Unique Bridal Jewelry Collection

Our newest Bridal Blessing Jewelry Collection has unique wedding jewelry for the spiritual, stylish bride. Vanessa thoughtfully designed this collection with gemstones such as aquamarine, rose quartz, and pearls--gemstones that encourage love and happy marriages. We believe that it's important that the bride have positive energies of this kind on her most important day.

Many of her pieces have details that enhance the bride's features, including a cascading back detail on the necklaces that accentuates the bride's elegant back to compliment a tube or backless gown. By using rose quartz in this collection's palette, Vanessa creates pieces that add a gentle touch of color, and are perfect alternatives to the traditional white palette.

Charming Pearls Bracelet: Iridescent peach-colored pearls with a shimmering luster are finished with a sterling silver extension chain and a delicate cascade of pearls.

Keishi Pearls Necklace: One of our bestselling pieces, this necklace creates a delicate floral-like effect on your necklace. Created high-quality keishi freshwater pearls and oval pearls.

Aquamarine Organic Silver Bracelet: Aquamarine gems glitter gently in unique faceted cuts. Accented with organically shaped sterling silver pieces and finished with a sterling silver extension chain.

View our complete Bridal Blessing Jewelry Collection >>

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

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

View more Amethyst Jewelry >>

Rose Quartz - a love stone inside and out.

With its beautiful rose-red appearance, rose quartz looks like it was made especially for Valentine's Day. But beneath its veil are some impressive metaphysical features that epitomize the spirit of the holiday.

The gemstone is said to balance emotions, inner peace and harmony, and strengthening one's appreciation for the arts. It is also said to increase self-esteem and confidence, while enhancing one's compassion, patience, and forgiveness. Rose Quartz is also known to benefit one's cardiovascular system, sinus problems, and sexual dysfunction. But most important of all, it is often associated with love, known to many as the "Love Stone" for its romantic powers.

Rose Quartz Jewelry:

Delicate Shoulder Dusters: Rose Quartz & Pearls


Rose Quartz & Pearls Silver Tassels Necklace


Check out more rose quartz jewelry in our Valentine's Rose Quartz Collection.

January's Birthstone - Garnet

Behind its beautiful deep-red appearance, garnet isn't just a pretty stone. The stone's been known to man for thousands of years, highly regarded for its protective abilities. It also symbolizes grace, compassion, fidelity, faith and courage.

A symbol of protection
It is said that Noah used a garnet lantern to steers is ark through the night. Its bearers have also believed it to to protect them from evil and disaster.

A positive energy
The stone is also to known to improve relationships, and interestingly, business. Garnet's vibrations and energies stirs creativity and prevents chaos. It also encourages cooperation and enhances a person's charisma, making the person attractive emotionally and physically to others.

Garnet Jewelry
























Garnet Drop Necklace

Garnet Eyewear Necklace



Garnet Gold Necklace
Read More >>

Citrine - November's Birthstone

One of my favorite gemstones, Citrine, is the perfect stone for this month, as cold, dreary weather takes us by surprise in Southern California. With its refreshing golden yellow tone, with just the right amount of clarity, citrine exemplifies joy and luxury.

A symbol of wealth, and interestingly, also a symbol of health.
Citrine is known as the rarest member of the quartz family. Unsurprisingly, it also became a symbol of wealth in Europe. Historically, Europeans associated citrine with wealth, as only the rich could afford this beautiful gemstone. During the time of The Plague, it was believed to ward off disease, as the wealthy were less susceptible to sickness.

Meaning, and its Benefits
Citrine symbolizes peace, wisdom and joy. Many believe that it motivates writers and enhances creativity. It is said to treat depression and eliminate self-destructive tendencies.

In Chinese traditions, this favorite gem is believed to bring prosperity. Citrine also aids in fine-tuning your intuition, ideas and solutions.

Read more here >

Citrine Jewelry

Citrine Nuggets Bracelet

Citrine Nuggets & Silver Necklace

Solar Plexus Chakra Citrine Hoop Earrings

Citrine Gold Ring

October Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline

Jewelry created with October's birthstones, Opal and Tourmaline, make for perfect fall pieces, as these gemstones combine the warm tones of the earth.

OPAL - OCTOBER'S BIRTHSTONE
Opal has been valued throughout history for its beauty. Many cultures believe in the magical qualities of Opal. It is considered to be a sacred stone of the Cherokees, and Ancient Greeks have celebrated this beautiful stone.

This harmonizing stone is believed to help one realize good changes and find happy dreams. It is a particularly good stone for helping one soothe nerves, and become more relaxed and spontaneous. Further, it is believed to aid in business dealings as well as enhance creativity.

Opal Copper Bracelet

Pink Opal Leather Necklace

More Opal Birthstone Jewelry >>

TOURMALINE - OCTOBER'S BIRTHSTONE
Tourmaline is a beautiful stone that comes in a rainbow of colors from black to pink to green. It was a favorite gemstone of the Empress Dowager Tsu Hsi of China, and it is said that the Empress was laid to rest on a pillow made of tourmaline.

Black tourmaline is considered to be a stone of very powerful luck, and encouraged to use when most luck is needed. It is also considered to be a protection stone, and shields one from negativity.

Black Tourmaline Silver Key Chain

Tourmaline and Crystals Silver Necklace

More Tourmaline Birthstone Jewelry >>

Chakras, Gemstones, and Chakra Jewelry--That's great, but what's a Chakra?

With yoga becoming more widespread, the general public has become more familiar with the term "chakra". But what is a "chakra"? This is an attempt to give a simple introduction to chakras (although the concept of chakras is a vast and intricate field) and why many, including those who have a yoga practice, people who believe in Chinese qi (c'hi) gong, find chakra jewelry useful in their everyday lives, and how you may find this knowledge beneficial to the quality of your life.

beautiful lotus flower (via morguefile)

The concept of chakras comes from ancient oriental and Hindu studies in energy centers along the spine. The word itself, "Chakra", comes from the Sanskrit word for wheel. Those who seriously study and practice chakras see the chakras as colorful wheels. The idea is that the balance of all seven chakras will translate to good health and well-being emotionally, physically and spiritually. The imbalance of chakras will impede the flow of energy, slowing one's life force. This results in depression, disease and negative attitudes.

The chakras are aligned along the spine, and all vibrate at different speeds. The Piezoelectric effect explains why gemstones are powerful tools in the balance of chakras. Gemstones respond to and affect the energy that courses through our bodies and its vibrations help balance and harmonize various chakras.

Citrine Nuggets Gold Bracelet
(Citrine aids in opening the sacral chakra, and solar plexus chakra)

A more in-depth explanation with charts, chakra-related gemstones and more information about chakras, including chakra imbalance indicators, can be found here. (http://wishgiving.com/gems/chakra-jewelry.html)

You're welcome to link to the page given above, or this blog post with the necessary credits:

Chakra Jewelry Information, Copyright © 2007 Wishgiving, all rights reserved.

August & September Birthstone: Peridot

Peridot, a beautiful, vividly green gemstone with golden hues, has long, celebrated history. Named, the "Emerald of the Evening" by the Romans, and valued by ancient Egyptian royalty, peridot continues to exude luxury today. Large, transparent, peridot stones in intense green shades are rare in nature and thus expensive when found.

PERIDOT PIECES FROM OUR COLLECTION:

Peridot Gold Necklace

In this piece, the designer sought to draw attention to the golden hues within the gorgeous peridot stone with 14k goldfill wire and 14k gold chain. The vividly green gemstone alone exudes class and luxury. To set a balance that lacks pretension and doesn't undermine the gracefulness in this piece, the designer chose peridot gemstones in organic irregular shapes, and set it on a delicate 14k yellow gold chain.

Peridot & Crystal Quartz Gold Tassels Earrings

This delicate yet eye-catching shoulder duster (earrings that are long enough to brush your shoulders) is determined to sparkle and catches light wherever you go.

PERIDOT MEANING & ITS PROPERTIES:
In Christian history, peridot is mentioned in the Bible and considered a sacred gemstone.

Peridot is a perfect stone for the spiritual to benefit from its soothing effects. A peridot necklace is often used as a protector against negative emotions.

Peridot is believed to slow aging processes, both mentally and physically. Some use it to improve speech, and help find lost or misplaced things. Moreover, it is said to increase confidence, assertiveness and patience. Physically, it is said to heal the heart and lungs.

Favorites of Mine

There are a few pieces in the studio that cause my heart to beat just a bit faster each time I look at them. Among them are:

Leopard Skin Jasper Silver Tassel Earrings

It is sometimes difficult to remember why we spend so much effort and time searching high and low for unique gemstones. All of that traveling, meticulous inspection of gemstones, dealing with vendors (who aren't always honest) is tedious to say the least.

Each time we find new reasons why we shouldn't spend so much time searching for new materials, and the only motivation that keeps us traveling and searching is finding stones such as this leopard skin jasper that's completely natural and untreated except for the cut. I remember seeing these stones for the first time; the texture and colors of this leopard skin jasper were so inspiring that we felt an immediate connection with this stone.

The stones can also be seen in the matching necklace for the earrings:

Leopard Skin Jasper Silver Links Necklace

Nowadays, so many stones are treated with chemicals to create an unnatural shine effect on gemstones, or factory-cut in such unbecoming and tacky forms. We knew that we came upon something special with this jasper. So gorgeously natural and unabashedly itself in its textures and colors.

(The toggle for this necklace is one handcrafted by silver artisans in pure fine silver.)

A Glimpse Inside the Wishgiving Studio: Amazonite Squares Silver Necklace

For our artists, the most enjoyable aspect of Wishgiving is the creativity in the design process. In a sense, our artists see the process as bringing life and attention to the gemstone. Recently, we changed our home page to a photographer by Romeo Koitmäe, a very talented photographer we admire. We were very flattered when he told us he loves most of our pieces, particularly the Amazonite Squares Silver Necklace.


The Amazonite Squares Silver Necklace is an elegantly modern piece. A lot of thought went into creating a clean, uncluttered and understated design. The geometric cut of the stones are balanced by the earth-tones of amazonite, and highlighted by pure fine silver details. The artist who designed this piece understood amazonite's characteristics--rich in history as evidenced by its earthy colors and being named after the Amazon river--and drew a careful balance between its obvious antiquity and quiet elegance.

She found pure fine silver details that suited the piece perfectly. Details were painstakingly hand-carved by silver artisans.


The entire piece is very reflective of Amazonite's metaphysical properties as a stone for finding personal truth, soothing energy, creativity, truth and luck.

May's Birthstone: Agate

AGATE: a background & history
Agate is by far one of the nature's most creative gemstone creations. It is formed by filling the cavities of host rocks, creating beautiful colored bands that resemble the rings of a tree trunk. I am constantly amazed at the different varieties of agate, and their colors are always sparking new inspirations in the studio.

In ancient times, agate was valued as a talisman or amulet--said to quench thirst, protect against fever, and divert storms. European royalty enthusiastically collected bowls carved of agate. They are currently found in museums (such as the Louvre) in Europe.

Agate is found in a variety of places, including Idar-Oberstein, Germany, India, China, Italy, Scotland, Uruguay, Brazil, Madagascar, to name a few.

Information from the International Colored Gemstone Association.

AGATE: metaphysical healing properties
Agates are known to attract strength, and are considered as the main protection gemstone. Used in jewelry since the Biblical times, agates were used to ward off nightmares, stress, and to bring the sleeper good dreams.

Nowadays, Agate is said to be ideal for emotional and physical balancing, building healthy energy patterns and self confidence, self-honesty, reducing stress, help with blood circulation, longevity and protection. Also, it is a good gemstone to help one with their emotions--allowing one to accept their emotions, giving one strength to carry on. It is said that agate should be worn to when one is in need of making important decisions. It is physically used to aid stomach upsets.

Where can I find Agate?
We're very proud of our collection of agate pieces, and have them all neatly sorted here. For the visual reader, here's a sampling of our agate pieces:

Linked Moss Agate Silver Necklace

Large Agate Leather Key Chain

What is the meaning behind birthstones?
For centuries, gemstones powers are believed to be enhanced at certain times of the year. Each birthstone has a period of time in which their healing powers are heightened.

Ideally, everyone would have a set of twelve birthstones to wear (one for each month), which is not a bad idea at all, considering the idea of empowering your accessories wardrobe--with style AND natural healing powers.

Birthstone gifts are awesome because they are both thoughtful to the recipient and easy for you. Of course, if you're having a hard time deciding which one to purchase, gift certificates are your best friend.

March Birthstones: Aquamarine & Bloodstone

March is when nature truly begins to bloom. Its birthstones, Aquamarine and Bloodstone, reflect this time of year. Aquamarine's delicate, translucent colors are reminiscent of dew drops, and Bloodstone's vibrant and rich colors mimic colors of the first blooms.

I always love learning more about the story behind gemstones. They truly are a gift from nature. Here's a brief summary of what I've found (more information can be found at International Colored Gemstone Association):

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-Aquamarine-

According to an ancient saga, Aquamarines were first found in the treasure chest of mermaids. Since then, Aquamarine has been considered as the sailor's lucky stone. Ancient traditions say that wearing Aquamarine brings a happy marriage--bringing the woman joy and wealth.

Healing and spiritual uses include clarity of perception and eyesight, releasing old patterns and conditioning, flow of creativity, inspiration, peace of mind, multidimensional experience, protection, courage, centering, purification, cleansing, reducing fears and sharpening intuition.

Aquamarine is a part of the Beryl family, and is closely related to the Emerald gemstone. Its colors range from a pale blue to a to a bolder sea blue.

-Bloodstone-
Some say that Bloodstone's name originated in ancient times from its appearance. The appearance of the gem perhaps reminded them of the red setting sun mirrored in the ocean. Medieval Christians carved scenes of crucifixion and matyrs in Bloodstone, thus dubbing the Bloodstons as the "Martyr's Gem". According to legend, Bloodstone was first formed when drops of Christ's blood fell and stained the stone at the foot of the cross.

Healing and spiritual uses include creativity, strength, vitality, circulation, building energy, higher knowledge, courage, purification, detoxification, divination, weather prediction, shrinking tumors and strengthening the heart.

Today, it is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India. It is relatively difficult to find Bloodstone on the market.

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It is exciting to know that gemstones we appreciate for their beauty have such awe-inspiring, spiritual histories behind them. When wearing Aquamarine, I feel a thrill thinking that they were first worn by mermaids. It adds meaning to the pieces we create in the studio.

Here are some March birthstone pieces that I particularly admire:

Aquamarine Teardrops & Pearls Silver Necklace



Dark Aquamarine Elegance Necklace


Bloodstone & Crystals Silver Necklace


Bloodstone & Silver Heart Leather Necklace