Denim lapis vintage-inspired drop earrings

Lapis lazuli is composed of lazurite, pyrite and calcite, and exhibits varying shades of blue. The shade of blue is determined by the relative percentage of each mineral in the makeup of the stone. The most desirable stones area solid, deep blue with no calcite spots and only a sprinkling of golden pyrite flecks. Denim lapis is a lighter shade of blue, due to the occurrence of pyrite and calcite in greater amounts. The shade of blue resembles denim material, hence the name. Denim lapis is an affordable alternative to lapis lazuli, and popular choice for casual jewelry styles--like these vintage-inspired drop earrings.

The back of the setting was cut from sterling silver sheet. The bezel is made from a flat, serrated bezel wire. After the bezel was soldered and shaped to fit the stone, it was soldered to the back. The back was initially cut larger than the design to allow some leeway in placing the bezel, while leaving a narrow strip of metal around the perimeter. When the back is cut to fit the placement of the bezel, a small area at the top is left to accommodate a hole for the ear wire.

Once all the soldering is done, the setting is cleaned up with light sanding, followed by polishing. Finally, the stone is pressed into place and bezel is pushed over the stone and burnished. The burnishing tool is made of highly polished stainless steel, and polishes as it smooths the bezel around the curved surface of the stone.