The Stones We Love: The Meaningful Heart of Every Joanna Salmond Design
At Joanna Salmond Jewellery, we believe that jewellery should do more than decorate - it should speak. It should carry a story, a sense of meaning, and even a quiet energy that stays with you each time you wear it.
Every piece we create in our Dunedin studio starts with intention. The design, the materials, and especially the stones are all carefully chosen -not just for their beauty, but for what they represent. Over the years, we’ve had the joy of working with a wide variety of semi-precious stones, each one unique in colour, texture, and symbolism.
In this article, I’d love to take you on a personal journey through the stones we use and why we love them - not just as jewellers, but as people who believe in the quiet power of jewellery that carries meaning.
Calm & Clarity: For the Overthinkers and Dreamers
Amethyst is one of our most loved stones for emotional balance. With its gentle purple hue, it’s known to support mental clarity and soothe anxiety. Many customers have shared how wearing Amethyst feels like carrying a quiet anchor - something to hold onto during busy days.
Howlite is another quiet favourite. White with soft grey veining, it’s a stone of stillness. It reminds us to breathe, to pause, and to reflect. We often pair it with silver to enhance its cooling energy.
Then there’s Aquamarine - soft blue like the sea on a clear day. This stone is about clear communication, inner peace, and the ability to move through stress with grace.
And let’s not forget Blue Agate, the stone of inner tranquility. With its dreamy, layered patterns, it helps us remember that peace is something we can carry within, even when life outside feels messy.
Love & Connection: For the Heart-Centred
Rose Quartz is the heart of love in our collection. Pale pink and soft to the eye, it represents self-love, emotional healing, and compassion.
Strawberry Quartz brings a bit more joy and brightness - it’s like the cheerful sibling of Rose Quartz.
And of course, Freshwater Pearls - timeless, elegant, and grounding. Pearls are traditionally symbols of wisdom and feminine strength.
Strength & Protection: For the Grounded and the Bold
Onyx is perhaps our most powerful grounding stone. Bold and deep black, it’s believed to offer inner resilience and ward off negative energy.
Pyrite, often called “Fool’s Gold,” is more than its sparkle. It’s a stone of confidence and personal power.
Lapis Lazuli carries a regal energy. Once prized by royalty and artists, it’s a stone of truth and protection.
And finally, Red Agate - warm, earthy, and deeply grounding. It's a stone of emotional protection and stability.
Confidence & Growth: For the Brave and Becoming
Tiger’s Eye is our go-to for courage and confidence.
Aventurine, with its soft green tone, is known as the “stone of opportunity.”
Yellow Turquoise is associated with positivity and personal power.
And Peridot, the bright green birthstone of August, is all about renewal and good fortune.
Balance & Grounding: For the Nature-Lovers and Gentle Souls
Moss Agate is a favourite in our studio for its earthy, grounded feel.
Grey Agate has a more subtle energy. It's a stone of quiet balance.
Aquaterra Jasper rounds out this group - with warm, earthy tones that speak of patience, peace, and emotional alignment.
Vitality & Intuition: For the Inspired and Intuitive
Mookaite connects us with nature and intuition, and is often worn by people who are deeply creative or in touch with their spiritual side.
Designing with Intention
At Joanna Salmond Jewellery, we don’t just pick stones based on trends or colours - we choose them based on stories. Our customers often tell us why they’re drawn to a certain piece. It’s rarely just about appearance. It's about what the piece means to them - the milestone it marks, the strength it supports, the message it carries.
Sometimes, a customer comes in not knowing what they’re looking for - only to find themselves drawn to a particular stone, as if it chose them. We love these moments.
Caring for Your Stones
- Store it in a soft pouch or box, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Avoid perfumes or chemicals near the stones.
- Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing.
- Clean with mild soap and water when needed - but avoid harsh cleaners or ultrasonic machines.
By caring for your stones, you help preserve both their beauty and their energy.
A Final Thought: Jewellery With Meaning
The stones we use aren’t just materials - they’re part of the story we tell through jewellery. They carry ancient symbolism, quiet strength, and deep emotion.
Whether you’re drawn to pearls for their grace, amethyst for clarity, or onyx for strength, we invite you to explore the collection and find the stone that speaks to you.
Let your jewellery tell a deeper story.