How to choose your stone

Are you thinking that you’d like a gemstone, but you’re a bit overwhelmed by your choices? There are so many gems out there, and the 12 I’m talking about here are really just a taste of the possibilities open to you.
In some cases, you may read the attributes of a particular stone and then know that is exactly what you need. But even if this is the case, I still encourage you to consider the following.
The intention for the gemstone.
• Is it for a wedding or other love token? Don’t feel you have to follow the traditional path when it comes to engagement rings and so on. You can choose any of the harder stones for these rings – and even the softer stones can work if they are set appropriately.
• Perhaps you are looking to mark another kind of occasion or landmark in your life?
The intention for the jewellery may then point you towards particular qualities in the gemstones themselves.

Approach it from the sensory and sensual point of view.
• Do you have a favorite color?
• What emotions, or feelings do you associate with these colours? • Do these match the intention of the piece of jewelry?

Use your intuition
This is an extension of the sensory approach.
• Let go of logical reasons, and all the stories that you may be
telling yourself about the gem you want.
• You may have been reading about a particular gem, nonetheless
keep an open heart because when you are looking you may feel
drawn to an entirely different gem by your intuition.
• If you and yourself drawn to a particular gem, or one that is different to what you expected, you can cross check the
attributes and qualities associated with that stone just to see if it feels appropriate for your intentions.
• If you are buying a gem or jewel and are faced with a shop full of choice, see which piece you are immediately and initially drawn to. How does it make you feel?
• There are many stories that I’ve been told about people walking
past a gem shop and being suddenly ‘called’ into the shop where they’ve found a gemstone that they are immediately drawn to.

Be practical
• Since a ring faces much more stress than any other piece of jewelry its always good to choose a hard stone especially if it is to be exposed in a claw setting.
• Softer stones can be set in rings but they must be protected within a full bezel, or only worn as special occasion pieces.
• Generally earrings are best when choosing a piece of jewelry
made with the softer stones. Pendants can be ne if they aren’t
too long.
• Crystal hardness is measured on the Mohs scale (invented in
the 1800s by Dr Mohs as a comparison chart). At number 10 is the diamond, which is 140 times as hard as corundum (rubies and sapphires) at number 9. While these are 80 times harder than topaz at number 8. Quartz sits at 7. I’ve made note of the Mohs measurement in the chapter on each stone.