Lapis lazuli is composed of lazurite, pyrite and calcite, and exhibits varying shades of blue. The shade of blue is determined by the relative percentage of each mineral in the makeup of the stone. The most desirable stones area solid, deep blue with no calcite spots and only a sprinkling of golden pyrite flecks. Denim lapis is a lighter shade of blue, due to the occurrence of pyrite and calcite in greater amounts. The shade of blue resembles denim material, hence the name. Denim lapis is an affordable alternative to lapis lazuli, and popular choice for casual jewelry styles--like these vintage-inspired drop earrings.
\n\nThe back of the setting was cut from sterling silver sheet. The bezel is made from a flat, serrated bezel wire. After the bezel was soldered and shaped to fit the stone, it was soldered to the back. The back was initially cut larger than the design to allow some leeway in placing the bezel, while leaving a narrow strip of metal around the perimeter. When the back is cut to fit the placement of the bezel, a small area at the top is left to accommodate a hole for the ear wire.
\n\nOnce all the soldering is done, the setting is cleaned up with light sanding, followed by polishing. Finally, the stone is pressed into place and bezel is pushed over the stone and burnished. The burnishing tool is made of highly polished stainless steel, and polishes as it smooths the bezel around the curved surface of the stone.
"},"deep_dive":{"html":"I refer to these earrings as \"vintage-inspired\" because I can't refer to any particular piece of jewelry that could be classified as \"vintage\" that has this exact style. However, I believe the silver and the serrated bezel combine to produce a \"vintage\" look. These definitely fall outside what I would consider contemporary or modern. But then, everything is \"vintage\" eventually, right?
\n\nThese earrings, as well as other vintage-looking pieces represent one side of the dichotomy that defines my design style. On the one hand (or two ears) you have these highly-polished drops with their bright blue stones and fine details. On the other side you'll find minimal designs using simple shapes and pieces of wire. These designs evoke a more modern aesthetic, further dividing the styles.
"},"links":[{"title":"Lapis Lazuli information from the International Gem Society","uri":"https://www.gemsociety.org/article/lapis-lazuli-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/"}],"relationships":{"media_graphic":[{"media_image":{"alt":"Handmade denim lapis vintage-inspired drop earrings, from above","height":766,"title":"","width":1024},"media_caption":null,"relationships":{"media_image_file":{"file":{"url":"/static/8bcc30fce63ee5dedea4453258ff83b8/denim-lapis-earrings_01.jpg"}}}},{"media_image":{"alt":"Handmade denim lapis vintage-inspired drop earrings, from the side, showing more of the imperfections in the stones","height":1024,"title":"","width":768},"media_caption":null,"relationships":{"media_image_file":{"file":{"url":"/static/42c33235caf841140535772685e93fd0/denim-lapis-earrings_02.jpg"}}}}]}}},"pageContext":{"slug":"nid_19"}}, "staticQueryHashes": ["2386946073","4176873112","63159454"]}