Healing Stones and Their Meaning: the stones in my handmade jewellery

In my little studio by Lake Walen, I work almost exclusively with real natural stones. Every stone brings its own story, its own colour and its own very special energy – and that's exactly what makes handmade jewellery so precious to me. In this post I'll take you through my favourite healing stones: what they stand for, how to recognise them and which pieces of jewellery you'll find them in.

What are healing stones, exactly? The term refers to minerals and gemstones that have been credited with special properties for thousands of years. In ancient cultures they were worn as amulets, for protection or as companions in special phases of life. Every stone has its own colour, structure and – so it's said – its own energy.

A quick note: the meanings of healing stones come from old traditions and lore. They are not a substitute for medical treatment, but a beautiful, centuries-old tradition that gives wearing a stone a very personal meaning.

Turquoise – the protective stone

Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones known to humankind and the stone I work with most. From Egypt to the Native Americans to Persia, it was revered everywhere as a sacred protective stone. It's associated with clarity, honest communication and positive energy; it's said to ground you and shield you from negative influences. I work with many varieties, each with its own character: Sonoran Gold, Turquoise Mountain, Hubei and Royston – no two stones are alike.

You'll find turquoise, for example, in the Beaded Goddess Ring •Turquoise•, the Royston Ribbon Turquoise Earrings or the Hubei Turquoise Pendant.

Variscite – the stone of calm

Because of its green colour, variscite is often mistaken for turquoise, but it's a stone in its own right with a softer, matte-green glow. It's considered a stone of calm and encouragement and stands for serenity, an open heart and inner balance – a good companion when life is asking a lot of you. The rare New Lander and Damele variscites from Nevada, with their fine spiderweb matrix, are true collector's pieces.

I'd love to craft you variscite in my Beaded Goddess Rings •natural stones•.

Moonstone – femininity and intuition

Moonstone enchants with its mysterious blue shimmer, called adularescence, which seems to drift across the stone like moonlight. It has long been regarded as a stone of femininity and intuition and is linked with new beginnings, emotional balance and the gentle power of the moon. Many wear it as a soft companion during times of change.

I use moonstone again and again in my Beaded Goddess Rings.

Labradorite – the magical shapeshifter

Labradorite is a true stone of wonder: plain grey at first glance, it flashes blue, green, gold and violet as you turn it – a play of colour known as labradorescence. It's considered a stone of magic and transformation, said to strengthen intuition and to guard your own energy like a shield. For me, one of the most fascinating stones of all.

Larimar – the stone of the sea

Larimar is a genuine rarity, found in only one place in the world: the Dominican Republic. Its play of colour recalls turquoise-blue Caribbean water. It's said to carry calm, clarity and a deeply soothing, sea-like energy – a stone for serenity and gentle communication.

Moss Kyanite – connection to nature

Moss kyanite (also called green cyanite) carries delicate, moss-like inclusions that look like a tiny forest inside the stone. Kyanite is considered one of the few stones that never store negative energy and cleanse themselves. It's said to ground you and to grant a clear, calm mind.

Moss Aquamarine – a clear mind, an open heart

Moss aquamarine combines the soft sea-blue of aquamarine with natural green, moss-like inclusions – each piece looks like a little landscape. Aquamarine has traditionally been seen as a stone of clarity, communication and inner peace; it's said to give courage and to open the heart.

Herkimer Diamond – clarity and light

The Herkimer diamond isn't a real diamond, but a particularly clear, double-terminated rock crystal named after where it's found in New York State. It sparkles like a rainbow and is regarded as a powerful stone of clarity and light – a gentle amplifier that orders energy and thoughts and supports other stones in their effect.

You'll find it in the Herkimer Diamond Ring and the Earrings with Herkimer Diamond and removable tassel.

Super 7 – the power of seven stones

Super 7 (also called «Super Seven» or the Melody Stone) is a fascinating rarity from Brazil that unites seven minerals in a single stone – including amethyst, rock crystal and smoky quartz. It's said to carry spiritual power and transformation and – so the story goes – never needs cleansing or recharging.

You can wear Super 7 in the Tiara Ring or the super 7 Ring.

Jasper – the grounding stone

Jasper is a warm, patterned stone in earthy tones; the landscape jasper (Picture Jasper) is especially beautiful, its markings recalling deserts and mountains. It's considered a stone of grounding and stability and is said to give strength, endurance and a sense of security.

Agate – stability and protection

Agate is a finely banded variety of quartz that comes in countless colours and patterns; the dendritic agate, with its delicate fern-like inclusions, is especially enchanting. Agate is regarded as a stabilising protective stone said to bring body and mind into balance and to foster security and self-confidence.

Rose Quartz – the stone of love

Soft, rosy and full of warmth: rose quartz is the classic stone of love. It stands for warmth of heart, self-love and compassion.

I combine rose quartz, for example, in the triple Statement Ring.

Tanzanite – depth and intuition

Tanzanite is a rare gemstone shimmering deep blue to violet, found only in Tanzania at the foot of Kilimanjaro. It's associated with intuition, depth and transformation; its velvety colour looks both elegant and mysterious.

Tanzanite sparkles, among other places, in the Statement Ring.

Opal – a fire of colour

Opals fascinate with their vivid play of colour, known as opalescence; the boulder opal shows bold flashes of colour on dark host rock. Opal is considered a stone of inspiration and imagination and is said to encourage creativity and joy of life.

A colourful opal piece is my Ocean Ring.

Which stone is right for you?

Whether you're drawn to the meaning of a stone or simply enchanted by its colour – in the end, it should be exactly the stone that feels right for you. I make many of my rings to order, and I have a large selection of stones in my studio. Your favourite stone isn't currently in the shop? Just drop me a message – I'd be delighted to craft you a one-of-a-kind piece to your wishes.