‘Kuchi’ an Afghan-Persian word meaning ‘those who go on migrations’ is the term used by Afghans and foreigners for the nomads of Afghanistan. Also known as the Pashtun people, Kuchi tribespeople are nomadic gypsies from the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. For centuries the Kuchi tribes travelled freely across the borders of the Middle East and Central Asia and were prolific traders along the old trade routes of The Silk Road. Their rich and fascinating history is reflected in their exotic jewellery that includes necklaces, bracelets rings and earrings handmade from beautiful old coins tassels and beads.
Lapis Lazuli is one of the most sought-after stones in use since history began. Lapis lazuli has been mined in Afghanistan and exported to the Mediterranean world and South Asia since the Neolithic age along with the ancient trade route between Afghanistan and the Indus Valley. Quantities of these beads have also been found at 4th millennium BCE settlements in Northern Mesopotamia and at the Bronze Age site of Shahr-e-Sukhteh in southeast Iran. Lapis was also used in ancient Mesopotamia by the Akkadians, Assyrians, and Babylonians for seals and jewellery. In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was a favourite stone for amulets and ornaments such as scarabs. Powdered lapis was used as eyeshadow by Cleopatra and was used in the funeral mask of Tutankhamun. By the end of the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli began to be exported to Europe, where it was ground into powder and made into ultramarine, the finest and most expensive of all blue pigments. Its deep, celestial blue remains the symbol of royalty and honour, gods and power, spirit, and vision.
It is a universal symbol of wisdom and truth.
All stock ships from the Gold Coast in Queensland. The standard order processing time is 1 – 3 business days. By placing an order for goods you agree that your details, such as name, contact numbers, delivery address can be passed to those third-party couriers. While we aim to get your order delivered to you within 5 – 10 working days, in the unlikely event of extended delays, we will endeavor to inform you. Any questions or follow up regarding delivery can be directed by email to info@empiresofthesun.com.au.
All deliveries will require a signature to ensure the parcel arrives in the hands of the correct person. This cost is included in the delivery fee. Empires of the Sun cannot be held responsible for late or failed deliveries for reasons outside our control e.g. third-party couriers or in the case of adverse weather conditions. Empires of the Sun inspects and takes due diligence while packing your order to ensure it arrives in the best possible condition. All orders must be inspected upon delivery and any breakages must be reported and photographed within 24 hours of receiving your order.
Please enquire about your specific delivery timeframes prior to purchase if you require express shipping.
Empires of the Sun designs hand-crafted items using unique and antique materials. Each piece may be crafted by many hands, from artisans all over the world. Because of this, each piece contains imperfections due to its handmade nature. To us, it's perfectly imperfect.
We make every effort to portray our goods as 'true to life' as possible. However, due to image photography, compression, different screen resolutions and displays, some colours might be slightly different. To have the best indication of true colour, please ensure you view all images and any accompanying videos. If for some reason you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact us via info@empiresofthesun.com.au or Facebook.
We do not accept returns for 'change of mind' sales. We will accept refunds for broken and damaged items as long as the items are returned to us. We stand by our craftsmanship, and in the unlikely case that your jewellery breaks due to craftsmanship issues, we will repair and return it to you free of charge. However, if any breakages occur due to dropping, impact damage or any cause outside of craftsmanship, no returns will be accepted.
Please feel free to contact us at info@empiresofthesun or on Facebook for more information.
