Where to Buy Lapis Lazuli Jewelry (According to a Jewelry Artist)

Lapis lazuli has been admired for thousands of years. Its deep royal blue has been worn by royalty, ground into ultramarine pigment for Renaissance paintings, and treasured across cultures for its striking presence. Today, many people search for where to buy lapis lazuli jewelry, but quickly discover that not all lapis jewelry is created equal.

As a jewelry artist who works hands-on with lapis lazuli, I want to share a practical, experience-based guide on where to buy genuine lapis lazuli jewelry, what to look for, what to avoid, and why handmade lapis pieces offer something mass-produced jewelry never can.

How I Personally Started Working With Lapis Lazuli

Before Kate Koel Jewelry existed as a business, jewelry making was always part of my life. It began as a creative hobby, rooted in curiosity and a deep fascination with stones. I loved acquiring them, studying their colors, and imagining how they could be transformed into something wearable.

My journey with gemstones truly took shape when I began working with glass-like resin as a bonding medium, creating small worlds beneath the surface and capturing Swarovski crystals inside. The Galaxy Collection was my first full body of work, inspired by night skies and cosmic depth.

From there, curiosity took over. I began asking myself what else could exist under this lens.

I reached out to lapidary artists, people who professionally cut gemstones, asking their opinion on different materials. Some of them shared leftover gemstone chips that were too small for their work and often considered waste. Those imperfect, tiny fragments sparked the entire direction that became the foundation of my jewelry.

This practice of repurposing and honoring overlooked gemstone material led me to collaborate with more artists and small businesses who specialize in transforming smaller semi-precious stones into calibrated pieces for inlay and artistic use.

Lapis lazuli naturally became part of that journey. I have always been drawn to the richness of royal blue, and when I had the opportunity to source deeply saturated lapis lazuli, I knew I wanted to work with it. Today, my lapis pieces often include an additional base layer made from fine lapis powder, creating stronger contrast, depth, and intensity within each design.

What Most Shoppers Get Wrong When Buying Lapis Lazuli Jewelry Online

One of the biggest misconceptions when buying lapis lazuli jewelry online is assuming photographs can fully capture its beauty.

No matter how accurate and intentional my photography is, I hear the same feedback from clients again and again, the pieces are even more beautiful in person.

Lapis lazuli is not just about color. It is about depth, texture, and how light interacts with layered stone. In person, you can see nuances that screens simply flatten. This is especially true for handmade jewelry, where each piece has subtle variation.

This is also why many of my returning customers make a point of visiting me at live markets when I am in their city. They want to experience the lapis jewelry in person, because that is where its full character truly reveals itself.

What Quality Markers Matter When Sourcing Lapis Lazuli

When I source lapis lazuli, I focus on several key quality indicators.

The first is depth of blue. High-quality lapis lazuli has a rich ultramarine or royal blue tone. Pale or grayish blues often indicate lower-grade material.

The second is origin. Where lapis lazuli is mined significantly affects its color and pattern. Stones from different regions can look dramatically different, even though they share the same name.

I also look for minimal calcite, the white matrix sometimes found in lapis. While some natural variation is expected, excessive white inclusions reduce both visual impact and value.

Finally, pyrite inclusions should be subtle. Fine gold-like specks can add interest, but they should never overpower the blue itself.

Fake and Low-Quality Lapis Lazuli, What to Watch Out For

Yes, fake lapis lazuli exists, and it is more common than many shoppers realize.

Through years of working with stones from different origins, I have seen how naturally varied lapis can be. I have also seen dyed stones and misrepresented materials sold as genuine lapis lazuli.

Price is often the biggest red flag. If you see lapis lazuli jewelry priced extremely low, for example a five-dollar bracelet, it is almost certainly not genuine. Real lapis lazuli cannot be ethically sourced, cut, and sold at that price.

This is why I choose to work only with small businesses and lapidary artists who have generations of experience in the gemstone trade and who can clearly explain their sourcing practices.

A Customer Story, Discovering the Power of Statement Lapis Jewelry

One of my earliest lapis lazuli designs was created for a close friend who is also an artist. She asked me to make a pair of bold, circular statement lapis lazuli earrings.

When she put them on, something shifted instantly. Her posture changed, her expression softened, and her confidence became visible.

That moment made me realize how powerful statement jewelry can be. Even the simplest outfit can feel intentional and elevated with the right piece. When someone feels their best, it often changes how they move through the world, and that realization has guided my approach to lapis jewelry ever since.

Where to Buy Lapis Lazuli Jewelry, and Where to Be Cautious

If you are looking for genuine lapis lazuli jewelry, the best places to shop are:

Independent jewelry artists
Museum shops and curated galleries
Artisan platforms that prioritize craftsmanship and transparency

These sellers are more likely to offer authentic materials and honest descriptions.

Be cautious when shopping from mass marketplaces with vague listings, unclear sourcing, or prices that seem too good to be true.

If you are drawn to one-of-a-kind, artistic lapis lazuli jewelry, buying directly from an artist allows you to experience the stone’s true texture, depth, and individuality.

How Lapis Lazuli Holds Up Over Time

In my work, all crushed lapis lazuli is sealed beneath a UV-stable, water-resistant, glass-like resin. With proper care, these pieces can last ten years or more without discoloration or degradation.

For rings, I recommend being mindful around sharp objects, since crystal surfaces can scratch when impacted. The good news is that most accidental damage can be restored.

Caring for Unsealed Lapis Lazuli Jewelry

For lapis lazuli beads, cabochons, or raw stones that are not sealed under resin, gentle care is essential.

Avoid prolonged exposure to water
Keep away from harsh chemicals and cleaners
Store separately to prevent scratching
Clean gently using a soft, dry cloth

Lapis lazuli is a softer stone, and thoughtful care helps preserve its natural beauty.

Why High-Quality Lapis Lazuli Jewelry Costs What It Does

When you purchase high-quality lapis lazuli jewelry, you are paying for much more than the stone itself.

Ethical sourcing, stone selection, skilled craftsmanship, time-intensive creation, and high-quality metals all contribute to the final price.

With artistic, one-of-a-kind jewelry, the value reflects the artist’s experience, vision, and labor, not just the material.

What Jewelry Styles Show Lapis Lazuli at Its Best

I work with lapis lazuli across a wide range of designs, from four-millimeter minimalist stud earrings to bold oval statement rings and earrings measuring up to thirty-five millimeters.

The truth is, high-quality lapis lazuli shines in any form. Its color naturally attracts attention and earns compliments, whether worn subtly or boldly.

Who Will Love Lapis Lazuli Jewelry

Who should not buy lapis lazuli jewelry? Anyone who does not want compliments.

Lapis lazuli is timeless, classic, and remarkably versatile. It pairs beautifully with denim, neutrals, evening wear, and everyday outfits.

Because artisan lapis jewelry is always slightly different, each piece becomes a meaningful reminder of individuality. In my opinion, that is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give, both to yourself and to someone you love.