Vintage Lapis Lazuli 18K Yellow Gold Earrings, Rope Motif, Circa 1960s

A round cabochon of lapis lazuli, 11mm and deep saturated blue, sits bezel-set at the center of each earring, encircled by a dense woven halo of twisted rope-textured 18K gold. The rope motif doubles back on itself in overlapping coils, giving the border real dimension and catching light in alternating bands of shine and shadow rather than a flat polished surface. The lapis reads as a solid, unbroken field of color against the warm gold surrounding it, with no faceting to compete with its natural saturation. At 26mm in diameter and 34 grams for the pair, these are substantial, statement-caliber earrings built for real presence on the ear. This kind of dense, woven ropework is characteristic of 1960s gold jewelry, when bold cabochon color stones were paired with heavy, tactile metalwork. Excellent condition, no visible wear.