Ever since Designer exploded on the world of designer jewelry back in 1976 he has expanding his product line with ever growing choices in a wide range of diverse creations including of course rings. One very popular style of rings that he features is his Designer lapis lazuli rings, which come in a wide range of styles to choose from.

The name “lapis lazuli” comes from its ancient origins and in fact is a combination of derivatives. “Lapis” means “stone” in Latin while the “lazuli” part of the name is derived form the area of ancient Persia where the stone was originally mined.

Just as with any other precious or semi precious stones and gems, there are varying grades of quality in them and knowing how to differentiate between them all is of course very important. The highest grade of gem quality lapis lazuli will have streaks or flecks of gold colored iron pyrite visible in it.

Lapis lazuli can also have streaks or flecks of white in it but the more white there is in a stone the less desirable the stone is. The best quality of lapis lazuli is found in Afghanistan but it is also mined in other areas around the globe as well, including Colorado and California.

There is much ancient lore that surrounds the stone and how it was used by the first people that mined it. For instance, the ancient Romans wore the stone as jewelry but also used it as an aphrodisiac. The stone was also used in a powdered form to treat skin infections by various people during medieval times.

While lapis lazuli is a a beautiful blue stone with gold toned highlight flecks, it is rather soft in comparison to most other gemstones, so some degree of care should be taken when wearing it. Also, excessive sunlight can have a negative effect on the quality of the stone over a period of time.