Faceted crystal balls are used to expand the energy in a dark or closed area or room, in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui. Reflected light spreads in all directions, as the facets break and unify all colors intermittently. The very word crystal comes from the Greek krystallos, which means ‘frozen light’. Healing, protection, and decoration have all been uses of crystal for centuries. Ruby crystals today are used in lasers for microscopic surgery, while quartz crystals are used for ultrasound devices, in watches, and for computer memory chips, among other places. Spiritual healing properties are not necessarily thought to apply to manufactured or radiated crystals. In Feng Shui, rose quartz is believed to attract love, or to heal a broken or frightened heart.

Crystals are a natural form that sometimes require only minimal cutting for jewelry, and for this reason are preferred in contrast to traditional gemstones. Crystal clusters, slices, and pebbles are transformed into precious gems by trimming the natural shape, grinding a flat base, or in the best cases, simply polishing a surface. Remnants from aquamarine, heliodor, tourmaline, quartz, and diamond are all used to form crystal shapes in jewelry. Polished crystal slices are found in many materials such as these. One way to enhance the appearance of a slice of crystal stone is to set it without a backing. This allows light to pass through the stone, much like a stained-glass window. Imagine an amethyst in the sun.

I was thirteen years old the first time I noticed an inexpensive pair of Austrian crystal earrings. The small faceted spheres reflected vivid iridescent rainbows that caught my eyes, and my breath. They belonged to a new friend of mine. Her sweet and innocent demeanor was further evidence to me of their inherent value. At seventeen, I wore rose quartz crystal pendants to invite romance into my regimented school days. Now I often look around and see beautiful crystal jewelry of every variety. Crystal jewelry should be cleansed regularly, and as with all things of value, treated in a loving and respectful manner.