using lapis, opal, sugilite, coral, jet, dolomite, mother-of-pearl, spiny oyster, gaspeite, jade, and different varieties of turquoise. Tufa cast sterling silver bracelets have a distinctive texture and may feature lapis, high-grade turquoise, coral, jet, sugilite, jade, and gaspeite. These bracelets may be wedge-shaped or double-stacked and may display raised cobblestone inlay or multi-stone inlay. Of particular note are also our bracelets featuring lapis and coral, as the contrast between the blue and red stones is unparalleled.
Tips for Styling Lapis Bracelets
Lapis bracelets add a vivid pop of color to any outfit with their dark blue hue, which complements both casual and formal attire. Here are some tips on how to wear your lapis bracelet.
- Pair with light colors: Wear your bracelet with cream, beige, light gray, or soft pastels to make the blue stand out. These colors provide a great contrast and help the lapis be the star of your jewelry.
- Layer with other bangles: Stack your lapis bracelet with thin gold bangles, silver cuffs, or chain bracelets to add texture and to create visual interest.
- Mix different metals: Lapis looks great when set in both gold and silver, so you can easily mix these metals in your Native American jewelry without worrying about matching everything perfectly.
- Combine with turquoise or pearl: You can combine lapis with turquoise for a natural, earthy look, or with pearls for classic elegance. These stone combinations create thoughtful color schemes that look both effortless and chic.
- Wear a single piece: For understated elegance, opt for a single lapis bracelet, since it will create a clean, sophisticated look that flatters any outfit.
Shop Lapis Bracelets at SilverTQ
If you’re looking for stunning lapis bracelets featuring genuine stones, Native American designs, and timeless appeal, our collection offers a variety of dazzling options. SilverTQ showcases bracelets that embody beauty, durability, and add traditional value to your jewelry collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is lapis a birthstone?
Lapis lazuli is an alternative birthstone for September. This gorgeous blue gemstone with its distinctive golden flecks is also associated with ninth wedding anniversaries. Many people favor lapis jewelry because it’s believed to encourage friendship and promote clarity.
How can I tell if my lapis bracelet is real or dyed?
Real lapis lazuli has a deep, saturated blue color and sometimes golden pyrite spots and white calcite patches mixed across the stone. If you suspect that your bracelet might use imitation stones, you can test them by rubbing a small area with acetone to see if any color comes off.
How do I clean and care for a lapis and sterling silver bracelet?
Use silver polish on the metal parts. Clean the stones with three soft cloths: one dabbed in a mix of mild soap and lukewarm water, a cloth for rinsing, and a final one for drying. Keep your bracelet stored away from water, heat, sunlight, and avoid chemicals, including perfumes and cosmetics.
