Vintage Lapis Lazuli Pendant in German Silver Since the earliest of times, lapis lazuli has been associated with strength and courage, royalty and wisdom, intellect and truth. From antiquity, lapis lazuli has been worn in the belief that it will ward off evil. In ancient Egypt, it was powdered and worn about the eyes to improve eyesight. German silver, also known as nickel silver, is a copper alloy that usually contains a 60% copper base metal, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc. It earned the moniker "silver" due to its silver-white color, but it contains no silver.