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“The jeweler allows me to wear the sapphire blue lake on my finger, the emerald green leaves around my neck, and take the citrine sunset with me wherever I go. Jewelry has become my daytime link to nature in an office with no windows. And if I have to work late, there’s nothing like diamond stars and a pearl full moon against an onyx night sky.”

-Astrid Alauda, Office with No Windows

For over ten thousand years, alluringly glimmering gemstones have been worn or carried for protection against the unknown; for courage and happiness; for medicinal and magical purposes; and naturally, as the most exquisite form of personal adornment. As gifts of the earth, shaped by the cyclical forces of nature, these stones, gems and crystals possess an inevitable, palpable energy, an ancient power that lies hidden inside walls of shimmering purple, or soothing blue, or mystical, innocent white.

Steeped in history and tradition, embellished by myth and folklore, gemstones remain true to themselves, their natures unaltered by legend, their shimmer untarnished by use. As the very epitomes of the wonders that our Earth is capable of, it is only natural that we should wish to glean just a small part of this mystique. By setting these gemstones in exquisitely crafted jewelry, we acknowledge not only their almost ethereal beauty, but also their power to effect both spiritual and also external change. It is only through wearing gems that we can truly come to understand and make use of the hidden forces within these treasures, and thereby ameliorate both our internal, spiritual lives and also our physical, day-to-day existence.

A gently shimmering shell from the depths of the ocean, abalone is associated with serenity and calm. Used by the goddess Aphrodite to construct her vessel, this elegant mollusk is also associated with nobility, signifying a higher social status, a certain degree of entitled detachment from the hoi polloi. Abalone protects against both internal and external detriments such as anger and sadness, enabling the wearer to achieve a more balanced contentment. Its subtle yet almost ethereal hue transports you to a distant plane where millennia of caressing waves gently assuage your fears, soothing, calming and strengthening.

With its soft sunset tint and veins of deep orange, the complex agate seems almost to be alive with an intangible energy. Promoting strength, courage, love and healing, this gem is a veritable master of life, allowing its elegant owner to face those everyday challenges with renewed commitment and more tangible results. It is also widely recognized as the established stone of protection, with agate jewelry often being given to children to shiled them from the dangers lurking everywhere. With a history as rich as its color, agate was worn in ancient Rome in a ring to ensure the favor of agricultural deities who would bestow a bounteous harvest; it was even used as protection against snake and scorpion bites in the form of an amulet, its healing powers believed to be superior to many other stones. In our modern world agate can be worn to combat envy and spite, promoting love, amicability and understanding.

A rare and therefore proportionately expensive gemstone, alexandrite captivates the eye with its alluring, variable color composition, alternating between a soft sea-green patina in natural daylight and a mélange of fuchsias, crimsons and deep purples when illuminated. Thought to enhance creativity and fuel the artistic imagination, this stone also draws luck and good fortune, an ideal choice for both proper artistes as well as those imagining themselves as such. Indeed, alexandrite also has the ability to restore balance in the wearer’s life by realigning the mental and physical aspects of the individual’s being –the successful meeting of beauty, practicality and just a touch of mystique.

Soft, fluffy white clouds drift lazily across a late summer sky, little puffs of perfection in an endless field of pastel blue. This phenomenon is faithfully reflected on the undisturbed surface of a piercingly turquoise swimming pool, the blues, whites and azures merging into a symphony of restful tones that seem to color the very air around you…Amazonite embodies these unique tints and hues as well as this tranquility, this harmony; it releases anxiety, alleviates fear and improves marital relations. This unique little rock is also believed to ensure success and contentment, both in life and in love.

Radiating a soothing aura that is a complex of the most lustrous lilacs, lavenders and indigos, amethyst is a natural embellisher and nurturer, possessing healing properties and ensuring meditative contentment as well as spiritual peace. With its deep purple hue and gleaming allure inspiring reveries of exotic elegance and riches, amethyst certainly deserves its name: the Bishop’s Stone. Even in a modern world all too often devoid of tradition, Catholic bishops still choose this gem to adorn their robes as it symbolizes heavenly understanding, an ancient wisdom and true humility.

The fiery coloring of this gem may well engender thoughts of passion and romance, transporting you to a distant place where eternal sunsets reign and happiness is a prerequisite to existence. Not only does andesine promote love and liveliness, but it also endows the wearer with a certain fearlessness in the face of new challenges, a decidedly unique bravado and lust for life. What’s more, when viewed under fluorescent light the red tones merge into deep oranges and golds, and the gem seems to burn in its deepest recesses with an ancient, hidden power, an energy which is transmitted to the wearer.

Regarded as the stone of the sea-goddess of ancient times, aquamarine’s pale green color embellishes any necklace, bracelet or earring, emitting its soothing and calming energy at the same time as transforming the wearer into a veritable oceanic Venus. Understated yet elegant, aquamarine is more than just an aesthetically pleasing stone. It has long been the talisman of sailors and seafarers, guarding against storms on the high seas; yet it can just as easily protect its bearer on dry land on the turbulent sea of everyday life, ensuring peace, happiness and harmony in even the most hectic of lives.

This particular gemstone is steeped in folklore and history, a testament to its beauty and its powers: ancient peoples used it in rain-bringing ceremonies, it was prescribed by sorcerers in the sixteenth century to be worn by those going into public debates, and Dr. Dee, Queen Elizabeth I’s philosopher, advisor and alchemist had an infamous crystal ball sculpted from this gemstone. Indeed, beryl is regarded as “the stone of the seer” due to its ability to increase the wearer’s psychic abilities and spiritual comprehension. A versatile stone, amongst its credentials is the ability to stop gossip, enhance mental abilities during academic study, and attract friends and lovers. In the thirteenth century this last capacity was put to use by engraving the image of a frog onto beryl, and carrying it with the purpose of reconciling enemies and drawing new acquaintances.

Blister Pearls are powerful allies aiding in concentration, cleaning energy channels, and stimulating purity of body & mind (and of course, purity of essence, as General Ripper would have been gratified to find – mayhaps helping him to love the bomb not quite so much!).

Another protective gemstone, blue chalcedony possesses a certain dreamy quality that transmits calm and equilibrium to the wearer, its soothing shade reducing feelings of anxiety, depression and hysteria. Blue has long been regarded as the color of calm and tranquility, but somehow in an already exquisite piece of jewelry this tonal quality is increased, a palpable, bejeweled force that ensures the wearer continued optimism and a brighter, undoubtedly more glamorous outlook on life.

This red form of chalcedony is like a little drop of sunshine frozen in time, its milky sunset hue promising healing, peace and protection. Worn in ancient Egypt upon the hand both as personal embellishment and as a powerful force against hatred, jealousy and anger, this gemstone promotes a harmonious atmosphere, its desert colors soothing and uplifting spirits dejected by the inevitable hardships in life. As a promoter of self-confidence and bravery it is equally valuable and is still worn by the shy and those in need of additional courage, such as those in positions requiring public speaking. Finally, carnelian is worn to alleviate depression and sadness, a remnant of Renaissance magic where the stone was engraved with the image of a soldier or a sword and placed in the home to dispel negativity and protect against malevolent enchantments.

Let the cool blue and green hue of this healing, love-promoting gem wash away the dust of mediocrity, strengthen your physical and emotional being, and lead you to the realization of your true and splendid self. Whilst the azure tone seems to softly seep into your skin, conveying the stone’s calming powers and promoting your body’s journey to a mystical place of relaxation and tranquility, the solidity of the gem brings reassurance and a defined sense of self.

Another variant of chalcedony, chrysoprase is a beautifully vibrant, apple-green stone that is known primarily for its uplifting powers. With a bright tint reminiscent of a ripe, juicy grape, of fresh-cut grass and sunbeams dancing on lush green leaves, it is no wonder that this stone promotes happiness, success and luck, banishing all forms of negativity and shielding against the pessimism of others. Adorn yourself with this gem of joy and allow the positive forces to seep through your skin and fill your very being.

An amber-tinted form of quartz, citrine is prized for its definitive protective abilities. Dispelling negativity and fear, it is said that citrine endows the wearer with a shield of optimism and confidence. Allow yourself the luxury of relaxing, safe in the knowledge that this stone will care for you as you care for it, enable you to believe in yourself with a strength of conviction you thought was no longer possible, and let you see your true self with a heightened clarity. If you travel in business and finance, citrine can promote success and help you amass unimaginable wealth.

If tranquil walks on exotic beaches are only distant memories or vague daydreams, do not lose hope: even a miniscule piece of coral carefully set in an elegant item of jewelry has the ability to evoke that mysterious power of the ocean, that intangible feeling of peace and contentment that can be gleaned only on a perfectly white stretch of sand

Derived from the Greek meaning “daughter of the sea”, coral (in essence the skeletal remains of a sea creature) was thought to contain the “life essence” of the sea goddess. A Hindu belief maintains that the ocean is the territory of human souls after death, and therefore believes that coral is a powerful protective amulet for the living. Indeed, coral is generally thought to act as a defensive shield when worn in a prominent position; it also promotes wisdom, peace and healing. Its beauty when used in jewelry is indisputable as even in ancient Rome women chose to wear coral earrings in order to attract eligible and desirably prominent men.

The glamorous damsel descends the wide, winding staircase, softly treading on the blood-red carpet, one hand leisurely skimming the surface of the mahogany banister. Her movements are measured and assured, partially hidden beneath a contour-defining black gown. Yet it is not her svelte figure, nor her fashionable dress that attracts the attention of the waiting guests; it is the radiant shimmer that encircles her swan-like neck, a draping of diamonds carefully cut, polished and assembled to draw awestruck, quietly envious glances…It is indisputable that diamonds remain the epitomes of wealth and elegance, just as they were treasured in ancient times as the most elevated form of personal adornment. Moreover, they are said to endow the wearer with courage and strength, perhaps a remnant of the belief of the Ancient Romans who wore diamonds set in steel rings into battle to ensure victory; they also promote self-confidence and lead to a purer, more unified life.

Finally, it must be kept in mind that each variant of diamond has its special attribute, according to the gem’s color. So it is that clear diamonds stand for love, hope, courage, and fidelity; black for inner strength and self-knowledge; blue promises health and willpower; pink aids creativity, artistic expression and love; yellow represents patience, circumspection and thoughtfulness; finally, brown is said to promote practicality, stability and determination.

Rather than being one specific type of gemstone, druze crystals can be formed by a variety of different precious rocks such as amethyst and agate, thus enhancing the protective and nurturing attributes of this multifaceted embodiment of magnificence. Forming a layer of alluring yet partially hidden glimmer inside the given gemstone’s mineral coating, these composite crystals seem to trap the very light of day within them, embellishing the gem from within. Similarly, they are believed to enable the wearer to think more lucidly and look on the brighter side of life even during those most trying, desperate times. They promote happiness and a sense of centered calm, alleviating worry and encouraging fresh positivity.

Gazing into the seemingly endless depths of the perfect deep green of an emerald, one can easily forget that they are amongst the most expensive, most exclusive gemstones. Drawn in by their inexplicable power, submission to natural instincts almost always leads to a purchase of the item of jewelry in question. However, this slight extravagance can be forgiven if one considers the power of the emerald, allowing the wearer to see everything in the past, present and the future with an extraordinary clarity. What is more, emeralds have the capability to bring the bearer luck, money and mental strength, as well as attracting love and engendering lasting friendships.

Fire Quartz, a vibrantly orange stone with specks of sizzling lepidochrosite and hematite is clearly associated with transformation, renewal, energy, power and love. The exquisitely bright, energy-fuelled lemon quartz combats depression and melancholy. Clear quartz, regarded by the ancients as solidified water or ice, is said to bring healing, protection, psychism and power.

With their fiery red appearance and vibrant aura, garnets are clearly the definitive gemstones as far as passion, love and romance are concerned. Slip on a piece of jewelry bearing a garnet and feel the sensuality, compassion and courage course through your veins. Known to stimulate sex drive, feminine sensuality and physical strength, garnets also combat depression and protect the owner, especially in the shadows of the night.

Nature’s best-kept secret, these little earthly wonders remain elusive, almost indefinable and alluring. Unlike other gemstones, geodes are made up of not one but many crystals, each stone containing its own individual world of glittering entities housed in an earthy, protective cocoon. Yet even after marveling at these hidden treasures, you still have to wonder: is there more to them? Are these geodes protecting an ancient truth about the natural world? They certainly retain an aura of mystique, as if they were reluctant to allow the human world to infringe upon a much older, much purer way of life.

Perhaps due to this insular yet encompassing, gem-within-a-stone structure, geodes are said to promote community and intellectual insight, as well as aiding in the wearer’s ability to make friends, to love and to let go of all the little annoyances and stresses of daily life and simply enjoy the power of truly being.

The very essence of fine jewelry, timeless elegance and wealth, gold remains at the forefront of personal adornment. Beyond its classic appeal as a rather accurate indicator of social status and financial situation, gold also possesses numerous unexpected qualities; allow yourself to experience its charismatic side. Feel it strengthen your body, sharpen your mind, calm your anxiety and quell any lingering self-doubt. Allow the smooth metal to revitalize your very soul whilst marveling at its sheer perfection and incorruptible, smooth golden luster.

For those seeking a gemstone that promises strength in times of emotional turmoil, balance within relationships and a deeper spiritual connection and understanding, iolite may just be the answer. As you slowly swivel this stone around in your hand, its soft blue hue transforms into myriad colors; in a delicate item of jewelry, this optical property is truly mesmerizing. Just as the color of the stone varies and changes, so too can your life when you are in the possession of a little gem of iolite.

As the sacred stone of China as well as being one of the most precious stones of the Orient, jade is ancient, powerful and alluring. Promoting healing (both emotional and physical), wisdom, longevity, protection, and prosperity, the extensive and variable use of this stone in the most exotic and hidden locales is well-documented. Throughout Africa and amongst the Hopi Indians, jade was used as a musical instrument due to the resonant tone it produces when struck. The Maori of New Zealand carve ancestral figures into nephrite, a stone used as a substitute for jade, and wear these hei tiki as bringers of fortune on ceremonial occasions. Known and revered for its ancient ability to attract and strengthen love, jade is worn in China carved with the image of a butterfly; it is also the stone given to a bride before her wedding to bring happiness and fidelity.

The healing properties of jade are also essential to its attraction, its soothing deep green color reverberating health. Not only does this stone repair and fortify the weakened body, but it is unique in alleviating the core spiritual troubles. Its medicinal and protective properties have a long and rich history; even the ancient Mayans carried jade amulets in order to prevent various internal and deadly diseases. Moreover, jade is known for its money-attracting powers, and as such can be worn when pursuing lucrative business deals and financial transactions.

For anyone wishing to find true love, compassion, harmony and inner peace, this delicately colored, twilight hued stone is pure perfection. In times of turmoil, allow your eyes to gaze deep within its walls of pink, lilac and white and feel the calm and balance assert themselves once again in your life. Kunzite can also import good fortune and spiritual equilibrium to its wearer; indeed, due to its relatively recent discovery, countless positive qualities and energies remain as of yet undiscovered. So for those seeking mystery, love and a delicate beauty, kunzite is the answer.

For those embarking on a journey of self-discovery and self-knowledge, the most powerful companion is doubtlessly labradorite. This is a stone that promotes a fearless approach to posing those probing yet unavoidable questions to yourself on your path towards spiritual enlightenment, a veritable vade mecum during period of uncertainty or confusion, and a potent piece of personal adornment.

A true goddess amongst the gemstones, lapis lazuli has an ancient historical association with royalty and the deities, and was believed in ancient Sumer to contain all the life force of mysticism and holiness. Certainly, its royal blue opacity, flecked with miniscule amounts of golden pyrite, suggests a deeper spiritual power, one that is said to uphold healing, love, joy, courage and protection. Although it is a rather expensive stone, lapis lazuli is indisputably a necessary rarity; it promises both physical and spiritual healing simply through touch, so imagine the effects of an exquisite piece of jewelry which brushes lightly against you skin all day long…Moreover, this stone is regarded as being uplifting, fortifying and calming due to its peaceful blue color which emits waves of well-being and tranquility; it also acts as a fidelity charm, ensuring faith in love as well as to oneself.

Lemon Quartz aids against negative thoughts, and does dishes & windows too with no complaint. Counteracting feelings of melancholy & elevating spirits, this zingy stone is useful in breaking negative patterns. Stimulating the solar plexus (3rd) chakra, bringing strength & positive energy to the wearer and those in their vicinity; like all quartz, Lemon is an energy conductor, facilitating communication & spreading positive feelings. When life throws you Lemon Quartz, make…

A gorgeous green-blue gemstone, malachite is soothing, protective and beautiful. Many myths abound about this deep azure stone, but perhaps the most intriguing is the belief that, when worn as a protective amulet, it will break into pieces in order to warn against impending danger. Also, beads or medallions of malachite are worn to shield against physical dangers, attacks and pessimism. Malachite necklaces, when worn near the heart and against the skin are said to increase your capability to love; perhaps most surprisingly, malachite worn during business meetings or sales conferences promotes beneficial deals, lending it the name “the salesperson’s stone”.

There are few things more awe-inspiring in beauty and perfection than a white, luminous full moon against a deep, dark sky. Looking towards the heavens, you often wish you could somehow capture that feeling, that moment…In essence, moonstone is the embodiment of that lunar mystique, that mighty and uninterrupted beauty and tranquility. Dedicated to the moon goddesses including Diana and Isis, this pale, opaque stone is known to attract love and affection, as well as ensuring peaceful sleep when placed under the pillow of a troubled sleeper. Also a protective stone, moonstone is an especially potent safeguard for all travelers, as well as for swimmers who wear a moonstone ring. Finally, these celestial rocks are said to help those attempting to lose weight. Simply adorn yourself with a “charged” moonstone and marvel at your own willpower as the stone’s energies enable you to resist the temptation to overeat or snack on all those wonderfully delicious, terribly fattening indulgences.

Old or young, model or mother, secretary or CEO, women everywhere have fallen in love with morganite. A fascinating and impossibly pink stone, it is renowned for its ability to bring love into empty lives, imparting its feminine vibrancy onto the wearer and thus bestowing upon her every charm ever needed by a lady: compassion, patience and allure. Furthermore, this rose-like gem transmits calm and vibes of relaxation even on the most hectic of workdays, remaining a perfectly formed, perfectly pink, perfectly effective adornment.

With a history that can be traced back to ancient cultures, ocean jasper is a protective, healing, love-promoting stone. Soft colors and soothing circular patterns on the surface reflect the cycle of life, the interconnectedness of nature and the inevitability of death - as well as suggesting the possibility of rebirth. Regarded as having the power to increase patience, acceptance and self-love, ocean jasper can heal and strengthen, and is said to deflect the “evil eye”.

Other variants of jasper include red jasper for protection, beauty and grace; green jasper for sympathy and compassion; brown jasper for equilibrium and grounding; finally, mottled jasper for protection against drowning.

Widely believed to bring bad luck, sorrow and tragedy, opals have been misunderstood and misrepresented since the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s Anne of Gierstein where a reference is made to the misfortune wrought by opals. In reality, quite the opposite is true as these hauntingly beautiful stones promote beauty, luck, power and money. Composed of all the colors of the other gemstones, opals also possess all the powers of the others; in itself, it is an especially potent luck-bringer due to its multifaceted, lustrous and truly individual appearance. When worn as jewelry, opals are said to increase psychic powers and spiritual awareness; when carried wrapped in bay leaves, they are believed to create invisibility.

Other types of opal include the Peruvian blue opal, held to be the “stone of love”, promoting commitment, compassion, communication and compatibility, aiding in weight-loss, eloquence and relaxation; also, the Peruvian pink opal is believed to engender peace, harmony and inner calm, stimulate creativity and imagination, and elevate sunken spirits, as well as healing heart disease, injuries and improving poor eye-sight.

Associated with all oceanic deities and sky goddesses, pearls are thought to bring luck, money, love and protection. In mysticism, pearls symbolize the Moon, water, creation and the entirety of the universe; mythologically, the Romans dedicated pearls to the goddess Isis in her worship. Indeed, legends about the pearl abound the world over, with the early Saxons regarding them as the congealed tears of the goddess Freya, Syrians naming a goddess the Lady of Pearls in their honor, and the people of the Mediterranean considering them to be the representation of all things feminine and sacred.

Even today, these little beads of splendor are utilized in the most variable ways, with women in India wearing pearl necklaces for a joyful marriage and native divers in the South Pacific using them as magical repellants against sharks. Apart from such exotic usage, in general pearls are believed to promote good fortune, especially when set around a ruby; there are also countless other qualities attributed to these oceanic wonders: longevity, fertility, health, courage, and health.

Usually worn by women due to their fixed association with the Moon, pearls have been the epitomes of chic and elegance: Elizabeth I flaunted her virginity with them (they symbolize chastity, innocence and modesty), Marie Antoinette adorned her impossibly wide dresses with them and wrapped ropes of them around her towering coiffeur (thereby displaying her enormous wealth, as pearls are both highly expensive and rare), and Coco Chanel made them the modern sophisticate’s staple accessory.

Finally, there is a special attribution linked to each color variation of the pearl, where black and blue represent luck and prosperity; pink leads to spiritual comfort and equilibrium; yellow brings wealth; red signifies intelligence; and last of all, blister pearls promote concentration and purification.

This gently citrus-tinted stone simply radiates love, harmony, good fortune and success, enabling the wearer to become a more centered, joyful and accomplished individual. Once given to Josephine by Napoleon Bonaparte to symbolize undying love and affection, even in the midst of several poorly concealed trysts with other officers’ wives whilst on campaign, peridot is essentially a love enhancing, elevating stone that also increases spiritual growth and subdues negativity.

One of the most adaptable stones, platinum can be combined to perfection with any gem, mineral or crystal. Due to its highly concentrated, almost magnetic energy that is said to stimulate higher brain function, platinum engenders spiritual and emotional purification and intellectual refinement.

Another fiery stone of passion and love, rubellite, also known as red tourmaline, stimulates beauty, positive excess, inner strength, creativity, compassion and courage. Going beyond other stones of love, rubellite also encourages the wearer to protect and uphold those that they love.

Considered the epitome of perfection and the only stone grand enough to be offered to Buddha in China and Krishna in India, rubies maintain a timeless elegance, removed from the hoi polloi of other gemstones. There are numerous legends surrounding the ruby, indications of this alluringly expensive and exclusive gem’s allure, such as the belief that in the case of approaching peril, the stone grows dark to caution its wearer. In the world of thirteenth-century magic, rubies were regarded as prosperity-increasing stones, much like in ancient India where magician’s believed that possessing a ruby would ultimately lead to the successful accumulation of other precious gems.

Always a popular yet fabulously expensive stone in jewelry (especially the deep, blood-red varieties), set rubies are held to alleviate sadness and depression, producing joy, confidence, courage and a renewed sense of self., perhaps the reason Marlene Dietrich chose her own ruby bracelet as the main piece of jewelry in “Stage Freight”, an item that recently sold at Sotheby’s for $990,000.

With a following stretching back as far as the ancient Greeks who identified the stone with Apollo and wore it when speaking to the oracles, sapphire’s soft greenish blue entity has long been appreciated by both those seeking personal adornment and those looking for a more spiritual stone. Reminiscent of the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean or the play of sunbeams on the little droplets gliding down the side of a freshly washed-up seashell, sapphires promise calm and tranquility. These soothing stones attract sympathy, compassion and balance, as well as leading to friendships, love and constancy; finally, they are believed to promote mental agility, faith and knowledge.

The various types of sapphire naturally have their own individual qualities. Dark blue sapphires inspire loyalty and creativity;

Light blue sapphire signifies inspiration, excitement and vitality; green brings luck and harmony; lilac inspires creativity and promotes the realization of true potential;

Orange sapphires promise trust; white sapphires represent protection and self-preservation; finally, yellow ones are said to promote self-knowledge and understanding.

The Moon’s metal, the mirror of the soul; the most ancient metal and the only one to be found in its pure form, silver has long been used in magic and ritual as well as for personal adornment. In China it is worn as a protective amulet, with children wearing silver lockets to ward of any danger; silver jewelry is also considered to be “empowered” and capable of instilling calm in all those who touch it. Indeed, when combined with potent stones such as lapis lazuli, pearls, emeralds or jade, the jewelry becomes even more powerful in influencing and balancing emotions. Moreover, due to its reflective properties, silver is thought to deflect negativity from the wearer, much as the Moon reflects the light of the Sun.

“Tyger, tyger burning bright/ In the forests of the night…” This uniquely tinted stone, with its oranges, browns and yellows meeting in a mélange of power and beauty, was used as far back as ancient Rome by soldiers who wore it going into battle, engraved with symbols for protection. This guardian aspect of the stone remains intact today, as it is thought to offer protection from all forms of danger; it is also believed to engender courage and strength, lending the wearer some of the majestic tiger’s attributes.

Adorn yourself with this mystical, impossibly pure crystal that appears to have the very light of life trapped inside it, and feel the anger, fear and greed melt away. Thought to relieve envy, injury, disease, sorcery and mental illness, topaz also draws love and promotes weight-loss, as well as attracting wealth and prosperity. An ancient, pagan symbol of beauty and excess, topaz also leads to a renewed sense of self and a heightened desire to experience all that this world has to offer, endowing the wearer with fearlessness, individuality and leadership.

Other variations include blue topaz for spiritual equilibrium, peace and leadership; clear topaz promising contentment; golden topaz representing intelligence, creativity and rejuvenation; and white topaz symbolizing fidelity and relaxation.

A truly unique crystal even amongst such an abundance of distinctive gemstones, tourmaline is transparent when seen from the side but opaque when viewed from either end; it polarizes when rubbed, creating an increased electromagnetic field, and it is found in numerous colors, each of which represent different powers and energies. This individual little gem is also able to transform all that negativity into decided optimism, as well as radiating a truly reassuring and invigorating energy.

Watermelon tourmaline, with an interior of red or pink encased in green, is said to bring love; black offers protection and grounding (but is too brittle to be used in jewelry); blue promises peace and restful, undisturbed sleep; and green leads to increased finances, money, success and creativity.

Considered to be a sacred stone by many Native American Indian tribes, turquoise offers courage, healing, love, luck money and friendship. The Navajo used this stone in its ground form for rain-bringing paintings, whilst other tribes placed pieces of turquoise on tombs to watch over the dead. Mostly recognized for its extraordinary color, this stone also promises to protect you from all manner of evils, including the oft-dreaded “evil eye” when worn in a ring. Furthermore, this azure amulet can also be used to gain wealth, promote confidence, restore marital bliss and bestow happiness upon others - a veritable jewel of a gem, and one which well deserves its Arabic name, fayruz – the “lucky stone”.