1980s Bulgari Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace

Carved lapis beads gather in two deep-blue arcs, closed by a sculptural gold clasp.

This Bulgari necklace from the 1980s is composed of richly carved lapis lazuli melon beads, their fluted surfaces catching light across fields of saturated blue and natural gold-flecked pyrite. Arranged in a double strand, the beads create a generous, rounded collar with both visual density and movement. The necklace closes with an 18k yellow gold clasp worked in a bold twisted motif, its warm polished surface setting off the cool mineral blue of the lapis. At 195 grams, it has substantial presence, balancing Bulgari’s distinctive appetite for color with the tactile authority of carved hardstone.

A double current of blue, drawn together by a clasp of Roman gold.