natural stone necklace

Chakras align in the form of seven faceted gemstones held within a sterling silver figure in a meditative pose. Alok Jain's pendant necklace is simple yet elegant in its design as it represents the seven centers of spiritual energy found in the body when practicing yoga or meditating. Red garnet depicts the foundational root chakra, with a carnelian stone above it for the sacral chakra, which relates to accepting change. Yellow citrine for the solar plexus chakra stands for confidence, and green peridot for the heart chakra and love. Blue topaz for communication sits in the throat chakra position, and the figure's head holds iolite for the focusing third eye chakra. The line is finished at the top with a purple amethyst, held aloft, representing the crown chakra that promotes spiritual connection.

Designed by India’s Sumit Dhawan, this sublime beaded pendant necklace is a fusion of earthy elegance and metaphysical energy. It features smooth black onyx beads paired with matte black agate gems, all grounding stones believed to offer protection, clarity and inner strength. But the true protagonist is the raw black tourmaline pendant, known for its strong protective and cleansing properties, which is finished with a gold-toned electroplated (EPL) coating, enhancing its natural beauty while adding a touch of bold sophistication.

Guatemalan artisan Jorge Lopez hand crafts this necklace with an adjustable black cotton cord that features a pendant of natural dark green jade. Jorge etches the jade with the image of a lotus flower, which represents spirituality.

In honor of Hindu tradition, Komang Agus Saputra designs a wrap necklace centered by an Om (also Ohm) medallion. This is a sacred incantation to be intoned at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas, as well as prior to any prayer or mantra. Saputra carves the pendant by hand from coconut shell and accompanies it with chang wood beads. The necklace includes a brown faux-suede cord that can be adjusted to the desired length.

Rituu honors Hinduism and Buddhism with a glistening jap mala that is crafted by hand with smoky quartz, nature's stone of endurance. Also known as prayer beads or rosary, it consists of 108 malas or beads, sometimes 109, which are flicked with the thumb during jap or meditation. That way the person may concentrate fully on repeating mantras. In Buddhism, the 108 beads represent the human passions, while in Hinduism their symbolism is more complex. The number may refer to the names of Vishnu and Shiva in the Mahabharat; the 108 Upanishads; the number of deities of knowledge and various sciences; and the various permutations of the soul's defects, among others.

According to Hindu custom, the correct way to hold the jap mala is with the right hand, draped over the middle finger and using the thumb to flick through the beads. Since it is believed the index finger represents ego, the greatest impediment to self-realization, it is best avoided when chanting on a mala.