Choosing Your First Crystal There is a particular kind of stillness that happens when someone walks up to a table of crystals for the first time. I have watched it happen more times than I can count in thirty years of running Wicked Stones. A person reaches out, hesitates, pulls their hand back, and looks at me like they are about to fail a test nobody told them they were taking. "ARGHHH! What do I do??" Here is the truth I wish someone had told me at the very beginning. There is no test. There is no wrong stone. And you do not need to feel a mysterious pull, a tingle, or a wave of energy the moment your fingers touch a crystal for the first time. Sometimes that happens. Often it does not, and that means nothing about whether you are doing this right. The question underneath the question When people ask me how to choose a crystal, what they are usually really asking is what happens if I choose wrong. What if I pick the pretty one and it turns out to be the wrong one for me? What if everyone else can feel something and I cannot, and that means I am not intuitive enough for any of this? I want to gently take that fear off your shoulders right now. Crystals are not a test of your spiritual ability. They are stones formed slowly inside the earth over unimaginable stretches of time, and what you bring to them matters more than what you are supposed to feel the instant you touch one. You are allowed to choose a crystal because you like the colour. You are allowed to choose one because it reminds you of the ocean, or your grandmother's ring, or a place you have never been but want to go. None of those reasons are lesser than an electric jolt of recognition. What we have actually noticed after thirty years People who are anxious tend to linger near the grounding stones without knowing that is what they are doing. People who are grieving are often drawn to the pale, quiet ones, the moonstones and the rose quartz, the stones that do not ask anything of you. People who are exhausted reach for citrine and carnelian before they even know those stones are associated with energy and vitality. I have seen this pattern play out again and again, and I no longer think it is a coincidence. I think our hands know things before our minds catch up to them. This does not mean you have to wait for some grand intuitive download. It means you can trust small, quiet signals just as much as big dramatic ones. A colour you keep returning to. A shape that feels good in your palm. A stone you keep picking up and setting down and picking up again. That repetition is a signal all on its own. A small ritual for choosing a crystal. Open to absolutely everyone. And yes, that's a real, authentic piece of blue Calcite that you see in the photo. It's amazing how this gem is naturally blue (no dye!) and has such awesome shades of lighter and darker blue. First, you don't need to be pagan, witchy, or spiritual in any particular tradition to use this. It is simply a way of slowing down enough to actually notice what you are drawn to, instead of grabbing the first shiny thing and rushing off. Begin with three slow breaths. Not a meditation, not a big production. Just three breaths, in and out, standing in front of the stones. This is not for the crystals. It is for you, so that you arrive at the choosing with a clear head instead of a rushed one. Ask yourself one honest question before you touch anything. Not what looks prettiest, but what do I need right now? It can be as simple as calm, or comfort, or courage. You do not need the perfect word. Just a feeling you would like a little more of in your life this week. Let your eyes move slowly across the stones without picking anything up yet. Notice which ones your gaze returns to more than once. This is not magic, it is simply attention, and attention is one of the most honest tools we have. Pick up two or three that caught your eye and hold each one for a moment. Notice the temperature, the weight, the texture. Notice if one feels like it wants to stay in your hand a little longer than the others. Choose the one that feels most like an answer to your question, even if you cannot explain why. That is enough. You do not need certainty. You need willingness. This little ritual takes less than five minutes, and it works whether you believe crystals hold energy, or whether you simply find comfort in beautiful, ancient things pulled from the earth. Both are valid reasons to bring a stone home. If you still feel nothing Some people go through this whole process and still feel unsure. If that is you, I promise you have not failed. (It's okay, really.) Choose the stone you keep coming back to anyway. Let it sit on your windowsill or your desk for a week. Sometimes the relationship with a crystal builds slowly, the same way trust builds slowly between two people who are only just getting to know one another. It may take time for your connection to grow. Looking for a place to start? Browse our collection of healing crystals and see which ones catch your eye first. There is no wrong choice, only the one that is yours.

Amethyst healing crystal Amethyst is one of my favourite crystals! I am absolutely in aw of Mother Nature and the amazing colours you can discover in gemstones. Amethyst has some of the most stunning shades of purple. I've been lucky over the year and occasionally stumbled across this glorious gemstone in the wild while rock hunting. It just takes your breath away when you see it twinkling away when you don't expect it at your feet. Amethyst healing crystals in Canada It's a great crystal for helping you to lower your tension and stress when you are feeling overwhelmed. Block that negative energy coming at you and rediscover how to stand on your own two feet with courage. Know you are protected and remember how to breathe through the stress. If you work with Lunar energies, Amethyst can help you as you are focusing on your desires and wishes during manifestation work. This can be when you are working with setting your goals in place during the New Moon cycle or even if you are working through the phases to increase as well as when focusing on letting go of negativity and or bad habits during the waning cycle. Discover your personal piece of Amethyst at Wicked Stones in Canada. Click on the link to learn more about how Amethyst can support you. Cheers everyone!

I want to manifest! How do I use affirmations? Affirmations are phrases, words or statements that connect to your intentions. These phrases help align your energy to the outcome you wish to create in your life. You can choose any intention! It can be abundance, love, wealth, good health, happiness, joy, etc... The sky’s the limit here. When you work with manifesting energy, using these affirmations creates a practice that changes the vibrations you have. What are vibrations? We all have energy vibrations. They are a part of what helps to attract like energy to you. When we are happy, we tend to make others around us happy. Another example is what you might feel like when you are around a grumpy angry person. Often, it makes us feel slightly grumpy or on edge as well. These are energy vibrations. So, when you decide to use this mindset of working with vibrations, you are letting go of your past to create a different reality for yourself. So in more basic terms, you are like an artist who is using their energy like a paintbrush to create something beautiful and fruitful. This is a powerful practice to work with to help you transform your life and become the version of yourself you so desire. What can I do? Visualization is a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals. By doing so, this helps to shift and change those vibrations that help you attract and manifest your dreams. Here’s a quick exercise to help you to visualize what you are trying to manifest. A great suggestion is to practice this daily. If you work with a particular crystal, use it during this meditation to help align the energy to your intentions. You can find manifesting crystals on this section of Wicked Stones. Write down one or two of the affirmations you choose to work with before you begin. Keep it near you if you don’t think you will remember them after the meditation. Find a peaceful location where you can spend time quietly for this practice. There is no set time for this practice. Turn your cell phone to silent and find a comfortable meditation position to sit in. If you are not familiar with positions try this: Find a chair to sit in where your back is straight. Plant both feet on the floor to help align your spine and place your hands softly in your lap. If you have a crystal, you can hold it in your lap or wear it around your neck. Allow yourself to become grounded to the earth. Slowly inhale and hold your breath and release again slowly. This allows your body and mind to relax. Do this for a minute or until you feel tension and stress receding. Follow the rhythm of your breathing. Visualize a golden warm light coming up from the ground. It flows through your body slowly and helps to relax you further. As it reaches your heart area, visualize this bright golden energy bringing with it freshness and positive vibrations that are overflowing with possibilities. Allow the light to carry away your stress and tension as it expands. This is a healthy golden light that renews your energy and cleanses you so you will be ready to accept change. As you breathe in and out, begin to visualize what you desire. What does it look like? Take note of everything you experience and how you feel. See yourself as the change you are seeking. What are you doing in that moment? What do you smell? What can you touch with your thoughts? Really see yourself in that moment. Are there sounds? Do you see people? All of these moments help to shift your vibrations that create that change. Really take the time to dive into everything you can take note of as you are visualizing. Bring that golden light from your heart and allow it to flow around and through the vision with love and positive vibrations. If you are working with an object like a healing crystal, begin to visualize this energy flowing into your gemstone. An alternative method is holding your crystal and blowing gently on it to help your mind connect with the energy flowing towards and inside of it. When you are ready, release the images and begin to bring your awareness to your body and surroundings. Feel your shoulders and neck and gently move them to help bring yourself back slowly. Feel your feet on the ground. Repeat the affirmation you chose before you began 3 times. This helps to further align your energy to your intentions. When you are ready, open your eyes. Repeat this practice daily. And always, feel free to change anything so it suits your needs. Here’s a few prompts for abundance: 1. I am worthy of that which I desire 2. I believe in myself 3. My abundance comes from an infinite source 4. I attract miracles into my life 5. I attract abundance into my life 6. Abundance flows to me with great ease 7. I release resistance to allowing money and wealth into my life 8. I live an abundance life 9. Every day I attract that which I need to me 10. My life is full of abundant opportunities 11. Today I will be prosperous 12. I can manifest that which I desire 13. I am worthy of attracting wealth 14. I believe in myself to create the abundance I seek 15. I am grateful for so many blessings 16. I attract good things into my life 17. I am creating my own destiny FREE DOWNLOADABLE MANIFESTING TEMPLATE Free downloadable manifest Printable at Wicked Stones How to use a Manifestation Printable Template Find your template here. You can use our free downloadable Manifesting Journal Template and print it for your journal. This type of template gives you a starting point to work with as you grow with your manifestation techniques. You can also use this as a guide to creating your own prompts in an existing journal you may use. Our template is completely free to download and use and would work beautifully hand in hand with your crystal healing. It is for personal use only and we welcome you to share it with a link provided to our website. If you are searching for partner healing crystals for Manifestation, please visit Wicked Stones and perhaps you will discover the crystal you have been searching for. You can also directly download your free Manifest Journal Printable using the PDF downloader below:

In today's hectic world, finding ways to nurture positivity and joy can be a real challenge. Adding healing crystals to your daily rituals and routines may help invite those positive vibes back into your life. These stunning stones are believed to possess unique energies that can help enhance those positive emotions you are seeking, boost happiness, and uplift your spirit. In this blog post, we will examine three of the most awesome crystals for promoting positivity and joy: Rose Quartz, Blue Lace Agate, and Aquamarine. You will learn about their benefits, get a few handy tips on how to use them, and suggestions to integrate them into your daily life. Rose Quartz: The Stone of Love and Joy Rose Quartz crystal radiating soft pink vibrations Rose Quartz is often called the “stone of love.” It carries a gentle energy that promotes kindness, compassion, and emotional healing. This crystal is ideal for anyone wanting to nurture self-love and increase joyful feelings. Benefits of Rose Quartz: Encourages self-acceptance and boosts self-worth Fosters compassion and empathy toward others Helps you to learn to love the person you are, right now in this very moment Reduces stress and tension, creating emotional peace How to Use Rose Quartz for Positive Intentions: Meditation: Hold the crystal in your hand during meditation. Visualize a soft, pink light surrounding your heart, filling you with love and joy. Many people find that this practice leads to a deeper sense of peace. Crystal Grids: Create a crystal grid with Rose Quartz at the center. Surround it with crystals like Amethyst and Clear Quartz to amplify its loving energy. This setup can energize your home, making it a sanctuary filled with positive vibes. Jewelry: Wear Rose Quartz jewelry. Keeping it near you serves as a constant reminder to embrace love and positivity throughout your day. When feeling stressed or worried, use it as a touchstone talisman to block out the negativity. Blue Lace Agate: The Calming Crystal Blue Lace Agate showcases soft blue swirls that promote calmness Blue Lace Agate is known for its serene energy. It encourages clear communication and helps ease feelings of anxiety and negativity. This crystal is particularly beneficial for those looking to express themselves more openly and with confidence. Benefits of Blue Lace Agate: Reduces feelings of stress, promoting a sense of tranquillity Attracts joyful and harmonious energies into your life Release your fears and feel inspired for change How to Use Blue Lace Agate for Happiness: Affirmations: While holding or wearing your crystal, state positive affirmations about joy and happiness. This can set a powerful tone for your day, helping you stay focused on positive outcomes. Chanting or Singing: Engage in activities involving your voice while holding the crystal. This could include chanting or singing, which has been shown to elevate mood and increase feelings of happiness. Aquamarine: The Stone of Courage and Clarity Natural Aquamarine crystal in a soothing sea green hue Aquamarine is one of the most sought-after crystals for promoting courage, clarity, and emotional tranquillity. Its soothing energy is excellent for those looking to overcome fears that hinder their happiness. Benefits of Aquamarine: Encourages emotional healing and cultivates peace and harmony Helps release anger and frustration, paving the way for joy Helps you to learn how to love yourself You can start over and feel joyful, happy energy How to Use Aquamarine for Uplifting Intentions: Breathwork: While practicing deep breathing, hold your Aquamarine crystal and focus on positive, healing energy surrounding you. This can help you to release heavy emotions, replacing them with a sense of joy and lightness. Affirmation Jar: Create an affirmation jar where you write down your intentions and adorn them with Aquamarine crystals. Engaging with this jar regularly reinforces your goals and aspirations. Swimming or Bathing: Given Aquamarine's water association, consider bringing it along during swimming or bathing. Visualize the water washing away negative feelings, leaving you refreshed and joyful. (Note: if you have silver plate or copper metal in your jewelry, make sure you dry the piece after enjoying the water). Embracing Positivity and Joy Using crystals like Rose Quartz, Blue Lace Agate, and Aquamarine can be transformative on your journey toward positivity and joy. By immersing yourself in the unique properties of each stone and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can cultivate a more uplifting emotional state. Explore practices such as meditation, affirmations, or simply having these crystals around you. You will likely find that their presence brings increased happiness and light into your life. Embrace the energy of these healing stones, and watch as they illuminate your path to a more joyful existence. I hope you find wonderful, joyful energy in your day. Cheers!

Journaling is a powerful way to connect with your inner self. It helps you discover who you are, release emotional blocks, and track your personal growth. But let’s be real, sometimes the words just won’t come. That’s where the magical world of healing crystals comes in! With the right crystals and clear intentions, you can spark creativity, dissolve mental blocks, and ignite inspired writing. Here are five crystals that can supercharge your journaling in playful, imaginative ways. Let's get some ideas for using healing crystals for creativity and journaling all fired up! 1. Carnelian – Light that Creative Fire! Boost your creativity with Carnelian healing crystals Carnelian radiates fiery orange energy that boosts motivation and clears creative roadblocks. Feeling stuck staring at a blank page? Place Carnelian next to your journal or pen to ignite inspiration. You can also keep it in your pen holder (or near your writing tools) to “charge” your tools with creative energy. Bonus: Carnelian connects with your intuition and desire to create. Trust yourself as you write! 2. Sodalite – The Writer’s Stone Follow your instincts with sodalite Sodalite helps you express your thoughts clearly and taps into your intuition. It balances the logical and creative mind, which is perfect for brainstorming or journaling deep thoughts. TIP: Try meditating with it near your Third Eye before writing. Have fun: tape a tiny piece of Sodalite to your pen for a crystal-powered creative spark every time you write. 3. Moonstone – The Intuitive Flow Stone Use Moonstone to learn to listen to your inner voice Moonstone is a gentle crystal that supports emotional clarity, inner wisdom, and helps to boost the natural flow of ideas. It’s ideal for dream journaling, intention setting, or connecting with your deeper self. TIP: Keep Moonstone near your writing tools to encourage a calm, reflective space as you are learning to listen to your inner voice for journaling. Working with the energy of the moon: Hold your crystal during a moon-inspired writing ritual or place it on your journal under moonlight to infuse it with fresh inspiration. 4. Clear Quartz – The Amplifier Quartz - boost your energy and re-discover your inner focus and positivity Clear Quartz is the ultimate energy booster. It enhances clarity, focus, and intention, making it ideal for staying in the writing zone. TIP: Place it next to your journal to amplify creative energy. This is an awesome healing crystal to help block that naggy negative energy and swap it for positive vibrations. For a fun twist, build a "Crystal Layout" on your desk—position Clear Quartz at the center with other writing-friendly stones around it to supercharge your session. 5. Amethyst – Unlock the Power of Your Mind! Amethyst to open your mind and thoughts to new ideas and inspiration Amethyst opens the mind to new ideas and calms your inner critic. Its soothing energy is perfect for letting creativity flow without judgment. It is a gentle emotional healer that can give you the courage to let your inner thoughts flow to the page. IDEA: Hold a piece of Amethyst in your hands and focus on releasing your fears. Sometimes fear block us from writing and being creative. Follow your intuition and allow your words to come to you. FUN TIP: Want to loosen up even more? Place your Amethyst on the page, close your eyes, and doodle around it—you might be surprised by what emerges! Make images and write words that come to you. How to Use Crystals in Your Journaling Practice Set the Scene: Place Carnelian and Moonstone near your journal. Light a candle and create a cozy space that invites inspiration. Crystal Meditation: Hold an amethyst or Sodalite while taking deep breaths before writing. Let their energy calm your mind. Crystal Pen Hack: Tape a tiny Clear Quartz or Sodalite to your pen for a playful, energetic boost every time you write. Crystals won’t do the writing for you—but they’re powerful companions in helping you access deeper thoughts, playful ideas, and fresh inspiration. With your intentions set and these magical stones nearby, journaling can become a joyful, creative ritual. Let your words flow—and enjoy the quirky, sparkly magic along the way! Hope these ideas inspire you and get your creative ideas flowing. Cheers!

Help me feel better at work! I am so overwhelmed with everyone!! Amethyst can be a helpful companion to block irritating energetic waves coming from those around you that are affecting your personal energy field. When this happens, you can feel unbalanced and not able to think clearly. When you make the decision that you wish to change this flow of energy, you can reach for Amethyst to help protect yourself and learn how to listen to your own inner voice and thoughts without all that background chatter. Here's a quick ritual you can do at any time. All it takes is a piece of Amethyst or jewelry and a few moments alone. Steps: Sit upright in your chair. Place your Amethyst crystal in your palm under your desk or rest it on your lap where it isn’t visible. Take one slow inhale through your nose. Exhale longer than you inhaled. Do this a few times, allowing your body to momentarily relax and let go of the tension you may be holding. Imagine a soft violet light forming around your head and shoulders, almost like a bubble. It's okay, you will be able to breathe through it. Allow the rich purples to surround you and float like soft, fluffy clouds or whatever visual you find calming. Silently say in your mind (repeat as many times as you feel is necessary): "What is not mine, I now release. It leaves my body, bringing peace." With each breath, imagine stress sliding off your shoulders and dissolving into the floor. On your final breath, picture the Amethyst crystal absorbing all that static, tension, and emotional noise, leaving you clear, composed, and grounded. Open your eyes. Continue your day feeling the shift of energy away from the negative. I hope this helps bring you some peace in your busy day. Cheers!

Have you have been lying there for an hour, thinking about everything and nothing all at once? What if the answer was sitting on your nightstand? Sleep troubles affect millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, restless nights, or waking up feeling unrefreshed, many seek natural ways to improve their sleep quality. One gentle and beautiful tool that has gained attention is Rose Quartz, a crystal known for its calming and healing properties. This blog explores how Rose Quartz can support restful sleep and shares a simple ritual to incorporate its energy into your nightly routine. Using Rose Quartz to help calm busy thoughts before bedtime What Makes Rose Quartz Special? Rose Quartz is a naturally pink crystal often called the "stone of unconditional love." Its gentle energy is believed to promote emotional healing, reduce stress, and encourage feelings of peace and comfort. These qualities make it a popular choice for those seeking to create a calming environment, especially before bedtime. Healing Properties of Rose Quartz Emotional Balance: Rose Quartz is said to soothe emotional wounds and ease anxiety, which can interfere with falling asleep. Heart Chakra Support: It is associated with the heart chakra, helping to open the heart to love and compassion, including self-love. Stress Reduction: The crystal’s calming vibrations may help lower stress energy, promoting relaxation. Promotes Peaceful Sleep: Many crystal lovers keep Rose Quartz nearby, which helps them drift off more easily and experience deeper sleep cycles. Please note that it is not always guaranteed to work. Crystals accompany your intentions for good sleep and are a partner on this journey. How to Use Rose Quartz for Better Sleep Integrating Rose Quartz into your bedtime routine doesn’t require complicated steps. The key is to create a ritual that feels meaningful and calming to you. Here’s a simple ritual that I personally follow, which you can adapt to your preferences. Step 1: Cleanse Your Rose Quartz Before using your crystal, cleanse it to clear any residual energy. It does not need to be done every time you use it, but when you feel the energy might be heavy. You can do this by: Rinsing it under running water for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can also use river or lake water, moon-collected water or any other type of cleansing water you normally work with. Placing it in moonlight overnight, especially during a full moon. Smudging it with sage or other herbal smoke There are a variety of ways. Choose the one that speaks to you the most, and the one you feel comfortable doing. Cleansing helps reset the crystal’s energy, making it ready to support your intentions. Step 2: Set Your Intention Hold the Rose Quartz in your hands and take a few deep breaths. Focus on your intention for sleep and healing. For example, you might say: “I invite calm and restful sleep. I release worries and welcome peace.” Setting an intention helps align your mind and body with the crystal’s energy. Step 3: Place Rose Quartz Near Your Bed Keep the Rose Quartz close to your bed, such as on your nightstand or under your pillow. This proximity allows you to feel its soothing presence as you prepare for sleep. Step 4: Create a Relaxing Environment Combine the crystal with other calming practices like: Dimming the lights Playing soft music or white noise Practicing gentle breathing exercises or meditation These habits enhance the overall effect of your ritual. Step 5: Reflect Before Sleep Spend a few moments reflecting on positive thoughts or gratitude. Holding the Rose Quartz, visualize peaceful energy surrounding you as you drift off. Additional Tips for Using Rose Quartz Wear it as jewelry: A Rose Quartz necklace or bracelet can keep its energy close throughout the day and night. Combine with other crystals: Amethyst and Selenite are also known for their calming properties and can complement Rose Quartz. Final Thoughts on Rose Quartz and Sleep Rose Quartz offers a gentle, natural way to support restful sleep and emotional healing. By creating a simple ritual with this beautiful crystal, you invite calm and loving energy into your nightly routine. Whether you are new to crystals or have used them before, Rose Quartz can be a comforting companion on your journey to better sleep. Cheers and I hope you have an excellent night's sleep!

Yuk, what is that gunk! Over time, all Sterling Silver will tarnish - it's just a fact of life. When silver is exposed to certain elements, there is a chemical reaction that creates black and sometimes rainbow colored smudges - it called a sulfate stain. But all is not lost! There are ways that you can help keep your silver looking fresh and new. Proper care can keep your jewelry looking lovely for years to come. Cleaning using the Tinfoil Method - Cleans like a champ! It's important to note that you shouldn't use this method if you have stones or gems in your jewelry. This is a pretty safe method of cleaning that you can even do with the kids on a boring day when you are looking for something interesting to do. It's actually kind of fun and you can look at it as a science experiment when everyone is bored. What you need: a tarnished piece of silver a dish large enough to put your items inside of - you want the water to go over the height of your jewelry aluminum foil measuring cup (large glass 4 cup to make things easier) measuring spoon baking soda salt tongs or something to grab your items cloth for drying your silver If you are doing this with kids, provide some cloths and aprons for the dripping water mess What you do: Boil your water Line the bottom of your container with the shiny side of the tin foil facing up. Once the water has boiled, pour it into your glass 4 cup measuring cup This ratio changes depending on how much water you need. I normally use 1 to 2 tablespoons for this mixture Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt and then stir (it will froth a bit) Add water to the dish Place silver item into the dish and ensure that it is touching the foil Wait - how long? On average up to 5 minutes for really tarnished items Remove and wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid using a rough paper towel as it could scratch the surface. Does this always work? Well, often it does. Sometimes I have to do this a few times if the tarnish is very bad but it IS a good method for cleaning items quickly and without chemical products you have to purchase. I've done my sterling chains and rings many times using this method. I've also done silver spoons and other items using this method. Feel free to share your posts below and comments on how this experiment has worked for you. Cheers! #cleaningsterlingsilver #DIYprojects #dirtysilver #silver #silverclean #silvertarnish

I am a terrible packrat. Your worst example of how to store sterling silver jewelry and other treasured items. I'll admit it. So I'm starting this blog post out in hopes I can change my cluttering ways and perhaps help someone else as well. I don't organize well. When I'm not wearing my jewelry I often hang it up on the wall Or put it on my desk and tell myself I'll put it away later. (HAH! Sure I will!) Or worse yet? Decide to put it away in my jewelry box (GASP!) Honestly you would gasp if I actually shared a picture of my jewelry box. It's a mess of items I've been collecting since I was in grade school. So here, without adieu is my blurb on storage of sterling jewelry. Storage Of Sterling Silver Jewelry For starters, when you are not wearing your silver, store it separately from other silver pieces and other jewelry you my have. I'm pointing fingers at myself here as I'm notoriously famous for just tossing my jewelry in with other pieces and not paying attention to this rule. I always get tarnish. I mean I ALWAYS always ALWAYS get tarnish. Its black, it's brown, it's rainbow colours, it's just plain yukki. Many things around you cause silver to tarnish so it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what the cause is. But you can slow it down a little so that you don't have to clean your jewelry every time you go to wear it. Small bags: If you have small plastic bags, you could place your pieces inside wrapped in a small soft cloth. This wont stop the tarnish but it can help slow the process down. I have personally tested this method and it does work. (Keep in mind, all environments are different. Usually the Buck or Dollar store carries small zip lock bags in their craft section (or other craft stores will as well) and they are great for separating your precious metals. Soft Cloths: Recycle those old shirts, you know the ones, those nice soft cotton ones you love so much but hate to toss because they are full of holes? Cut them into the right size pieces to wrap around your jewelry and tuck them in the bags. Prevention: You know all those little square or rectangle packages you get when you buy shoes and purses and other items? Those are most likely silica gel packages - hang on to all of those that you get (keep them tucked away safely) and store them with your sterling silver. They help to keep the moisture down and do help prevent tarnish. I keep several packages in my sterling silver wire container that I use to make jewelry and they work great! I can tell you from long term usage that having these inside with my sterling wire has saved me HOURS of work cleaning my silver before making jewelry. Just keep these away from pets and small children. I have read that they are non toxic but it's not food. Period. Don't eat this. A lot of jewelry boxes may not be large enough to start stacking bags of silver, if you are a hoarder like I am. So I found away around that by picking up nice decorated wooden boxes at yard sales. You can often find those as well in department stores, just give them a smell before you purchase them as they often have varnish or paint on them and the fumes can be strong. No one wants to wear stinky jewelry. Well, if this has helped one person? I'm glad. Cheers! #StoringSilverJewelry

It's always a sad time when our pets are not feeling well or are down in the dumps. Sometimes they are ill, and other times they are dealing with their own type of emotional stress. Maybe it's loneliness or sadness with their humans being away. Or they are dealing with a stressful situation and reacting to it. There are so many things that can be going on. I know all about this as I currently have 3 cats and a dog and there are days that life is chaotic! It may surprise you, but you can also give healing crystals to your pet to help them as well as yourself. In the same way that they work to help your emotions and healing, they can also partner with proper veterinary care and emotional support care. Each type of crystal has its own healing abilities to work with. How to choose a healing crystal for your pet It can be difficult when trying to choose the proper healing crystal for your cat or dog. Especially since you can't just ask them what the problem is and then immediately locate the correct crystal to help them. So you have to somewhat follow your instincts when it comes to crystal healing. Life changes can be very difficult. If you suspect your cat or dog is lonely or sad because of something that has gone on in their lives, you could choose a crystal for emotional support and stability. If you sense they are sad or blue due to being recently separated from family members or have just joined your household? Then you could choose a crystal to help with emotional support as they transition in their lives. Sodalite can be a wonderful gemstone to give to your pet when they are dealing with this type of situation. You can find some on this page of my website by clicking here. If you are unsure about what type of healing crystal to choose, consider using a Quartz Crystal. These types of crystals help with an "overall" good energy to help change negative vibes to positive vibes. You can use polished or natural stones when it comes to pet healing. Just remember to choose the correct size so that if you are looking for a small dog, you don't end up buying a stone that would be too heavy for them to wear. HELPFUL HINT: Take the time to ask questions about whomever you are purchasing your healing stones from. If you have worries and just need a little help, it never hurts to ask. If you have questions about my healing crystals, you can send me a note here. As you are looking for your stone, follow your instincts. It's super important though that you never replace proper veterinary health care when using crystals for pet healing. This type of healing goes hand in hand with the care that your pet's doctor provides and should be considered as companion crystals. STEPS ON HOW TO USE THE CRYSTAL FOR YOUR PET HEALING If you have previously worked with healing stones for yourself, you probably have a protocol that you follow when working with the stones. You should be able to adapt that to your cat or dog in some way. Here are a few steps you could follow: 1. Cleanse the crystal. This helps to remove any residual energies that it may have picked up on the way to you and your pet. Cleansing can be as simple as running under water and visualizing anything negative washing away to as complicated as working with candles, incense and other supplies you might use for cleansing. It's a very personal choice on how you do this. 2. Once the crystal is cleansed, take the time to get to know it a little bit. Hold it between your hands and hold a picture in your mind about how you would like it to help your pet. If it's a general healing, perhaps think of a colour in your mind that represents "healing" and then visualize that colour going into the crystal. You are programming the crystal or asking/telling it what to do for your pet. Make sure you tell the stone (even if it sounds silly to you) that the stone is a gift for your (name your pet) and you wish it to do (this/this/this). This act helps to give the crystal a task. 3. When you feel the crystal is ready, attach it to your pet's collar. Spend time petting your pet and visualizing the healing colour from the crystal surrounding and healing your cat or dog. It's very important that you fully understand when using this type of healing, that these crystals are companions on your pet's journey through life. They never ever replace proper veterinary care. If you ever feel that the crystal has become hazardous, broken or could hurt them, remove it immediately. It has done what it was programmed to do to the extent that it was able to. They are not a cure, they are a friend to help. If the stone falls off, there are various philosophies on that. Some people believe that when a stone leaves you, it's done its job and is ready to move on. Others believe that it's become heavy with negative energy and needs to be cleansed. Or it could simply a case of "Well, I didn't attach that well enough!" When this happens, you must decide what the right course of action is for your pet's healing crystal. Always remember, the universe has plans for our four-legged friends and they are sometimes only meant to be with us and share our lives for a short period of time. A crystal perhaps can help elevate stress and negative emotional impacts on their lives so you should always consider them to be your gifts to them as they are in your arms. May your pet’s life be long and healthy! If you'd like to see what pet healing crystals I have in stock? Click here. #pethealing #howtochoosecrystals

I am so stressed! How do I use healing crystals to help? I am stressed! How do I use crystals to help me feel better? If you are here reading this, it's possible you are trying to lower your stresses, worries and anxiety or you are hoping to find something to give to someone in your life. Healing crystals can be an integral part of your self-healing journey as they give you a focal point to focus your intentions upon. Healing wounded and frazzled emotions takes time and you can work with the gentle healing energies of gemstones and crystals to work towards your goal. So how on earth do I do that??? First, you need to find your crystal. Daunting idea right? There are so many out there, so it can be very challenging to find just the right one. Have a peek in our soothing energy crystal section and see if there's something that calls to you there. Often you may be drawn to a particular crystal type or colour, that's a clue that it might be just the right stone for you. Don't worry if it takes time to find just the right one. Once you have your crystal, it’s time to work with it. I’m jumping ahead a few steps here as there are going to be more posts on how to cleanse your gemstones in our blog in the future. An effective way of dealing with stressful situations, moods and situations, is to use breathing techniques for calmness while having your crystal with you. You may be wearing it around your neck or holding it in the palm of your hands. It depends on your unique crystal. Find a quiet place where you can sit and spend time alone without being disturbed for a period of time. Tip #1 - Find a peaceful place HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO TAKE!! AUGH I AM STRESSED!! If your kids are screaming, the dogs are barking and there is an endless loop of noise? Try putting on headphones for a few short minutes to find a quiet place to focus and concentrate. You'll probably need 5 to 10 minutes on your first few tries to work with the energy of the crystal you have. Tip #2 - Breathing and Visualizing the Healing Energy Take a few moments to bring about a state of relaxation by taking a deep breath through your nose while expanding your lungs and diaphragm. Hold your breath for a few seconds but be comfortable in how long you hold it. Slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this several times until you feel relaxed. Do not go too quickly as you don't want to hyperventilate. As you are slowly breathing, allow the energy from the crystal to align with you and give you a touch point to focus on. Feel the stone’s calm soothing energy. Allow it to align with your intentions to find peace and calm as you breathe in and out. For worry, anxiety and stress, allow the crystal’s calming vibrations to flow through you and release the negative energy. Continue to breathe and visualize this calm energy flowing through you. TIP: If you can't feel or see the healing energy: Try visualizing the energy as a colour. Often this helps to really see the flow of the healing energy instead of trying to figure out what "energy" is supposed to look like. When you feel that you are done, take a minute after opening your eyes to relax. Thank the crystal in any way you feel works for you for allowing it to work with your intentions for healing. It may sound odd, but this can deepen your connection to your crystal for future work. I do this too! If you ever wonder when looking at my website or blog, if I’m a real person behind the screen and dealing with the same types of issues as you do? I really am. I have life stresses, family stresses, work things to juggle, pets to care for, bills etc etc etc. And sometimes I find them REALLY overwhelming. My personal go-to crystal is a piece of Black Tourmaline. I carry it with me EVERYWHERE I go and I use it a lot. It’s a touch stone for me when I’m feeling like I can’t deal with the turmoil happening in my life. I will reach into my purse, grab it in the palm of my hand and focus my thoughts for a few moments. I allow myself to breathe through the tension and release the tightness in my jaw and remember how to find a peaceful bit of flow in my thoughts. Using my Tourmaline allows me to visualize the negative energy coming at me to be blocked *BEFORE* it reaches me. Tourmaline helps me to find my center and grounding when everything is going bonkers around me. Find your Crystal Companion for Healing You got this! You can find your calm and peaceful moments! You can let go of stress and re-discover peace and serenity. Discover your healing crystal from our gallery of gemstones and jewelry. Feel free to leave a comment about what crystal YOU love to work with the most. Cheers everyone and have an awesome day! Vikki

You know that feeling when your brain is three conversations ahead and you haven't taken a real breath all day? This one is for you. Quartz can help to block those busy thoughts and bring positive energy back into your life. I'm ready! Tell me the steps! What do I need? A healing crystal that you wish to work with. Great choices for calming energy might be: Quartz, Selenite, Amethyst, or any other type of soothing crystal. Find a quiet place you won't be disturbed for a short time If you enjoy journaling, you could bring your items with you to record your feelings and thoughts afterwards. A single intention for what you are meditating on: Peace, calming energy, focus, etc. Examples are below in the meditation. Find a comfortable place to sit and hold your chosen crystal in your hands. Take slow breaths, allowing your shoulders to relax. Take as many relaxing breaths as you need; it may be only a few, or you may need more. There is no limit to how much time you can take here. This is all about your personal journey of healing. Allow your face to relax and let go of any tension you may be holding. Feel yourself sinking into your sitting position and allowing the stress of the earlier part of the day being released. When you feel more relaxed, turn your gaze towards your crystal. Bring to your mind a glowing light. You may visualize it in pink, or white, or soft blue; let your mind choose this colour. When it becomes clear to you, focus on your crystal. Move the light towards it, watching it go around and around and settle near the very center of your gem. Let this light begin to swell inside the stone and fill to the edges. When it reaches the edges, allow this energy to leave the crystal and then slowly move into the palm of your hands. NOTE: If you are uncomfortable at any time during this, release the energy into the ground or up into the sky and offer a small thank you for its presence. Shake off the excess energy and bring your breathing back to normal. Continue if you are ready. This soft light enters the palm of your hands and gently moves down your arms and into your body. It spreads throughout you, bringing soothing, calm energy. Allow those busy thoughts if they come up to settle like an ocean wave receding back to the sea. Once you feel the energy has filled you and you are comfortable and calm, it is time to set your intention. You can Examples might be: I release all tension from my mind I allow calm to replace tension in my day I allow joyful energy to replace negativity I am happy and full of positive energy I feel at ease and am surrounded by only positive vibrations I wont let the @#$)*@#s at work, bother me anymore today. (We all have days like this). Spend a few moments holding that intention. When you are ready, release the energy you have been working with by visualizing it leaving your body and floating up into the air like a feather on the breeze. If you prefer working with Earth energy, visualize this soft glow returning to the ground beneath you. Offer gratitude for the gift if this is a part of your practice. Take the time to bring your body back to centre and focus. This energy is welcome to move back to you at any time you need to feel that peace and calm you did during the meditation. Place your crystal somewhere close to you to remind you that positive energy and peace support you. I hope this brings a little joy and peace into your day! Cheers!