British Museum: Afghanistan LapisLazuli Earrings

Made from Lapis Lazuli and sterling silver, these stud earrings were designed by Pippa Small as part of a Turquoise Mountain collection.  Turquoise Mountain was established in 2006 on the behest of the Prince of Wales and President of Afghanistan.  Turquoise Mountain's initiative is to revive interest in Afghan traditional crafts and regenerate Murad Khane, a historic area of Kabul.

The Turquoise Mountain initiative has revived the area, establishing a primary school, health clinic, restoring historic buildings, installing utilities for residents.  Turquoise Mountain also established a vocational institute: The Turquoise Mountain Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture which will teach traditional Afghan arts and crafts to future generations of Afghans.  

I purchased these earrings from the British Museum (£60).  They are handmade in Afghanistan by Turquoise Mountain artisans.  The lapis lazuli stones are locally sourced and measure 1.2cm x 1.2cm.
They came nearly packed on a Jiffy bag and a gift box embossed with The British Museum. As the stones are set in a claw setting they do not sit flat against the ear but due to the setting are set forward so if like me you have long hair they can get caught or knocked as I push my hair back. They are eyecatching due to their design, even though they are only studs and have an unusual setting.

Available from:
British Museum
Turquoise Mountain Foundation
Pippa Small