Stone : Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, 24K Gold Leaf
Colour : Blue, Clear, Gold
Item : #1743
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2022
Design : Golden Chrysanthemum
Origin : Afghanistan, Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 13.71 Carats
Size : 17.19X17.19X5.19mm
Price : PRICE ON REQUEST

The chrysanthemum, as well as being one of my favourite flowers, is also a favoured symbol to work with. It's always been there in the background of my life and I see it used as a motif and symbol in virtually every culture in every age. With this piece I wanted to create a golden chrysanthemum so I engraved one onto a disk of quartz crystal which I then inlaid with 24K gold leaf. To that I then joined a disk of lapis lazuli... gold and lapis is a timeless classic combination.

As a jewellery design idea, a matched pair of these or a bespoke pair with your own design would be ideal for cufflinks or singularly as a lapel pin. Would also make a pretty cool ring. If you're interested in something like this, get in touch! :-)

Stone : Lapis Lazuli
Colour : Ultramarine Blue
Item : #1572
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Kirin
Origin : Afghanistan
Treatments : None
Weight : 145.90 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 63.5X30.5X13mm
Price : PRICE ON REQUEST

The Kirin is a mythical creature that appears in the folklore of many Asian cultures, particularly in Japan. It is said to be an avian creature dwelling among the clouds and winds, a sort of cross between horse and lion. In my old AD&D days it was a very awesome thing to encounter, of supra-genius intelligence, lawful-good alignment and very magical. If you were a character of dubious alignment and morals you always had some quick explaining to do.

With this piece I tried to capture a stylised representation showing the head of a Kirin among the clouds. This piece of lapis lazuli is of the highest quality and has that rich ultramarine blue colour with a sprinkling of golden pyrite.

Stone : Lapis Lazuli
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2009
Item : #172
Design : Square Step Cut
Origin : Afghanistan
Treatments : None
Weight : 8.5 carats
Clarity : N/A
Size : 13 x 13 x 6.5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A first class piece of lapis lazuli. This is the good fine grained material in a deep blue colour.


SEE THE ORIGINAL ROUGH STONE HERE.

Stone : Lapis Lazuli
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2009
Item : #125
Design : Trapezoid One (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Afghanistan
Treatments : None
Weight : 2.2 carats
Clarity : N/A
Size : 12.5mm long X 7.5mm widest end X 2.5mm deep
Price : SOLD

Comments : Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan is without doubt the best in the world. It has been mined for thousands of years and was the material used to make one of the most expensive pigments used by the old masters in their oil paintings... ultramarine. Lapis lazuli slices like this one are great on their own or used to accent other gems in a setting... looks absolutely amazing in gold!


SEE THE ORIGINAL ROUGH STONE HERE.