This piece "Helia: The Sun Goddess" is from my Crystal Gallery Collection. It was inspired by the beautiful smooth shapes of Citrine, the stone of abundance and much admired for its sunny golden buttery tones.

The Power of Stones

As I gaze upon my Jewelry of ART creations I am captured by the spell of the magical and healing qualities of the crystals and stones.

When I began creating Jewelry of ART I was immediately, subconsciously attracted to certain stones. Among my favorite stones are Citrine, Carnelian, and Amethyst; however, my favorites grow and change depending upon my moods, challenges and experiences. I also notice my clients' strong reaction to certain pieces; different people react to the stones in different ways. I am often told that my pieces serve as talismans or healing pieces, in addition to being enjoyed for their adornment. All I can say is when you follow nature and the path your natural creative process takes you, you not only heal yourself, you heal others as well.

As I delve more into the intrinsic meaning of the stones in my Jewelry of ART I have become even more intrigued by their association with ancient mythology and their relationships to the chakras of the body. The body interprets the physical world with its complex nervous system and senses, and it reflects our development as spiritual beings trying our best to navigate and evlolve in a physical world.

The Power of Citrine
Citrine is known as the abundance stone. This beautiful, bright sunny stone promotes optimism and is associated with abundance, prosperity, and success in business. It is known to encourage the individual to embrace ever-greater states of consciousness. It is considered to balance the thyroid, activate the thymus, and improve circulation. The smooth, oval shapes of the stones that I used in "Helia: The Sun Goddess" shown above, is very soothing to the touch.

Like the stones topaz and amber, ctirine's yellow color is associated with the Solar Plexus. The solar plexus is linked to our sense of self-worth and personal power. When this center is balanced it gives us satisfying and healthy relationships. When it is weak we often take the brunt of other people's negativity and sometimes feel like a victim.

	The Power of Carnelian Another stone I am attracted to is Carnelian. Its multiple shades and textures serve as endless inspiration. "The Courage Bracelet" shown here is combined with Swarovski crystals.

Carnelian is an agate stone, and is believed to nourish, revitalize, and bring courage and good fortune to the wearer. It has protection energies. Carnelian also encourages creativity, and it is not a surprise that many artists are attracted to its warm orange glow. It can also aid in memory, including the recall of past lives. Some also say it can help in finding the right mate.

Carnelian is related to the the Sacral Chakra which governs our physical and spiritual appetite, sense of loving and enjoying life to the fullest. From this center we create life and move freely into the material world. The Sacral chakra is influenced by the element of water and as a result our emotions, which when fluid and moving keep us healthy.

	The Power of Amethyst "Athena's Garden" is one of the many pieces I have created using the Amethyst stone in many varieties. This piece is a celebration of love and passion that blossoms in abundance if cared for like a flower garden.

Many believe that Amethyst helps you attain wisdom. It also stimulates the intuition. You may want to wear it when you need assistance in releasing attachments or anything that is holding you back so that you may fully realize your destiny. This stone is also associated with royalty.

Amethyst and the colors of deep indigo blue and purple are linked to the Brow Chakra. It is related to vision, insight and perception. As our perception clarifies, we can create visions for ourselves, our way forward and for the world.

Renée Phillips is an artist career consultant. Learn more.

View more of Renée's Jewlery of Art.

Return to Soar Index