What Gems Does Your Body Crave?

Call me crazy, but not a day goes without me wearing either labradorite, moonstone, quartz (rock crystal) or raw, organic colored diamonds (grey, cognac, black, etc.). Some days, I’m wearing all of them at once! But you currently can’t pay me to wear a ruby, lapis or emerald. Why is this? I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Here’s what I’ve concluded — if you really listen to your body, it will tell you what you need. These needs include nutrition, activity and yes, even the gems you wear.

 

There's a reason this Audrius Krulis grey diamond ring beckoned me from inside the case!
There’s a reason this Audrius Krulis grey diamond ring beckoned me from inside the case!

Some days my body will tell me to get out for a hike and eat salmon and veggies for lunch. Other days, my body wants to relax on the couch and have some comfort food. (I try to accommodate its wishes.) I know it’s often difficult to listen to what messages your body is giving in this fast-paced, somewhat chaotic world. It’s even harder to listen and not argue with the message. But in the long run, I think being in tune with oneself is a great gift, leading to a happier, healthier life.

I recall back in 2010 my hairdresser broke the news to me that I had lost about half my hair. (I was wondering why I was suddenly getting sunburns on my scalp!) This is just about the time when I HAD to wear rutilated quartz every day, and I had no idea why. And guess what…it turns out rutilated quartz promotes hair growth. I got chills when I discovered this fact.

Given what I’ve come to believe, I wanted to investigate what these four crystals could possibly mean for me. A great place to start is this poster I received from Jacquie Aiche at the Couture show. It shows different gems, and what chakra they are attuned to. On the back, it has some information about each gem, along with a list and description of others.

jacquie aiche chakra poster
Labradorite

labradorite
This gem truly makes my heart sing, especially when I put it on. The mystical depths of blue-greens remind me of the sea, and I love how each stone has its own unique beauty. I started craving it on my body just a couple years ago.

This stone has a very high vibration and is instrumental in helping one open spiritual pathways and explore intuition and psychic abilities. It’s a gem of transformation. It’s also an excellent stone of protection, shielding oneself from negative energies. All of these things definitely resonate with me, and they are areas I have been putting attention toward. Interesting….

Moonstone

moonstone
I started craving this stone about 5 years ago, just after my best friend was murdered. I found a moonstone ring in a consignment store, and as soon as I saw it, I knew I’d leave wearing it, no matter what it cost. Quite a visceral reaction, right? As I started researching moonstone, I was certainly not surprised to read, “It is a stone of calm and relief from emotional stress.” It was one of the most stressful periods in my life, and wearing that ring truly makes me feel better — more grounded.

Moonstone also is associated with “goddess energy,” bringing balance between masculine and feminine energy. It encourages love and passion. Yes, I can use more of that in my life, so I’ll continue to wear it! It’s said to be even more powerful when worn during the full moon. Noted.

Clear Quartz

clear quartz
My love of clear quartz, also known as rock crystal, has a long history in my life. One of the first purchases I made in 1987, when I moved to Los Angeles for college, was a crystal pendant, which I wore on a long silver chain around my neck for years. I felt naked without it. Now almost 30 years later, I’m as drawn to the stone as ever. What does it mean?

Though it’s one of the most common stones in the world, that doesn’t diminish its high vibration. It helps open one’s mind and heart to higher guidance. It also amplifies the powers of other stones. I take this to mean that it would strengthen the powers in the stones in other pieces of jewelry worn at the same time. It is also a very healing stone, which is always a good thing in my book!

It’s a crystal that provides clarity and protection from negative energy. Interesting, as that’s the second stone to have that property on my short list! I know that I’m a very sensitive person, and I often absorb the energy from people around me. Though that can sometimes be a good thing, it can also be a not-so-good thing. I guess my labradorite and rock crystal help shield me from the not-so-good.

Diamond

diamonds
I’m not talking about traditional white diamonds, but rather those that are in the more earthy tones, from brown to grey to even black. I’m drawn to those with an organic feel, not overly polished, but more of a raw or rose-cut variety. According to Jacquie’s chart, ” A diamond is one of the most powerful crystals in the universe. Diamond is a protector, an enhancer and amplifies the strength of all other crystals.” Wow–another similar meaning. It seems all my gems are empowering each other and protecting me!

Diamonds also help relieve stress, anxiety and nightmares. This is interesting, as I suffer from horrible nightmares. I’m going to try and wear some to bed! This gem also encourages abundance and love, another overlap with moonstone.

I’m going to continue researching this topic, as I am very intrigued. What about you? What gems MUST you wear or have around you? Which ones can you do without? And has this changed over time? I would love to hear your thoughts.

13 Gift Ideas for Under $100

Yep, it’s true, Christmas is less than two weeks away. As you scan through your “to do” list and your stress level starts rising, don’t forget that jewelry can always make for a great gift, be it for a friend, family member, or even yourself. (You know that I’m the queen of self-gifting!!) I’ve done a little cruising through the web, and I’ve come up with 13 ideas that won’t break the bank. I hope you like them, and let me know if you have some great ideas as well!

Tai bracelet — The perfect neutral with a little sparkle that’s lovely on its own or layered.

tai moonstone station macrame bracelet, black
Jane Basch personalized bar necklace — because bar necklaces are tres hot, and who doesn’t love something personalized?

jane basch personalized bar pendant necklace

Labradorite earrings — totally versatile color in a sleek, modern design.

sundance drops of magic earrings
Hammered stack ring by Argento Vivo — get the whole stacked look in a single ring!

argento vivo hammered stack ring
Earrings by Avant Garde Paris — they look like small ear climbers, which are very on-trend, yet they aren’t over-the-top, with their smaller size and antiqued metal.

avant garde paris lidia earrings
Alexis Bittar necklace — a modified, sparkly take on the bar necklace; can be worn casually or for a fancy night out.

alexis bittar gold liquid crystal delicate cluster pendant necklace
Melinda Maria ring — total statement piece!

melinda maria mademoiselle pod ring
Kendra Scott cuff — because I think the color and iridescence of the stones are so pretty.

kendra scott arden station cuff
Jennifer Zeuner initial earrings — choose your own letters, too cute! And they come in three different metal colors.

jennifer zeuner izzy mini cursive initial post earrings
“Amadine” necklace — the mixed metals make this a super versatile piece, and it’d look great with long sweaters and tunics.

anthropologie golden amadine necklace
Gorjana cuff ring — looks like a piece of fine jewelry, right?

gorjana orbit shimmer cuff ring
Roman Coin charm bracelet — makes me want to hang out on the Riviera!

la mer collections roman coins charm bracelet
Jewelry Case — because everyone needs a way to get their gems from point A to point B!

sundance letter perfect jewelry case
I hope this list provides you with a bit of inspiration during this holiday season. Happy shopping!

Fern Freeman: Designer

Coming from the world of fashion, Fern Freeman is a prolific jewelry designer! When I stopped at their booth at the JCK show, I learned that a whopping 70% of the items in their cases were brand new.

fern freeman and amy roseveare

The line is full of statement pieces, many with a creative, bohemian edge. This is definitely at the opposite end of the spectrum from delicate chains and skinny stacking rings. Take a gander at this long labradorite pendant.

fern freeman labradorite necklace

And what about this geode and diamond necklace with a double chain? Yes, please!

fern  geode necklace

I was also loving this rhodium cuff with a diamond bar. It’s large, yet still a bit delicate at the same time.

fern freeman cuff

And is it cocktail time? I mean cocktail ring, that is. I’ll take mine in the form of this crystal and 22K gold ring.

fern freeman crystal ring

And because I’m obsessed with all shades of aqua, these agate and moonstone earrings are a gypset girls dream!

fern freeman earrings

Would some of these pieces work for your personal style? How would you style them?

Madyha Farooqui: Designer

I met Madyha during the Couture jewelry show in Las Vegas. She was standing next to a very tall case of exquisite gems that practically had me drooling!

Madyha and Amy
Madyha and Amy

Madyha is only a couple years into her jewelry business, but she has an amazing background that will certainly ensure her success. From traveling the world while growing up as the daughter of a U.N. diplomat, to getting a degree at Parson’s School of Design, to working at Cosmopolitan Magazine, she’s both worldly and stylish.

She just sent me some recent images from her new collection, and I’m so happy to share them with you. First of all, here’s a pair of colorful statement earrings that are red-carpet worthy! They are made with blush, lavender, and brown sapphire slices with champagne pave diamonds. And color is surely on-trend this coming spring!

Just stunning!
Just stunning!

On the more delicate side, I’m loving this bracelet of labradorite with a slice of brown diamond, surrounded by pave diamonds. Such sparkle!

Perfect for layering!
Perfect for layering!

Finally, I think these studs of brown diamond slices with champagne pave diamonds would be SO versatile! Simple enough to wear every day, yet special enough for a fancy dinner out. These would be a valuable investment.

A unique take on the classic diamond stud
A unique take on the classic diamond stud

Madyha’s hand-made jewelry is just beautiful, and it really meshes with my personal style. (luxe bohemian) I hope to see her again at the Couture show this spring, and see what other new pieces she has in store!

Alicia Van Fleteren Jewelry Giveaway

While you may have been busy in recent days buying gifts for everyone on your holiday list, the time has come to think about YOU!! I have an incredibly beautiful labradorite, pyrite, and gold vermeil necklace (named “Caledonia”) designed by the talented Alicia Van Fleteren to give away. You may remember my past post about her, and I must say that I love the direction her line is headed.

alicia van fleteren necklace
This is great on its own or layered

And here’s a closer look. It can be adjusted to be 16-17″ long.

alicia van fleteren necklace
Love the depth of labradorite

Retailing at $135, I think this would be the perfect present for you. It’s on your list, right?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway