Rosaries from the Rosary Workshop collection - Handmade - LEA.2747 (Antique)
ANCIENT RUINS REBUILT  VI
ANTIQUE BLACK, MATTE BEADS - 1940s - 50s - GERMANY
There is something special about these natural Lapis Chunks or rocks. I could not help but think how wonderful it would be if found on a hike in the hills or washed up on the beach.  A rare find! Treasures to keep! If I had these. I would want to drill holes in them and string them with other beads to make a prayer rope, much like the ancient desert fathers did.
 
NATURAL LAPIS ROCKS

 Ancient Ruins Rebuilt - LEA.2747
These antique matted black Ave beads are united with rocks of Lapis.
Note the top one has golden flecks in it (pyrite) Think of finding these rocks
on the ground and drilling holes in it to use in a rosary.
 
ROSARY
SHOPPING CART
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LAPIS, WHAT IS IT?
Lapis (Latin: stone) Lazuli (Arabic: azul, or blue) comes in many brilliant shades of blue from light to deep. Because of its brilliant blue color, Lapis Lazuli has been used in jewelry and other ornamentals for at least 6,000 years.  It is opaque instead of translucent as are many of the gemstones. It is a combination of several minerals, among them lazurite, sodium, aluminum and pyrite. Because of this, it is called a rock instead of a mineral and is unique among gems. In Egyptian tombs, Lapis Lazuli is found in carvings, amulets, scarabs and boxes.  It was popular during the Middle Ages and Renaissance period as a coloring in paints. The Wilton Diptych (below) is a good example of its use. It has also been used as eye shadow. It is generally found in Afghanistan.
 
WILTON DIPTYCH

(National Gallery - London)
artist unknown - 16c
 
'THE STONE OF HEAVEN'
During the middle ages, a pinch of ground Lapis was given as a medicinal cure for some diseases. The ancients called it a name that meant 'delight'.  And it was considered to ward off evil.  Lapis was also known by the ancients as the 'Stone of Heaven" and the early Egyptians believed it symbolized the 'all embracing night sky.'


 

~ ROSARY ~

NOTE THE PYRITE FLECKS IN THE SURFACE OF THE LAPIS

 
ISAIAH 58: 11-14
He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.12 The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake, and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up; 'Repairer of the breach,' they shall call you, 'Restorer of ruined homesteads.'  14 Then you shall delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will nourish you with the heritage of Jacob, your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
 
THERE IS NO CENTER ON THIS ROSARY
BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE BEADS, IT IS IN

AN ALL IN ONE LOOP, A TRADITIONAL FORM.
( RARE, HANDMADE CRUCIFIX).
21 in.

prices subject to change without notice

... returning home ...
These rosaries are my first step in returning home after being away 25 years.  I'm learning my prayers all over again and have been attending Mass and reading lots of Catholic web pages.  I've also ordered some tapes from the Mary Foundation.     God Bless, Mary M (USA)

 ... A rosary for the fingers to rejoice in! ...
I received Ancient Ruins Rebuilt on Friday!   I love the silky feel of those Picasso beads.  They're so beautiful to look at, and they gently glide through your fingers as you're praying.   A rosary for the fingers to rejoice in!   We had the rosary you made for my dad in the casket, and your lovely work received many compliments at the funeral.  I'm very fortunate to have found a group of caring, loving women who are truly the Michelangelo's of the rosary world. May the Lord and our Blessed Mother shower you with many blessings, Joell S (USA)