Editors Note: I am so passionate about embracing the hidden meaning behind all things that add COLOR to our world.  This article takes that to a whole new level.  In my culture we strongly believe in wearing particular stones to compliment and bring out what is going on within, or even what you wish to manifest.  Try something a little out of the ordinary this week and choose a stone from this article that is aligned with your true spirit.  Go by yourself one, thye don’t always have to be expensive, and keep it close to you for a week.  Watch how things unfold!  ~Nitika~

It was about a decade ago when my mom brought me a yellow sapphire ring set in yellow gold. I wish I could say I instantly fell in love with it, but I didn’t like yellow gold. It wasn’t cool to wear yellow gold. I protested, whined and resisted wearing it for a week. Finally mother won.  The logic was purely astrological – “This stone is supposed to bring prosperity, harmony and a comfortable life to the wearer” reasoned Mrs. Vashisht.  Cut to today, I’m no millionaire but whatever success I’ve had in my career or personal life, can I give credit to this stone? Well, believers say yes or maybe, and skeptics raise an eyebrow. A stone like yellow sapphire is expensive and has astrological properties. I see plenty of Indians wear it although I can’t say by choice as some other mothers have a role to play too!

If there is any such term I would like to call myself a colorista!

I believe in the power of color. I love coordinating my clothes with my colorful jewels, I dress up whites with bright turquoise and corals and to tone down a bold print or color I wear pearls, cat-eye and moonstones, which also complete the elegant look.

Color plays an important role in my life, as over period of time I’ve started to believe in healing powers or properties these stones possess. I also believe that a stone alone cannot change anything but that is true for any alternate belief or philosophy.

From India we get Vedic astrology, which explains in great detail benefits and uses of various precious and semi precious stones. From Chinese cultural heritage many have reaped the benefits of Feng-Shui. Use of crystals, jade and quartz is very popular and beneficial. According to experts – quartz is the greatest of all healing stones. It acts as an amplifier for psychic energy and aids meditation and visualization.

A very popular stone, Tourmaline is a balancing and calming stone, it’s found in different colors such as Black which provides strong protection from negative energies. Reduces fears, obsessions, neurosis, and panic with a calm rootedness.  Pink tourmaline promotes compassion, love and healing of emotional pain. Green cleanses and detoxifies the spirit, brings prosperity. Blue is helpful with verbal, speech, and throat problems. Mental peace and patience. And watermelon-color tourmaline heals old emotional pains and brings emotional understanding.

Rose Quartz is another great stone for attracting love. Promotes self-loving and heals emotional wounds as well as promoting peace, forgiveness, and nurturing. I wear a rose quartz bracelet with evil eye beads to ward off any negativity pertaining to love. Smoky Quartz is a grounding stone which helps reduce depression and negative emotions.

Another great yellow stone for healing, protection from negativity and getting positive energy is Amber. Jade is a very popular stone in China; it promotes wisdom, mercy, humility, generosity, peace, and harmony. Protective and lucky when worn as jewelry.  According to Eastern belief, Opal awakens and helps understanding of psychic intuition and mysticism.

Now I am a total convert when it comes to believing in the power of these little gems, one of my favorites is moonstone, which adorns my middle finger on the right hand, this enigmatic stone is helpful in psychic work. It opens the spirit to the feminine aspect, draws love and helps in interpersonal relationships. The latter I can vouch for from my personal experience.

Many stones have an impact on health too – some red color stones such as Bloodstone has healing properties especially related to the blood. It also increases courage and giving. Ruby and coral also is helpful for good blood circulation & anemia.

Blue stones such as Sapphire promote light, pure emotions – purity of mind, serenity, joy, and peace. It Opens the mind to beauty and love, and clears the mind of unwanted thoughts. My other favorite blue stone Turquoise is considered a healing stone. It attracts friendships, luck, and happiness.

Talking of stones we cannot leave a girl’s best friend diamond out, can we?

Diamond manifests abundance. Used in conjunction, it strengthens the properties of other stones. Which is one of the reasons why we see colored stones set in diamonds!

Whether for fun or healing color stones make the best accessory in summer.  Sport those colorful necklaces with flowing dresses or tube tops or make a statement with a bold ring. Go and usher in the Stone Age with style!

** This article was written by guest contributor Divya Vashisht, for her contact information and bio please visit http://www.yourbellalife.com/guest-contributors