realise. It's a mixture of instinct, cultural conditioning and the
result of personal experiences and associations. We can see
instinctive responses in nature, warning colours like red, orange and
acid green are associated with being poisonous and animals have
evolved to avoid those colours (as other animals have evolved to mimic
those warning colours as self-protection. Associations of colours
naturally come from our environment too, the blue of the sky, the gold
of the sun, the green of grass, the red of blood and orange of fire,
all produce memories and emotions. However, the memories and emotions
about fire colours for example would be very different for someone who
associates them with a log fire on an winter evening and someone who
has had the isfortune to be caught in a house or car fire. Often
negative memories mean a "gut response" to a colour; the person might
not even be aware on a conscious level why they just "don't like" a
colour. These individual responses are one of the reasons why you
should wear colours and jewellery that you are drawn to, rather than
wearing things that you are "told" are right for you. You can't feel
confident and relaxed in clothes that you don't feel comfortable in.
One of the biggest cultural differences in the symbolism of colour is
with black and white. In the West white is the colour of purity,
innocence and marriage, in the Eastern traditions white is the colour
of mourning and grief, while black is the colour of funerals and death
in the West.
The power of colour to enhance or detract from our appearance is very
marked, if you have ever experienced having a personal colour analysis
session you can't have failed to be amazed how with some colours
draped round your neck you look old, wan and even lopsided! Yet with
others, you look younger, prettier and more vibrant. Basically, what
colour analysis does is to examine your natural skin tone and classify
it as "cool" fair complexion with a cool bluey undertone or "warm"
where your skin tones are peachy to golden yellow. This dual
classification is then subdivided once more according to how intense
your other colouring (eyes/hair) is. Of the two cool skin tones the
darker colouring is termed "Winter", she has dark, black or steel grey
hair and looks best in clear, bright, true primary colours. The
"Summer" person has ash blonde to mid brown hair, they look best in
clear cool, subtle shades. The two warm skin tone classifications are
"Spring" and Autumn". Autumn people have dark brown hair with reddish
lights, they look best in warm, earth like tones which work with the
natural glow of the skin. Spring people have lighter hair, normally
blonde or red and look best in the lighter, warm colours. Although
this may seem a very prescriptive way to choose outfits it doesn't in
fact mean you can't wear any colours, it's just the shades you need to
be careful of.
I'm going now to look at the colours of gemstones and detail some of
the associations with stones of particular colours.
Blue Gemstones
Blue Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite, Sapphire, Topaz, Chalcedony,
Iolite, Sodalite, Azurite, Blue Tourmaline, Spinel, Aquamarine, Blue
Goldstone and Blue Moonstone are all blue stones. Blue is said to
induce calm, peace, creativity and serenity in the wearer. It is also
linked to clarity of mental thought, inspiration and helps with
meditation.
Yellow Gemstones
Amber, Citrine, Carnelian, Sapphire, Garnet, Tigers Eye, Topaz, Beryl,
Jasper and Tourmaline all have yellow forms. Yellow stones are said to
draw attention to the wearer and build self esteem and confidence.
Like the sun they illuminate, warm and cheer the wearer.
Orange Gemstones
Coral, Chalcedony, Zircon, Citrine, Sardonyx, Sapphire, Garnet, Fire
Opal, Amber, Sunstone, Carnelian, Topaz, and Agate all have orange
forms. As with yellow stones, the flamboyance of orange draws
attention to the wearer, it is linked with creativity, energy and
sexual ttractiveness. It's a "notice me"! "Pay attention" colour to
wear.
Red Gemstones
Garnet, Ruby, Poppy Jasper, Sponge Coral, Sapphire, Red Jasper, Beryl,
Tourmaline, Alexandrite and Spinel all have red forms. Red is
associated with excitement, energy and passion. It's bold, fiery and
linked with courage. A red gemstone is probably the most popular
choice for jewellery because of it's boldness and eye catching quality
(red and orange are the colours that we see first at a distance).
Green Gemstones
Tsavorite Garnet, Opal, Sapphire, Malachite, Serpentine, Jade,
Peridot, Gaspeite, Tourmaline, Emerald, Jadeite, Jasper, Zircon,
Beryl, Adventurine,Topaz and Alexandrite all have Green forms. Green
because of its vegetative associations is linked with fertility and
wealth, it is also said to the be most relaxing colour of all to look
at and hence to be soothing and calming to wear.
Violet
Flourite, Amethyst, Charoite, Suglite, Jasper, Tanzanite, Garnet,
Sapphire, Topaz, Agate, Chalcedony, Tourmaline and Spinel all have
purple/violet forms. Purple has been associated for centuries with
royalty, power and wealth, more recently it has been liked with
spirituality, creativity and insight.
Black
Onyx, Agate, Snowflake Obsidian, Jet, Black Spinel, Black Pearl,
Haematite. Black or the absence of colour/light has many symbolisms,
the colour of mourning and grief, the colour of high fashion and chic,
sexy dressing. In jewellery, black stones are said to protect the
emotions of the wearer from being displayed, allowing the wearer to
remain mysterious.
Aqua/Turquoise Stones
Aquamarine, Topaz, Turquoise, Amazonite, Opal, Tourmaline, Apatite.
The colour of water or of the sea these stones are loved for their
associations with the coolness and cleanliness of pure water.
Blue/green stones are said to promote feelings of tranquility and help
with meditation as well as inspiring creativity in the wearer.
Pink
Beryl, Kunzite, Sapphire, Rubellite Garnet, Pink Jasper, Tourmaline,
Rose Quartz, Topaz, Pink Pearls, Strawberry Quartz, Champagne Quartz.
Pink has many of the same qualities as red, only as you would expect,
they are gentler and more muted. Said to help with feelings of anger
and isolation. Pink represents friendship, love and trust.
White/Clear Stones
Diamond, Sapphire, Opal, Moonstone, Topaz, Pearls, Beryl, Zircon.
White and clear stones represent purity and truth and are often used
as protective stones. Associated with the moon and femininity they are
often given to celebrate loving landmarks in peoples lives such as
engagements, weddings and anniversaries.
Brown Stones
Amber, Agate, Smoky Quartz, Topaz, Sapphire, Diamond, Tourmaline,
Zircon. Brown is the colour of the earth and the simple truths in
life. Brown stones are said to promote wisdom, health, gravitas and
stability in the wearer.
To summarise then, colour is a very powerful tool to use in projecting
yourself to other people. It is also helpful in creating a desired
mood or feeling through its personal associations. Use it with care!!
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