You may have noticed that most of the stone bracelets I sell don’t have just one type of stone. Some do – and I do love single stone bracelets, especially when the stone has a lot of its own color and texture variations. Most don’t.
I like to tell people that I pull all of the beads out and ask, “Who’s going to play nice together?” It’s only kind of tongue in cheek because I do pull them out and I spend time deciding what stone to start with, then add and take away stones until I get the combination, and the count, that I know will work best for the bracelet. Even if it’s not a combination that I would personally wear, I know it’s the energy and look that will be great for whoever gets it.
Every stone has meaning that has been determined based on the energy of the stone, the color, the way it’s been historically used.* Occasionally I will start with the desired intention – especially if someone is seeking a custom piece specifically for that. More often, I start with the stones and the time I spend putting them together. Once the bracelet is completed I look at my chart that has the meanings for each stone and I look for the repeating meanings. For example, if three of the stones are believed to bring the wearer courage, that is definitely one of the benefits. I also look at the bigger picture and that is where I find the intention for that particular bracelet. For example, out of the many meanings that one stone might have, one might be, “transition,” and another, “emotional healing.” Another stone on the bracelet might speak to, “clarity,” and, “self-awareness.” A third might hold the meaning of, “manifesting through action.” A fourth might deal with, “ability to see the big picture.” These are amongst other meanings, but these stand out as working together, and I might realize the intention of this particular bracelet — this combination of stones – is, “At a time of transition, the ability to see the big picture with clarity and self-awareness to manifest through action as you experience emotional healing .”**
I also create custom pieces, or resize pieces already available. Where I can, I maintain the existing pattern. Where I can’t, I make adjustments that fit with the look and intention of the piece.
*Lots of people ask me if I believe in how stones are supposed to work. I happen to be a very empathic person who does feel the various energies of the stones and I have had them work for wonderful encouragement and benefit for myself and those around me. At the same time, as I tell those who ask, even if they don’t work that way, I don’t see a problem with choosing something with an intention that will remind you, every time you wear and see it, what you’re wanting to move closer to in your life.
**One customer told her friends, “Who needs therapy? I’m buying a bracelet!” We all laughed, and it was clearly meant to be silly, but I do want to be responsible and say, obviously I cannot guarantee any outcome from wearing a bracelet whether it’s made by me or anyone else. As I mentioned above, I do believe that our focus and intention is powerful and we make the choices we do to move us towards the direction we’re traveling. Please do not allow anything to take the place of seeking professional help whether it is mental, emotional or physical help you need. You are important and when you need that help, you are worthy of it. You deserve joy and one of the places joy is found is in self-care and doing what you need to change your life for the better.
