A LAPIS LAPIS LAZULI AND DIAMOND ZODIAC PENDANT, BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, CIRCA 1970 The circular lapis lazuli plaque applied ith a gold Libra zodiac sign in relief accented with brilliant-cut diamond, the reverse decorated with two gold star motifs, within a ropetwist gold frame and fluted bale, mounted in 18K gold, signed VCA, numbered, with maker's marks 'VCA', French marks, stamped Italy, with maker's pouch, length (including bale): 6.9cm The zodiac astrological signs are the 12, 30 degree sectors that make up the earth’s 360 degree orbit around the sun. Van Cleef & Arpels became inspired by the zodiac symbolism in the 1970’s when they were displayed on discs of stone set in twisted-gold edges with the various symbols and constellations cast in textured yellow gold. Astrology was a popular topic in the 1970’s explained the house’s patrimonial Director Lisa MacDonald. MacDonald eluded that many people were feeling very connected to nature, travel and interpreting themselves spiritually which astrology was representative of all of those things. She continued that “there is a product card from that year for a tiny charm representing Gemini, with sapphire stars in two human figures in silhouette.” The demand for these symbols were seen in many different industries, especially the film industry. For example, Romy Schneider wore a Van Cleef and Arpels zodiac pendant in the 1973 highly acclaimed film La Piscine.