Lapis Sunset Cleopatra Necklace

Lapis lazuli rectangles in deep royal blue sit against orange and gold beadwork. The stone is a metamorphic rock composed of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite, sourced from mines in Afghanistan that have been active for over 6,000 years. Under light, the pyrite reads as gold fleck. The orange reads back at it.

A periwinkle second row cools the palette just enough. Cobalt blue glass teardrops hang along the base fringe. The single lapis octagon at center anchors the whole structure.

The color combination is not accidental. Orange and lapis is one of the oldest deliberate pairings in decorative art. It shows up in Tutankhamun's burial mask. It shows up here.

Wear it with a saffron silk dress, a navy linen blazer, or a charcoal wool turtleneck. For dinners out, gallery openings, or any night you want a piece that looks like it came back from somewhere.

Construction:

• Lapis lazuli rectangle cabochons
• Single lapis octagon center focal
• Orange seed bead loops
• Periwinkle second row
• Gold and orange seed bead beadwork
• Cobalt blue glass teardrop fringe
• Sterling silver clasp