Semi-precious stones are often thought to posses beneficial properties and many have interesting histories and beliefs surrounding them.  I have gathered together some information about the stones I have used in the jewellery I make.

Amazonite
Amazonite is thought to have soothing and balancing properties as well as promoting success, joy, harmony and self-expression.





Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February, the zodiac stone for Pisces and the stone for 6^th wedding anniversaries.  It was worn by the Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of the Bacchus or Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, and the name amethyst is derived from the Greek "amethystos", meaning "not drunken".  It is a variety of quartz and is thought to promote contentment, spirituality, dreams, healing, peace, happiness, love and intuition.

Aventurine
Aventurine is thought to have healing and motivational properties as well as promoting mental agility, visual acuity, peace, opening of the heart and leadership.

Coral
Coral was thought by the Romans to protect children from harm and coral jewellery has been found in Ancient Egyptian and prehistoric European burials. It is thought to promote diplomacy and visualisation and quiet your emotions.



Jade
The stone for 12^th wedding anniversaries, jade has been the treasured royal gemstone in China for thousands of years, a bridge between the spiritual and material worlds.  Many people believe it can protect you from harm. It was also used in Central America by the Olmecs, the Mayans and the Toltecs who used it for carvings and masks.  Jade is thought to promote fidelity, dreams, realization of potential, peace, accord, resourcefulness and accomplishment.

Jasper
Jasper is the birthstone for March.  The name Jasper is derived from Hebrew "yashepheh" via the Greek "iaspis" and means "spotted or speckled stone".  It is thought to have protecting and nurturing properties as well as promoting joy, awareness and the balancing of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies.

Mookite
Also known as Australian Jasper






Pearl
The birthstone for June and the stone for 3^rd and 30^th wedding anniversaries, pearls were called the "tears of the gods" in Persian mythology.  The ancient Greeks thought that pearls were dew from the moon, in ancient China it was believed that the moon had the power to create pearls and in some Muslim legends the pearl was God's first act of creation.


Rhodonite
Rhodonite is thought to promote peace, generosity and attention to detail.






Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is thought to help heal emotional wounds and promote love, peace, happiness and gentleness.






Turquoise
The birthstone for December and the stone for 11^th wedding anniversaries, turquoise was among the earliest gems to be mined.  It has adorned the rulers of Ancient Egypt, the Aztecs, Persia, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley and China.  The name Turquoise is thought to be derived from the French for "Turkish" (Turquois), because it was traded extensively in Turkish markets, or "dark blue stone" (pierre turquin).  It is thought to cleansing, healing, soothing and protective properties as well as promoting spiritual attunement, peace of mind and romantic spontaneity.