-Faraone Mennella Modernist Blue Lapis Lazuli Necklace In 18Kt Yellow Gold
Modernism necklace designed by Faraone Mennella.
Fabulous statement necklace, created in Italy at the jewelry atelier of Faraone Mennella. This beautiful ultra-modernist necklace has been assembled with multiples graduated elements crafted in solid rich yellow gold of 18 karats and spheres carved from natural Afghani blue lapis lazuli. It is fitted with a discrete sphered security screw lock. The color combination of the royal blue lapis with the rich yellow gold made this piece, a great statement .
Lapis Lazuli: Mounted with 18 spheres of 20mm, carved from natural Afghani blue lapis lazuli.
Birthstone: For the month of December.
Weight: 256.60 Grams, (164.49 Dwt).
Size: The total extended lenght is 18.50 Inches (47 Cm).
Measurements: The spheres diameter are 20 mm (0.79 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "FARAONE .750"
Faraone Mennella
Roberto Faraone Mennella, raised in the XVIII family estate by the footsteps of Mount Vesuvio. Constantly surrounded by beauty and fine arts which he learned to appreciate from his grandmother, Stella. She encouraged and inspired Roberto to pursue a career in Design. He continues five generations of tradition, curating the Faraone Mennella Estate's heritage and its new ventures, like Faraone Mennella Fiori. Amedeo Scognamiglio got his jewelry education in his DNA: At 14 years old he learned the art of carving Cameos in his father’s company, M+M SCOGNAMIGLIO, continuing an artistic tradition dating back to the early 1800s, in his hometown of Torre del Greco. At 29 years old, Amedeo and his childhood friend Roberto Faraone Mennella, launched the fine jewelry collection FARAONE MENNELLA by RFMAS, one of the most celebrated luxury brands in the world today. In 2006, the opening of AMEDEO, a Boutique on the chic Upper East Side in NYC, dedicated to the Designer’s unusual vision of Cameos, shortly followed by another opening in Capri, Italy. The collection of the designer’s modern take on this heritage craft has been exhibited in the most iconic boutiques of the world, such as Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Neiman Marcus, Dover Street Market, Harrods, Luisa Via Roma and online on Net-a-porter and Moda-Operandi.
Afghani Lapis Lazuli
Royal blue lapis lazuli, is the gem variety of lazurite and one of the most beautiful opaque gemstones, is a sodium and aluminum mineral of considerable complexity. Known as “sapphires” by the ancients, the stone occurs in only a few major deposits around the world, notably Lake Baikal in Siberia, Ocalle The ancient royal Sumerian tombs of Ur, located near the Euphrates River in lower Iraq, contained more than 6000 beautifully executed lapis lazuli statuettes of birds, deer, and rodents as well as dishes, beads, and cylinder seals. These carved artifacts undoubtedly came from material mined in northern Afghanistan. Later Egyptian burial sites dating before 3000 B.C. contained thousands of jewelry items, many of lapis. Powdered lapis was favored by Egyptian ladies as a cosmetic eye shadow and in later years it was used as a pigment for ultramarine paints. Pliny the Elder described the stone as “a fragment of the starry firmament.” The most prized lapis is a dark, nearly blackish blue, much deeper than turquoise and more intense than sodalite or azurite. Lazurite occurs most frequently in lighter shades commonly mixed with streaks of calcite. Although attractive, this material is less desirable and consequently fetches a lower price. Pyrite, a commonly associated mineral, is often liberally sprinkled throughout lapis specimens, to create a striking combination of rich blue and brassy gold, like this necklace.
Collateral: This necklace is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this necklace is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All lapis lazuli are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: N081823SINM/6.168
