Lithotherapy
Lithotherapy is an alternative practice that uses stones and crystals to promote physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. It is based on the idea that stones and minerals possess specific energetic and therapeutic properties.
In jewelry making, several natural stones are famous for their beauty, rarity, and aesthetic qualities. Here are some of the most prized natural stones:
1
Diamond
The diamond is probably the most famous stone in jewelry, known for its brilliance and hardness. It is often associated with luxury and is a stone of choice for engagement rings and other high-end jewelry.
2.
Ruby
The ruby, with its deep red color, is highly sought after for its rarity and beauty. It is often associated with passion and prestige.
3.
Sapphire
Sapphires are valued for their wide range of colors, although the most famous is the blue sapphire. They are known for their hardness, just behind the diamond.
4.
Emerald
With its distinctive green color, the emerald is highly prized in jewelry. It is often synonymous with luxury and elegance.
5.
Opal
The opal is unique because of its play of colors - a phenomenon where the stone can display a multitude of colors depending on the viewing angle. It is often associated with creativity and imagination.
6.
Amethyst
The amethyst, with its enticing purple hue, is a type of quartz highly valued in jewelry, especially for its distinctive color and relative affordability.
7.
Turquoise
Turquoise is known for its characteristic blue-green color and is often used in ethnic or vintage jewelry.
8.
Peridot
The peridot, with its bright green color, is appreciated for its clarity and brilliance, often used in modern and bright jewelry.
9.
Topaz
Topaz comes in a variety of colors, but blue shades and imperial topaz (yellow-orange) are among the most prized.
10.
Jade
Jade is particularly valued in some cultures, especially in Asia, for its soft green color and smooth texture. It is often used in pieces that have cultural or spiritual significance.
11.
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is distinguished by its pale to intense pink color, which can vary in intensity. This color is usually due to microscopic inclusions of minerals like titanium, iron, or manganese.
12.
Multicolored Tourmaline
In lithotherapy, tourmaline is often associated with protection against negative energies and the enhancement of positive energy. Each color of tourmaline is believed to have its own specific healing properties.
These stones are appreciated not only for their appearance but also for their symbolism and meaning in different cultures. The choice of a stone for a piece of jewelry often depends on the occasion, personal style, and sometimes on the beliefs or significance attributed to the stone.