Coral, worn by Chinese Kings and Queens, has an interesting history as a symbol of wealth and status in Ancient China. In Buddhist beliefs, it is a treasure to protect one from devil spirits.

Coral is known to be beneficial in taming tempers, rages and compulsive disorders. Also, coral removes depression. Consequently, coral is good for spiritual balance.

The name, rhodochrosite is derived from the Greek word rhodocros, meaning rose colored. Sacred for the Incas, rhodochrosite was known as “Inca stone”. It has also been called a “stone of love and balance” and is thought to awaken a need to give and receive tenderness and love. It is said to promote creativity and to reduce tendencies towards avoidance or denial, helping one to accept and integrate new ideas or information.

Tigereye is rich gold with earthy browns and black colors. It is found primarily in South Africa. It is an excellent grounding stone. It is supposed to promote balance and strength through difficult phases of life, relieve doubt and bestow decision making with vision and clarity. This stone is best suited for earthy people.

Carnelian is found primarily in India, and South America. It is a variety of chalcedony. The most favorable pieces are a deep red to red-orange hue. The word carnelian is derived from the Latin word caro, carnis meaning flesh, in reference to the flesh color sometimes exhibited. Carnelian is an energy booster. It helps the insecure person to find strength within. It is also said to increase the appetite.

‘Mystic Topaz’ is ‘real’ Topaz that is coated to add color. Much of the Topaz that is found in nature is in fact colorless, or ‘white’. To add color, Topaz can be coated with an ultrathin layer (film), which is similar to the coatings used on camera lenses.

Such coatings can add a particular color to the treated stones, or, In the case of ‘Mystic Topaz’, the coating creates interference effects, displaying a rainbow effect of various colors. This effect may give the Topaz an artificial appearance, which sometimes causes confusion about the nature of the material.

Coatings can be scratched or damaged easily. It should therefore be handled with the same care as pearls for example. The coating is sensitive to chemicals and therefore one needs to remove the jewelry when doing household activities that include bleach for example or before going into a swimming pool.

Although Topaz is a hard substance, it can be cleaved rather easily and perfectly in one particular direction. Therefore, boiling in water or the use of an ultrasonic cleaner are not recommended when cleaning pieces of jewelry set with Topaz.