The Benefits of Amethyst

Posted on March 1, 2016March 12, 2016 by Coral Nilsen

01 Mar

Amethyst is a stone of the spirit. In general, the beautiful purple colour of this crystal is the colour of the spirit and spirituality. It is also a crystal of protection, selflessness, nobleness, spiritual consciousness, meditativeness, balance and inner peace. One very important feature of Amethyst is that it serves to bring harmony and peace wherever needed.

Purple Amethyst has been highly esteemed throughout the ages for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to stimulate, and soothe, the mind and emotions. It is a semi-precious stone in today’s classifications, but to the ancients it was a “Gem of Fire,” a Precious Stone worth, at times in history, as much as a Diamond. It has always been associated with February, the month the Romans dedicated to Neptune, their water-god, and is the traditional birthstone of that month. It is the stone of St. Valentine and faithful love, and signifies ecclesiastical dignity as the Bishop’s Stone. It carries the energy of fire and passion, creativity and spirituality, yet bears the logic of temperance and sobriety.

Amethyst is the birthstone for Pisces and the month of February, and the gemstone for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

Amethyst is especially supportive of the emotional body, bringing those who are overworked, overstressed, or overwhelmed back to centre. It eases the mental anxieties that lead to physical tension and headaches, and is a great crystal to calm those who tend to be hot-headed and easily angered.
When worn close to the head, as in a pair of amethyst earrings, not only are they said to help alleviate a headache, but they will also help clear one’s thinking process, allowing one to process information more efficiently. It is believed to loosen blocks in the mind where mental functioning has become confused and undirected, and frees the way to clearer thinking. They are also believed to help people who suffer from a faulty memory.

Some people have developed the habit of sleeping with Amethyst crystals under the pillow. This way, they are able to achieve out of body experiences and lucid dreams more easily.

Amethyst should be combined with Rose Quartz. It is an excellent combination because Amethyst calms the mind, whereas Rose Quartz soothes the heart and cures emotional wounds. Rock crystal, if added to Amethyst and Rose quartz, can enhance the effectiveness of both crystals. The three of them together successfully balance the mind, heart and soul.

Do You Know Your Birthstone?

Posted on February 7, 2016March 12, 2016 by Coral Nilsen

07 Feb

Throughout the ages precious stones have been given the power to influence the forces of nature, and the birthstone seems to have originated in early biblical times. History suggests that the practice of wearing birthstones started in the 1500s, when astrology was at its zenith in many countries in Europe.

Every month of our calendar have been assigned special stones, as have the four seasons. There are even stones for days of the week, and for the hours of the day. Each zodiac sign has its own stone, and even the angels who guard the gates of heaven have special stones attached to them.

A birthstone is a gift of a precious material (jewellery, mainly gemstones: themselves traditionally associated with various qualities) that symbolises the month of birth (using the Gregorian Calendar). There have been many different sets of birthstones used throughout history, and in different cultures. The American National Association of Jewellers (Jewellers of America) officially adopted the following list in 1912, and this is the most widely used list in the USA, as well as Australia and Thailand, and many other countries.

Some alternatives have been adopted to be a less expensive substitute for a cut stone. Tanzanite was added to the list in December 2002, however this has been seen by many as a marketing ploy by the American Gem Trade association, and has not been widely adopted.

To give you even more choice, here’s the list of birthday stones for the actual day of your birth:

Design Length of Necklaces

Posted on February 1, 2016March 12, 2016 by Coral Nilsen

01 Feb

The different design types of necklaces are grouped into lengths and are often referred to using names which are recognised universally.

When purchasing or designing a necklace or pendant you will need to consider what the length will be and where it will sit on the chest.

Remember that longer lengths accentuate the bust while the shorter lengths feature the beautiful lines of the neck.

Collars – 12 – 13” (30cm to 33cm)

Very Victorian and luxurious, collars go best with elegant V-neck, boat neck or off the shoulder fashions.
Collars are usually made up of three or more strands and lie snugly on the middle of the neck.

Choker – 14 – 16” (35-41cm)

Sits just at the base of the neck. A simple choker from casual to fancy evening wear and just about any neckline imaginable. Classical and yet the most versatile of all the single strand lengths.

Princess – 17 – 19” (43cm to 48cm)

Sits approximately two finger widths below the V of the neck base. The princess length necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines. It also complements low plunging necklines.

Matinee – 20 – 24” (51cm to 61cm)

Sits approximately midway down the sternum. The matinee necklace is the right choice for casual or business dressing.

Opera – 28 – 34” (71cm to 86cm)

Sits mid chest.
When worn as a single strand it is refined and perfect for high or crew neckline. When doubled upon itself, it serves as a versatile two strand choker.

Rope/Lariat – 45” + (112cm +)

Sits down around the waist line. The elegance of this necklace gives it a multitude of ways in which it can be worn, either as a single drop or caught up into a multi strand.