\\ THE ACHIEVEMENT

When you think of Afghanistan, you probably don’t think of blue paint. But Afghanistan is home to lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone used to make the color ultramarine—an intense blue pigment prized since antiquity by artists from around the world.  Afghani lapis was used for the ultramarine hues of Chinese paintings, Indian murals, and European illuminated manuscripts as early as the 10^th and 11^th centuries. By the time of the European Renaissance, the pigment had become so rare—and expensive—that artists reserved their highest quality blues for the robes of the Virgin Mary and Christ child. And ultramarine’s influence can be seen in modern and contemporary art as well, most notably in Yves Klein’s eponymous shade of blue.

\\ THE MATERIAL

This model features a piece of lapis lazuli inlaid into the frame. Please note that there are natural variations in the stone, so each piece is unique. 

\\ CHARITABLE COMPONENT

For every pair of sunglasses sold, we donate $10 to fund education programs for youth in Afghanistan. 

For more information on the specific charities associated with each model, please see our Concept page.