Lapis lazuli, quartz, and natural rutile inclusions.
After reading about King Arthur’s legendary shield, sometimes depicted in Arthurian heraldry as azure (blue) with gold elements, we set out to create a pendant inspired by that imagery. Many medieval shields carried blue fields decorated with gold stars or crosses, symbols of nobility, protection, and the heavens. With that in mind, we chose a stone combination that naturally captured that same feeling—deep blue lapis layered with quartz filled with golden rutile needles, like stars streaking across a night sky.
This cabochon is a doublet made from two different minerals. The base layer is rich blue lapis, long prized for its intense color and historic use in art and royal ornamentation. Above it sits clear quartz filled with delicate, golden needle-like crystals that grew naturally within it. When layered together, the rutile appears suspended across the blue background, creating a celestial effect reminiscent of gold heraldry on an azure shield.
Ben Davis carefully cut the stone into a shield shape, reinforcing the piece's medieval inspiration. Randy Bryant then encased the cabochon in hand-worked .925 sterling silver, giving the frame an organic texture that feels as if the piece might have been unearthed after centuries, like a relic from an old legend. To complete the design, Randy added two small accents of 18K gold, echoing the golden motifs often seen on historic heraldic shields.
The result is a pendant that blends geology, craftsmanship, and a touch of mythology—a modern shield inspired by ancient stories.
Details
• Stone: Lapis base with Quartz and Rutile (Doublet)
• Minerals: Lapis lazuli, quartz, and natural rutile inclusions
• Metal: Solid .925 Sterling Silver with 18K Gold accents
• Artists: Ben Davis (lapidary) & Randy Bryant (silversmith)
• Formation: Rutile crystals formed within quartz layered over lapis to create the doublet stone
• Includes a BDD suede jewelry pouch and polishing cloth