ISHKAR Lapis Lazuli Cradle Cufflinks in Gold

Beautiful 16ct gold-plated, sterling silver cufflinks with lapis lazuli stones from Kabul.

The organic and unprocessed nature of the lapis lazuli means each cufflink is unique with different shades of blue, white and gold in each stone.

Each cufflink is handmade with the irregular charm and character you rarely see in mass produced items. 

ISHKAR

Ishkar source crafts from skilled craftspeople operating in challenging international contexts, including those displaced by war, natural disaster, and ongoing conflict. These countries include Mali, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Burkina Faso, Lebanon and Myanmar. By providing a sales channel between these countries and the UK, Ishkar helps these craftspeople to continue supporting their families while keeping their unique culture and skills alive. 

www.ishkar.com

THE CRAFTSMEN

Blue Diamond is a talented group of seven jewellers all under the age of 25.

THE STONE

High in the valley of Sar-e Sang in North Eastern Afghanistan lie mountains streaked with seams of deep blue rock. This iconic stone – Lapis Lazuli - has obsessed humans for millennia. Once so exclusive it was reserved for the funeral masks of Pharaohs, and for the brush tips of the Renaissance’s most renowned artists, the price of Lapis Lazuli equalled the price of gold right up until the industrial age. Afghanistan is home to the world’s largest deposit of Lapis Lazuli.

IMPACT

On top of the amount ISHKAR pay the artisans, a further 10% goes towards the Turquoise Mountain Foundation. Turquoise Mountain supports Afghan artisans by providing them with three years of technical training, as well as a full range of business support following graduation.

RETURNS

The unique nature of each cufflink and the limited availability of this stock means Ivy & Normanton cannot offer returns on these items unless they are faulty.