Beautiful Things: Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Jewelry Two Butterfly Collection

The word Lapis-lazuli is rooted from the Latin word “lapis”, meaning “stone” and the Arab “azul” meaning “blue”. In ancient times it was described as a sky studded with stars. This intense stone has a captivating essence with its deep celestial blue, or more exceptionally with its violet hue. These stones were favored by royals in Egypt and Mesopotamia, used in the crafting of lavish objects. The golden sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen was richly inlaid with Lapis, as were other burial ornaments belonging to of Egyptian kings and queens. It was used extensively in jewelry including scarabs and pendants. It was also ground into powder for dyes, eye makeup and into medicinal elixirs. As with all stones, there are properties that make it unique that are said to benefit the wearer. It is said that Lapis lazuli endows sensitivity, intuition and spirit.

The lapis used in these pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels is chosen from Afghanistan, each carefully selected stone was picked for its intense, pure color and perfect sheen.

Caring for Lapis Lazuli

Special care is required with this stone, for it is soft and fragile. To store it, keep it in a fabric-lined box keep it from contact with other pieces of jewelry to prevent scratches and to preserve it. To clean it, use a soft dry cloth cleaning it gently. Avoid contact with water, household chemicals and extreme heat in order to preserve its coating, luster and sheen.

The Butterfly

Butterflies are deeply powerful representations of life and in many cultures butterflies are associated with our souls. representative of endurance, change, hope, and life. Butterflies have also been a symbol for celebrations, weddings, other life journeys.

Featured Pieces from the Two Butterfly Collection

Two Butterfly Earrings

Yellow gold, Tsavorite, Diamond

Two Butterfly Pendant

Pink gold, Diamond, Sapphire

Two Butterfly pendant, pink gold, round pink sapphires, white gold, round and marquise-cut diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.

Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring

Yellow gold, Lapis Lazuli, Diamond

Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring, yellow gold, lapis lazuli, round diamonds, white gold, marquise-cut diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS.

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