Gemstone Malas: Precious Mala Collection by Vanessa Leu

Vanessa's newest additions to Wishgiving's Precious Malas Collection are handcrafted with high-grade, unique gemstones. To add a contemporary effect to the traditional mala bracelet, she handcrafts her own blessing bead out of pure fine silver, engraved with "Om", the sound that aligns one to universal energies, or "Ji-Xiang", a Chinese phrase that signifies good fortune, luck and blessings.

The best part of wearing these wrist malas is that each one is a daily spiritual reminder that adds a unique flair to any outfits, making these wearable on many occasions. Because Vanessa understands that a mala bracelet is a very personal piece of jewelry that one wears for its blessings, she chooses high-grade gemstones that aren't usually used in malas. Using high-grade gemstones is especially important in malas as better quality gemstones emit stronger energies that will aid in one's spiritual practice. Vanessa designs Wishgiving's malas with larger stones than most malas because larger stones also have stronger energies than smaller stones.

We suggest that you choose a mala that speaks to you, as gemstones often choose their wearer. Many times, the gemstones that you feel a connection with will be most beneficial to you.

Fancy Jasper & Silver Blessing Bead Wrist Mala

Crystal Quartz & Tibetan Yak Bone Wrist Mala

Golden Pyrite & Silver Blessing Bead Wrist Mala

Zen Inspired Jewelry

Vanessa's designs have a strong Zen influence, and although the term "Zen" is commonly used today, it is rarely accompanied by explanation. Zen is a fascinating discipline that cannot be neatly categorized as a religion, and we hope to write more on this subject in the future.

Zen originated in China as one of the ten Buddhist denominations. And although it began as a religious sect, Zen does not worship God or observe ritual or religious affiliations. It is an open minded discipline that respects and coexists peacefully with all religions in the world.

The most important scriptures that influence Zen are the Diamond Sutra and the Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, two scriptures that emphasize void or naught.

The development of Zen can be attributed to the teachings of Buddhism, Lao Tzu and Confucius. Chinese scholars study Zen Buddhism as an objective study and not a religion. Its influence on Eastern culture spans widely in oriental society, from art to psychology.

Wishgiving's Zen Collection by Vanessa Leu is inspired by the artist's Zen discipline, creating a array of jewelry that is a modern interpretation of Zen. Each piece has clean, elegant lines celebrating nature's gemstones without distractions, elevating the experience to a higher state of mind.

Amethyst Zen Necklace

Rough Crystal Quartz Silver Cable Necklace

Black Onyx Silver Drop Earrings

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Amethyst, traditionally celebrated for its rich purple color, can also be found in a delicate sea-foam green and lavendar. Amethyst was known to be the stone of ancient Egyptian royalty, and was also cherished by the Greeks for its beneficial powers. Amusingly, Greeks believed amethyst to prevent drunkenness, and the beautiful gemstone, whose name literally means "without drunkenness" in Greek, has origins that begin with Dionysus and Dianna.

Modern believers use amethyst to subdue the crown chakra, which is related to spiritual awareness and self-knowledge. Amethyst is also used to keep a person grounded, remove chaos, and some say that this stone helps with mental clarity, instills love, high ideals and urges one to do right. It can also be helpful in curing impatience, and removing feelings of victimization. Physically it is believed to be beneficial for the circulatory and nervous system, and relaxation.

Amethyst is believed to aid the sleeping patterns of insomniacs, and that one should keep an amethyst stone under one's pillow to sleep peacefully.

Amethyst is a powerful healing stone, and powerful when worn as jewelry, especially with silver.

Amethyst Silver Necklace

Amethyst Nuggets Bracelet

Crown Chakra Amethyst Cluster Earrings

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