Roya - Lapis Lazuli and Emerald Silver Earrings

From the Rani collection by Orah Jewels and Crafts, earrings that bring two stones from very different regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan into a single composition. Roya pairs rough Lapis Lazuli from Badakhshan, Afghanistan with faceted Emerald from Swat Valley, KPK, the opaque deep blue of the lapis against the translucent cut green of the emerald, each stone treated according to its own optical character.

Lapis Lazuli from Badakhshan is dense and opaque, its color produced by the mineral lazurite within a calcium-rich host rock, the blue occasionally interrupted by veins of white calcite and flecks of gold pyrite. It absorbs light rather than reflecting or refracting it, reading as solid color at any viewing angle. The Emerald beside it is faceted specifically to take advantage of the opposite optical property: beryl with high chromium content produces a green that brightens and intensifies when cut to allow light entry and internal reflection. Setting a faceted emerald next to a rough lapis produces a pairing where one stone gives and one holds, one lit and one deep. The contrast is not decorative, it is material. Both stones were sourced through Orah Jewels and Crafts' direct supply network and set by hand in Lahore.

The earrings drop 1.5 inches, compact enough for daily wear but with enough stone surface to carry color clearly. The silver setting is minimal, a wire and small bezels, so the two stones are the entire visual content. They work best with plain necklines where the color combination is uncompeted.

Made at the Orah Jewels facility in Lahore. One pair.

Stones: Natural Lapis Lazuli (Badakhshan, Afghanistan) and Emerald (Swat Valley, KPK)
Metal: Sterling Silver
Size: 1.5 inches drop
Collection: Rani