Vintage Carved Lapis Lazuli Pendant with 14kt Gold Bale, circa 1940s, marked 14K, nice detailed high relief floral carvings on both sides of this rich blue oval form pendant with 14kt gold swivel bale, would make a great gift or addition to any fine collection. - SIZE: 2-1/4" Height (with bale) x 1-1/2" Width x 1/4" Depth. - WEIGHT: 22.3 Grams. - CONDITION: Some natural fissures and striations in the stone, overall excellent condition. BACKGROUND: Lapis lazuli or lapis for short, is a deep blue semi-precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color. Lapis lazuli has been mined in Afghanistan and exported to the Mediterranean world and South Asia since the Neolithic age.Lapis lazuli beads have been found at Mehrgarh, a neolithic site near Quetta in Pakistan, on the ancient trade route between Afghanistan and the Indus Valley, dating to the 7th millennium BCE. Quantities of these beads have also been found at 4th millennium BCE settlements in Northern Mesopotamia, and at the Bronze Age site of Shahr-e Sukhteh in southeast Iran (3rd millennium BCE). A dagger with a lapis handle, a bowl inlaid with lapis, and amulets, beads, and inlays representing eyebrows and beards, were found in the Royal Tombs of the Sumerian city-state of Ur from the 3rd Millennium BCE.

Excellent. See description for eventual details.