Lapis Lazuli

As a general rule, solid blue lapis or solid blue with a few grains of gold pyrite are the most desirable colors. In the photo above the bottom two cabochons approach that ideal. The large cabochon on the top right has a few thin veins of calcite and some calcite mottling. This stone is attractive and some people might prefer it, but the calcite reduces its desirability for most people. The top left cabochon has large patches of calcite that are intergrown with blue lazurite to yield a faded denim color. It also contains many visible grains of pyrite. For most people, it would be the least desirable stone in the photo; however, some people will enjoy it. Desirability in lapis varies from stone to stone and from person to person

Glossary of Jewelry Terms

KT: (Karat) refers to the fineness of gold: one karat is equal to 1/24th part of pure gold in an alloy.

18KTY: 18 Karat Yellow Gold
18KTW: 18 Karat White Gold
18KTR: 18 Karat Rose Gold
14KTY: 14 Karat Yellow Gold
14KTW: 14 Karat White Gold
14KTR: 14 Karat Rose Gold

CT: (Carat)

CTW: (Total Carat Weight) The term refers to the sum of the weights of all diamonds mounted in a piece of jewelry.

SHANK: refers to the band of the ring or the part that actually encircles your finger. Most shanks are round, but there are also square shaped-shanks and other more creative shapes.

GIA : Gemological Institute of America; known as the leading authority for gemology internationally.

GIA Color Grading Scale: The GIA scale begins with the letter D, representing colorlessness, and continues with increasing presence of color to the letter Z, representing light yellow, light brown or light gray. The 23 color grades on the GIA Color Scale (or diamond color chart) are subdivided into five subcategories, which are: colorless (D-F); near colorless (G-J); faint (K-M); very light (N-R); and light (S-Z).

GIA Diamond Clarity Scale: The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.

Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS₁ and VVS₂) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
Very Slightly Included (VS₁ and VS₂) Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor
Slightly Included (SI₁ and SI₂) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
Included (I₁, I₂, and I₃) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance

Lapis Lazuli

3 STRAND MULTI-STONE BEADED NECKLACE

18KY Lapis Necklace

Glossary of Jewelry Terms