Valspiersdesigns

Deep blue with soft white veining,  Sodalite  is often called the stone of logic, truth, and calm communication. Its rich colour — sometimes mistaken for lapis lazuli — carries a quiet depth that feels thoughtful rather than dramatic. Key Properties & Meanings Sodalite is most widely known for supporting: Clear thinking and rational decision-making Honest communication Emotional balance Confidence in self-expression Mental calm during stress It is frequently associated with the throat chakra and the third eye chakra, linking communication with intuition. Many people use sodalite when journaling, planning, studying, or preparing for important conversations. It’s valued by writers, teachers, and creatives who want to express ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Unlike high-energy stones, sodalite has a steady, cooling presence. It is often described as helping to quiet mental noise and reduce overthinking — encouraging thoughtful responses rather than reactive ones. Cultural ...

Black Tourmaline clearly deserves its place in the 12 Powerful gemstones collection. Black tourmaline, also known as  Schorl , is one of the most popular protective stones in the world — and for good reason. With its deep matte-black surface and naturally striated texture, it carries a quiet strength that feels both steady and reassuring. Protective & Grounding Properties Black tourmaline is best known as a powerful protection stone. Traditionally, it is believed to: Absorb negative energy Shield against unwanted influences Promote emotional stability Encourage confidence and clear boundaries Support grounding during times of stress Many people place black tourmaline near doorways, carry it in a pocket, or keep it on their desk to create a sense of energetic protection. It’s often associated with the root chakra, symbolising stability, safety, and connection to the earth. One fascinating physical property adds to its mystique: black tourmaline is  pyroelectric and piezoele...

Do you believe that you can heal emotional wounds, increase self-love and find inner peace just by wearing particular gemstones? There is no proof that the gemstones on their own can do these things. But just because the results cannot be easily explained doesn't mean it is all coincidence. For years now I have been working at compiling a list of beautiful gemstones along with their metaphysical properties. I have created lists of affirmations that match the gems properties. I have written them out by hand. I have created assets of affirmation cards by typing out the affirmations. I have repeatedly typed out the affirmations and said them aloud while creating and researching. More recently I have been creating amazing stretch bracelets to support my positive thinking.  What I have discovered is that the affirmations and positive empowering thoughts that I have been thinking while I create have become part of me. I see the gem and I think the affirmations and positive thoughts relat...

Pink opal is a stone of resolution. It releases stress, tension and anxiety. It helps to balance the emotions. It brings peace calm and tranquility. It helps us to look within and rely on ourselves. If you pair it with garnet the combination will provide drive and determination. Chakra: Heart Star signs: Pisces, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio. Pink Opal has been treasured in South America for centuries, particularly in Peru, where it was valued by Indigenous cultures as a stone of peace and emotional renewal. It is primarily sources from Peru, Australia and Mexico. Major deposits are mined in the Andes, making Peruvian Pink Opal the most well-known variety today.  Pink Opal is a serene, opaque to translucent common opal known for its soft pastel pink hues.  Its colour comes from manganese or organic compounds. Unlike many gemstones, Pink Opal is formed from silica-rich waters rather than crystals, giving it its distinctive soft, cloud-like colour. It has long been used for ornamenta...

Aquamarine's metaphysical properties centre on calmness, courage and communication, linked to its sea-blue colour and association with water. This brings tranquility, clarity and truthful expression. It protects travellers and soothes your emotions. It's a stone for enhancing self-expression, resolving conflicts, relieving stress and supporting spiritual growth. It particularly connects the heart and throat chakras for honest communication from the soul. Key metaphysical properties Communication and truth Opens a channel between the heart and throat chakras, rooting clear, hones and articulate speech. It reduces misunderstandings. Calmness and serenity Its water-like energy reduces stress, quiets the mind, soothes fears and encourages emotional balance. Courage and protection Historically a sailor's talisman, it's believed to offer protection during travel and install courage, supporting sensitive individuals and those overwhelmed by responsibility. Clarity and intellec...

This beautiful image is from Pixabay Amethyst  Amethyst  has been treasured since ancient Greece, where it was believed to prevent intoxication and encourage clear thinking. Long linked to spirituality and royalty, it is now most commonly mined in  Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar . Most of the amethyst I use in my bracelets comes form Brazil and Uruguay. It is natural and undyed. Green Aventurine Green Aventurine  has a long history as a stone of opportunity, carried by merchants and gamblers in many cultures. Its connection to growth and luck continues today, with major sources in  India, Brazil, Russia, and Tanzania . My Green aventurine comes from Brazil, Chile and Spain. It is natural and undyed Black Tourmaline Black Tourmaline  has been used for centuries as a protective talisman, especially in African and Indigenous traditions. Known for grounding and energy cleansing, it is primarily mined in  Brazil, Africa (notably Namibia), Sri Lanka...

Rose quartz and Pink opal are perfect for yourself or a gift. The heart chakra is associated with love, compassion, emotional balance, and our ability to both give and receive care. Pink gemstones, in particular, are often linked to the softer expressions of the heart—tenderness, self-acceptance, and emotional healing. For Valentine’s Day, pink stones offer a beautiful reminder that love is not only something we can exchange with others, but also something we cultivate within ourselves. Rose Quartz  is the stone most commonly connected to the heart chakra. Its gentle pink tone is associated with unconditional love, emotional comfort, and forgiveness. Rose quartz is often chosen for supporting self-love, easing emotional tension, and encouraging kinder inner dialogue. • I allow love, kindness, and compassion to flow easily toward myself and others. • My heart is open to gentle healing and emotional balance. Pink Opal  carries a nurturing energy that is often linked to emotional...

Each new moon I create a list of gemstones that follow a theme that suits my mood at the time. The latest list consists of gemstones that promote feelings of calm and peace. Any of the gemstones can be used by itself or you can create some jewellery using more than one gemstone. A bracelet using 3 or 4 different gemstones is easy to make and wear. I like to use the gemstones to help me focus on a particular mindset or feeling. The brain works well with symbols and patterns and I find it easy to think particular thoughts when they are related to or attached to specific gemstones. Even if you don't have access to the gemstones themselves it works if you have images on cards or in a book. I tend to do a lot of digital work with the gemstone images and metaphysical information and I get a strong sense of change and growth in myself from constantly looking at and reading about the gemstones. Here is  a list of gemstones and matching affirmations that will help bring your thoughts of pea...

How do you choose what gems to get for yourself or others? A pretty safe way is to use your star sign or the recipient's star sign to choose gems that fit a personality. There are lots of gems associated with each star sign so you are sure to find something you love. I love making a variety of jewellery pieces and have collected together items made with the gems associated with each star sign ready for my January 2026 display. You can find these at my market stall at the Woodgate Beach Markets  1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Here is a list of gems usually associated with each star sign: ♈  Aries – Carnelian Boosts motivation, courage, and fiery confidence — perfect for Aries’ bold energy. ♉  Taurus – Jade Grounding, soothing, and connected to abundance — aligned with Taurus’ love of stability and comfort. ♊  Gemini – Aquamarine Supports clear communication, calm thinking, and adaptability — ideal for talkative, quick-minded Gemini. ♋  Cancer – Moonstone Enhanc...

Using my Courage and Strength Journal When I was  confronted with the question, 'How do I feel emotionally , spiritually and physically?', I wondered what I could say that didn't just sound corny, like happy or sad. I really wanted to describe how I felt so I asked Chat GPT to give me some lists of feelings I could choose from. It did a great job of listing out lots of ideas and grouping them into useful sections. I can now go through and pick out ones that suit my mood at the time. When I go back to look over my monthly review pages I will see a detailed description of how I felt at the time so I can understand how my feeling change. There are 8 A5 pages of prompts in the PDF to download. If you like journaling and planning you should sign up for my free newsletter at valspiers.substack.com You can read all about the other lists I made with Chat GPT to go with my feelings lists in this newsletter My newsletter is free to read but you have the option of paying for your subs...

  Available as a set of 12 cards with useful information and an affirmation. Each card is set out attractively with an image, information and an affirmation. Each different coloured gemstone card has a matching colour strip on each side. The cards fit nicely on a mini easel to make a beautiful motivational decoration on your desktop. Also available as minimal earrings with a single bead and a stainless steel bead. Hooks and jump rings are also stainless steel. The card set is $10. (without the easel) There are 12 pairs of earrings. Each pair features one of the 12 powerful gemstones. I will usually have all 12 available at the market stall. Gemstone earrings are $15 a pair. Also available are 3 bracelets that I would like to sell as a set. Each bracelet is made up of 4 gemstones from the 12 powerful gemstones. They are $15 each or 3 for $40. They come in a black velvet clip pouch if you buy the set. Together the collection of 12 powerful gemstones makes a beautiful gift or treasure...

  Three bracelets created with a combination of Amethyst, Onyx and Rose quartz. It features a cultured pearl as a beautiful feature to lighten up the set.

Society tells us that women should be warm and men should be assertive. The world would run much better if men and women cultivated both qualities of warmth and assertiveness. Imagine how much better our leaders would be. With the help of the gemstones to remind you of your affirmations you can start thinking and acting both warm and assertive. Lapis Lazuli Encourages clear communication and self-expression. Strengthens inner truth, helping you speak with confidence, warmth, and authenticity. "I know when to listen." Labradorite Awakens inner power and intuition. Encourages bold self-trust while maintaining grace and kindness when expressing your personal boundaries. "I showcase my skills for all to see." Amazonite Balances assertiveness with empathy. Promotes heartfelt communication and helps you express your needs calmly and confidently. "I set healthy boundaries with the people around me." Kunzite Softens the heart with compassion and kindness. Encourag...

Tiger's Eye is a stone symbolising protection, courage, and personal empowerment, historically used as a talisman for strength and to ward off evil spirits. It is also associated with enhancing focus, confidence, and willpower, believed to help individuals recognise their strengths and achieve their goals. In various cultures, it represents qualities of the tiger, such as power, grace, and a "kingly" status.  Tiger's eye has a beautiful satin lustre with tan and black stripes. It's easy to see why it reminds people of a tiger. Today gem enthusiasts have discovered that Tiger's eye holds dye well and the satin stripes look great in all sorts of bright colours. My favourite is the pink.  Since the 'powers' of the stone are thought to come from the make-up of the stone itself it is unlikely that changing the colour with dye will change the metaphysical properties. However, when we wear different colours it affects our mood according to the colour. So wear...

Sea breezes is set 2 in the Sea Change Collection. Sea Breezes Set — Whispering Tide · Fresh Drift · Morning Hush A light, refreshing trio inspired by the soft winds and pale colors of the coast. Moonlit shimmer, airy freshness, and quiet tides come together in bracelets that soothe and uplift, like carrying the calm breath of the sea wherever you go. Bracelet 1 🌙  Whispering Tide  — soft and shimmering like moonlight on water. Like the shimmer of light on gentle waves, this bracelet drifts with soft intuition and calm clarity — a breeze that whispers of new horizons. Moonstone Aquamarine Amazonite Bracelet 2 🍃  Fresh Drift  — cool and uplifting, like the first breath of sea air. Fresh and airy, this combination feels like cool sea air on your skin. It carries renewal, balance, and the lighthearted lift of an ocean breeze. Chrysoprase Howlite Aquamarine Bracelet 3 🌊  Morning Hush  — calm and grounding, like tide pools touched by dawn. Grounding yet sooth...

Wearing Gemstones for Balance and Energy Gemstone jewellery isn’t just beautiful — it can also be a gentle reminder of how we want to feel each day. Many people believe that gemstones connect with the body’s seven main energy centers, or chakras. Each chakra relates to a different part of life, from feeling grounded and confident to expressing love and intuition. By wearing gemstones that align with each chakra, you can support your own sense of balance and wellbeing. The colors and energies of these stones can help you feel more centered, calm, and connected to yourself. Whether you choose a bracelet for focus, a pendant for self-expression, or a ring for emotional strength, each stone can carry a quiet meaning that stays with you throughout the day. The list below shares some of the most popular gemstones for each chakra and what they represent. Use it as a simple guide when choosing jewellery that reflects your mood, your goals, or the energy you’d like to invite into your life. Ima...