Sourced from Afghanistan and treasured for over 6,000 years, natural lapis lazuli is a deep blue gemstone flecked with golden pyrite that creates an effortless anchor against antique brass, natural wood, and autumn neutrals. In our studio, this versatile stone brings distinct personality to two handcrafted lines—the free-spirited Love One Another collection featuring turquoise, coral, and bohemian lotus and elephant motifs, and the multi-textured Storyteller collection layered with glistening muscovite and Czech glass. Discover how these signature designs transition from casual denim to rich fall knitwear.
There are certain gemstones we find ourselves returning to again and again in the studio, and lapis lazuli is one of them.
With its unmistakable deep blue color, occasional flecks of golden pyrite, and remarkable history, lapis has a character all its own. It's also surprisingly versatile. We love pairing it with antique brass, natural wood, and other gemstones to create pieces that feel rich in color without being difficult to wear.
And while lapis is beautiful year-round, there's something about that deep blue against the warm colors and textures of fall that makes it especially appealing.
A Gemstone With Thousands of Years of History
Lapis lazuli has been treasured for more than 6,000 years, with some of its most historically important deposits found in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Ancient civilizations prized its brilliant blue color, using it for jewelry, carved ornaments, and decorative objects. The Egyptians incorporated lapis into elaborate jewelry and amulets, while ancient Mesopotamian cultures associated the stone with royalty and the divine.
It's fascinating to think that a gemstone we work with today was admired by artisans thousands of years ago.
Part of what makes lapis so distinctive is its natural variation. Some stones are a nearly solid, intense blue, while others reveal streaks of white calcite or tiny golden flecks of pyrite. No two are exactly alike.
Why We Love Lapis With Antique Brass
One of our favorite combinations in the studio is deep blue lapis paired with the warmth of antique brass.
The contrast is beautiful without being flashy. The aged finish of the brass brings out the richness of the blue, while natural materials like wood, Czech glass, and other gemstones add texture and interest.
It's a combination that works particularly well in fall, when denim, sweaters, and warmer neutrals become part of our everyday wardrobes.
Lapis looks just as good against a cream sweater as it does with camel, olive, chocolate brown, or a favorite pair of jeans.
Two Collections, Two Different Takes on Lapis
Although lapis appears throughout many of our designs, two of our recent collections show just how differently our design team can work with the same gemstone.
Love One Another: A More Free-Spirited Approach
Inspired by the artwork and message of a beautiful kimono, Love One Another brings together deep lapis blues, turquoise, touches of coral, and natural wood.
The collection has a distinctly bohemian character, with playful details like elephant and lotus earrings, layered designs, and an earthy mix of materials.
These are pieces that feel relaxed and personal—easy to pair with denim, casual layers, and the clothes you reach for most often.
Storyteller: Rich Color and Natural Texture
Storyteller takes lapis in a different direction, pairing its deep blues with antique brass, natural wood, muscovite, and Czech glass.
The result is a collection with more texture and depth, including layered necklaces and distinctive combinations of gemstones.
We especially love these pieces with fall sweaters and simple, solid-colored tops, where the richness of the lapis and the warmth of the brass can really stand out.
A Color We Never Tire Of
For all its history, what keeps bringing us back to lapis is something much simpler: it's a beautiful blue that works with so many things.
Whether we're pairing it with warm brass, colorful gemstones, or natural wood, lapis brings something distinctive to every design.
And judging by how often it finds its way into our collections, we don't expect that to change anytime soon.
Explore our Love One Another and Storyteller collections.
