Two questions I’m often asked are where do I get the stones I use, and what are the metaphysical meanings behind the different gems. So this month I’m sharing about my process of sourcing and selecting the stones.
My dad is a geologist, so I’ve been into gems and minerals since I was a kid. I had a rock collection I used to keep in egg crates, with each little dip labeled. I guess you could say that collection has grown! I believe the connection between the stones and the person wearing them is powerful and important, which is why I select each stone individually. This hand selection ensures that every piece is the best of its kind in color and shine. It also means that every piece is the right size and sits in exactly the best position to show the facets of its natural beauty.
Seraphine Design’s signature stone is Peruvian pyrite. I love pyrite for its natural brilliance, and incredible versatility--it pairs beautifully with both gold and silver and can appear in different degrees of sparkle and metallic hues. My pyrite comes from a mine outside of Lima, Peru and is then cleaned and cut by artisans in the same area. There is no coating needed, no extra shine applied. It is completely raw and naturally faceted by our friend, Mother Nature.
Each January, I make the journey to the largest gem-and-mineral event of its kind in the world, The Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase. This all encompassing event draws dealers from all over the world and takes up not just one venue but literally the entire town. Rock hounds and artisans take over every hotel room, arena and storage facility. For sale are not just stones but textiles, Native American head-dresses and arrows, African masks, beads for days, museum quality gems and minerals, jewelry making tools, amethyst geodes that can easily reach 8 ft. plus...I could go on and on. If you have the funds and the space, you can buy a T-Rex leg for your foyer, or a 65 million year old whale skeleton to hang above your couch. You could spend days traveling in and out of hotel rooms--each room a journey into a different culture: jewelry from Nepal next to carved alabaster from China, onyx sinks next to a sculpture of mosaic glass. It’s an experience that should be on the bucket list for any lover of the natural world or any shopper who wants a bargain.
I love traveling around Tucson to all the vendors, catching up on their news, and finding the perfect stones for my designs. It’s truly a highlight of my year!
The raw stones I chose for Summer 2017 all look amazing against sun kissed skin. I’ve also selected certain new stones for their spiritual properties, so each item is meaningful.
Opalite is iridescent and fire filled and a stone of communication. Its metaphysical properties are a natural match for peaceful transitions and new beginnings, making opalite the stone for spring time.
Chrysocolla is often mistaken for turquoise. This gorgeous blue/green stone is sometimes called the musician's stone, so it’s a Nashville favorite! This stone vibrates the heart and throat chakras and is said to draw energy from the heart through the mouth--thus it is a great stone for anyone that does public speaking (or singing), teachers, etc.
Banded Amethyst is an interesting variation of amethyst with bands of white, dark and light purple. It combines the strengthening and enhancing qualities of quartz with the stress relieving qualities of amethyst.
Fluorite boasts gorgeous light and green/purple hues. It is a stone of mental order and clarity.
Rose Quartz is the stone of the heart. Wear it to attract romance, love and lust.
Citrine Quartz is energetic and positive. This sparkly orange gemstone is great for summer.
Green Agate combines the spiritual power of green with that of agate. According to modern healers, green agate increases compassion, generosity and a keen sense of justice, along with enhancing mental and emotional flexibility.
The energy of natural gemstones is evident when people come into my showroom. They are often drawn to a particular piece right away and literally can’t put down the stone that’s attracted them. As you can imagine, this makes me really happy!
The right piece finds its person, and my designs get to enhance the look and the life of the woman wearing them.
- Brooke
1 comment
Hello, I believe I was given one of your collars. Wire is silver and it is tipped in pyrite and a blue stone, I believe to be lapiz. not pictured in your current collection , but I saw a similar one imaged in your journal. is mine discontinued? Elaine