WESTERN ASIATIC LAPIS LAZULI NECKLACE

20th C AD or Western Asiatic. Polished Western Asiatic bead necklace of numerous restrung polished lapis lazuli beads restrung to thee back. Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest gems known to mankind, with a history stretching back more than 7000 years. This stone, noted for its vibrant blue colour, is found only at a few sources around the world, and the main source is the Sar-e-Sang deposit in Afghanistan’s remote Badakhshan district. The name derives from lapis (stone) and lazuli (from the Persian lazhwar, blue). The limited range of known sources for lapis means that this would have been prestigious prize possesion. Good condition; wearabl.e Size: L:440mm; 109g. Provenance: From an old British collection, acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s.