lapis lazuli was a favorite stone for amulets and ornaments such as scarabs; it was also used in ancient Mesopotamia by the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and Babylonians for seals and jewelry. Lapis jewelry has been found at excavations of the Predynastic Egyptian site Naqada (3300–3100 BC), and powdered lapis was used as eyeshadow by Cleopatra. In ancient Mesopotamia, lapis artifacts can be found in great abundance, with many notable examples having been excavated at the Royal Cemetery of Ur (2600-2500 BC). Lapis lazuli was being mined in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan as early as the 3rd millennium B.C.E.and there are sources that are found as far east as in the region around Lake Baikal in Siberia. Trade in the stone is ancient enough for lapis jewelry to have been found at Predynastic Egyptian and ancient Sumerian sites, and as lapis beads at neolithic burials in Mehrgarh, the Caucasus, and even as far from Afghanistan as Mauritania. In ancient times, lapis lazuli was known as sapphire, which is the name that is used today for the blue corundum variety sapphire. Product Details Handmade: Yes Condition: Brand new Material natural lapis lazuli Size : 15 carved beads, each bead is approx. 12mm (Diameter) * 12mm(height) * 12mm, (adjustable string, fits all people). Net Weight approx. 60 grams Chargeable Weight 200 grams (for calculating s/h fee) Shipping/Handling FREE for standard int'l shipping (10-18 days delivery) Shipping Policy Combined Shipping Combined s/h fee is charged based on the total of chargeable weight For example, one order has 3 items: Item #1, a jade pendant, chargeable weight is 100grams Item #2, a jade necklace, chargeable weight is 100grams Item #3, a jade bangle, chargeable weight is 200grams The total of chargeable weight is: 100+100+200=400grams Registered mail (free online tracking number, $1.5 value) All of our packages will be shipped by registered mail with online tracking number ($1.5 value), sorry we do not send packages unregistered. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee If you are not fully satisfied with our products, please email us immediately, and return them within 7 days from the date you receive them for a full refund. No restocking fee will be charged.