HESTIA TALKS: SPRING EQUINOX AND COLOURFUL GEMSTONES
However this year’s Spring Equinox is extra impactful and holds extra punch, as it is also a full moon (the 3rd supermoon of 2019) and the beginning of Aries season. We’ll experience extra powerful forces this year at the same time as pushing ourselves out of winter hibernation blues. With fresh new energies, comes more sunlight and daylight; and along with that, we have broken down a guide to colourful gemstones that can also add some colour and new energy into your life.
The Neo Classic collection holds colourful gemstones in a different light. With custom-cut gems of Italian quality formed with contemporary design and customizable options, the pieces are avant-garde yet wearable, and perfect for adding some colour into your wardrobe for the new season.
Inspired by Palladio’s Italian architecture of structured proportions and the hidden properties in each gemstone, we play with color and shape in a way that is pleasing to the eyes and makes our hearts smile.
Green Agate
This beautiful deep green stone dates back to the Egyptians where at least 3,000 years ago, they used agate for seals, rings, and decorative arts. It was named after an island off of Sicily, in the Mediterranean, an ancient source of the gem. A gemstone made up of a blend of opaque and translucent layers, its high hardness durability makes it a fine jewelry favourite due to its strength and resistance. It has become a favourite amongst modern healers, as when the relaxing and spiritual power of green is combined with that of agate, the gemstone increases compassion and generosity, along with enhancing mental and emotional flexibility. Achieve the 1920’s Art Deco look with the interchangeable earrings when Green Agate is paired with either Black Onyx or Red Garnet.
14K Rose Gold Green Agate Princess-Cut Stud Earrings, $560 CAD.
London Blue and Swiss Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is the colour of water, making it a wonderful substitute for the rarer and far more expensive aquamarine. It's a cool refreshing stone to use any time of year, but especially during the Spring and Summer seasons. Topaz is a hard stone with a range of natural colours, with some colours being more valuable, blues being one of the most sought after. In fact, the value of some topaz is based on their depth of colour, not their carat weight. Topaz is considered a mellow, empathic stone that soothes, heals, recharges and re-centres its wearers. Blue topaz, in particular, is believed to promote truth and forgiveness, relaxing the spirit as well as the body. Those who use meditation favour it as a gemstone for attuning to their higher self.
14K Rose Gold London Blue Topaz Studs paired with Black Onyx Gembar Earrings, $1,460 CAD.
Black Onyx
Onyx is a form of chalcedony; its multi-layered structure is similar to that of agate. When the stone has a black base and a white upper layer, it's called onyx. With black being a neutral colour, it makes it a great design pairing to combine with many different coloured stones or gold. Black has been associated with regeneration and new beginnings. Onyx is thought by some to have protective qualities, making it advantageous to carry when traveling and working in unfamiliar territories. It is said to be useful in fighting basic fears and helping to move beyond bad relationships, as well as to heal old emotional wounds.
14K Rose Gold Purple Amethyst Necklace, $600
Purple Amethyst
This popular gemstone comes in a variety of colours ranging from deep purple to pale lavender depending on the presence of manganese and iron. With purple dye being the royal choice in the ancient Mediterranean, the amethyst quickly became associated with wealth and power. It traditionally adorned the robes and crowns of rich and powerful monarchs, being viewed as equal in value to ruby, emerald and sapphire. Healers have been using amethyst to increase their psychic abilities and intuition for centuries, and cross-culturally, this popular gemstone was used as a symbol of peace and unification as it is thought to evoke feelings of serenity, calmness, and spiritual balance in those who wear it.
Red Garnet
The deep, glossy red colour of garnet resembles the juicy seeds of a pomegranate, which is perhaps why its name is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate seed. In Greek mythology, a pomegranate was often given as a gift of passion and associated with eternal love. Symbolizing a quick return to a separated love, fertility and feminine life force, they are commonly believed to aid in the healing of broken bonds of love. Garnets are also known to aid in the treatment of melancholy and depression by acting as a heart and blood stimulant. The rich intense hues are comparable to the Ruby, but at much more accessible price points.
14K Rose Gold Red Garnet Studs paired with Smoky Quartz Gembar Earrings, $1,460 CAD.
Smoky and Sunflower Quartz
Quartz is most typically transparent to translucent but can be opaque and is prized for its perceived ability to ward off stress while promoting tolerance and resolve in difficult situations. It is thought to be a protective stone, with a strong association with the earth chakras, making it ideal for environmental and lifestyle consciousness. It is also believed to counter fear, overcome depression and bring about emotional stability. Sunflower Quartz specifically infuses the whole system with health and energy benefits. It is considered extremely powerful for removing toxins and helps to bring the body into balance, and may be used in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder, perfect for our transition from Winter into Spring.
14K Rose Gold Sunflower Quartz Gembar Earrings, $800 CAD.
We hope that with our guide to the colourful gemstones in the Neo Classic collection that you can expect a lot of new beginnings and fresh starts when adorning them – just like you would expect from the new Spring season. The Equinox represents renewal and a new sense of balanced energy; so you’ll be feeling much more motivated and inspired as you step into sunnier, more colourful days.