We have developed a passion for natural stones since starting on this journey and are slowly learning more and more about them. It is just mind blowing all the different colours and patterns which can come from the earth. One of the joys for me in wearing them is the way they start off cool to the touch when you first put them on and before you know it they have taken on your body heat and are really warm to the touch. Once you have experienced wearing semi-precious gemstones the mass produced fashion jewellery from the High Street using man-made materials bears no comparison. Here are a few notes about some of the stones we have used in our designs.

Abalone

Abalone are a group of molluscs with flattened, spiral-shaped shells that live clinging to rocks beneath the ocean's surface. The innermost layer of abalone shell is composed of a substance called nacre, or mother-of-pearl, which is highly iridescent. Abalone beads are a gorgeous, iridescent rainbow of electric blues, greens, greys and pinks. The beautiful colours are outlined by undulating lines of deeper shades.

Agate

Agate forms in bands of different colour and density and is sometimes translucent. The result is some beautiful patterns in the stones. Its powers include strength, courage, self-confidence, love, emotional balance.

Amethyst

The colour of Amethyst ranges from purple to lavender. In the lighter shades it has a transparent appearance. It is one of the most spiritual stones, enhancing memory, improving motivation, calming and protective. Amethyst fades in sunlight.

Amazonite

Amazonite is opalescent with veins and can be found in various shades of blue and green. It soothes the nerves and dispels negative energies. It can help to protect against electromagnetic pollution (i.e. mobile phones). Amazonite is traditionally known to provide the powers of truth, honour, love, confidence and sincerity.

Blue Lace Agate

A pale blue stone with beautiful lacy bands of soft lavender blue, white or darker lines with some transparent layers as well. Its soft energy is both cooling and calming bringing peace of mind.

Chrysopase

Chrysopase comes in apple green and lemon with a flecked look to the stones. It is said to stimulate creativity, promote hope and give personal insight.

Citrine

Citrine is yellow to yellowish brown with the look of transparent crystal. It is the stone of success and prosperity. Mentally, Citrine enhances concentration and revitalizes the mind.

Coral

Only living coral is naturally red and as it is now protected is no longer harvested while living. Coral beads get their colour from being dyed. Corals are marine animals that exist as small sea anemone-like polyps living in colonies of many identical individuals.

Fire Agate

Fire Agate has a glowing rusty orange colour with scattered veins of grey-white. The stones have a cracked look which is created with heat treatment. They are sometimes translucent and seem to almost glow from within. It is calming and protective.

Hematite

Raw Hematite is a silvery-red colour and becomes a lustrous dark silver-grey tone when polished which is so shiny you can almost see your reflection in it. It is the mineral form of iron oxide.

Its powers include concentration, self-control, courage and self-confidence.

Jade

Jade comes in a wide range of colours and can have a translucent or creamy appearance. I have mainly featured white or red jade in my designs. Red jade is passionate and stimulating, associated with love and releasing tension. While white jade is constructive and aids decision-making.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is a beautiful deep blue colour flecked with gold. This stone has many qualities. It assists with strength, intuition, serenity and courage, is protective and stress relieving just to name a few.

Magnesite

White or yellow in colour with brown markings it can have a marbled appearance. It induces a positive attitude to life, stimulating ideas. Magnesite brings a calming effect to the emotions.

Mother of Pearl

Mother of Pearl is the common name for iridescent nacre, a blend of minerals secreted by oysters and other molluscs and deposited inside their shells. Nacre is the same substance as that deposited around an object which becomes lodged in the mollusc to form a pearl. This shell can help shield the wearer from negative influences, enhancing beauty, physical strength and personal power.

Onyx

Onyx is a layered stone with black as the base and a white upper layer which can be banded or marble like, although it generally looks like a solid black. Onyx protects, strengthens and energises, imparting self-confidence.

Pearls

Powers include love, protection, purity, luck, honesty and money. For more information on pearls check out the Pearls page.

Rock Crystal

Rock crystal is the name given to clear, colourless quartz. It can have the clarity of pure water. Internal fractures result in colourful refractions adding beauty to the stone. Quartz energizes and aids concentration.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a muted mix of black, brown and white. The intricate banding pattern of this natural agate makes for an interesting and lovely stone. Sardonyx is a stone of strength and protection and attracts friends and good fortune.

Sodalite

Sodalite comes in varied shades of deep royal blue marbled with a white matrix. Its powers include healing, peace, meditation, intuition and wisdom.

Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz is translucent with a brownish hue. The faceted cuts really sparkle. It fosters serenity, calmness, positive thought and is a superb antidote to stress.

Tiger's Eye

Tiger Eye display lustrous stripes of brown and golden yellow. These beautiful stripes shimmer and change as the light changes. Its powers include courage, protection, energy, confidence and luck.

Turquoise

Turquoise is green or blue in colour and often veined.

This is a stone of peace and tranquility. Other powers include protection, courage, wisdom, friendship and self-expression.