Crystals and gemstones are beautiful to look at, and can transform their surroundings. Many people wear gemstones and crystals as jewellery, both to look good and boost their energy. In her book The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall explains that crystals are not just decorative, but can be powerful agents of change

Crystals are highly decorative, especially when shaped and polished, although some stones are stunning in their natural form. You can now buy decorative objects wrought from an enormous variety of precious stones, all of which greatly enhance their surroundings, especially if you choose them for their esoteric properties too.

Gemstones such as Emeralds and Sapphires are vibrant stones. They make excellent jewellery, for men as well as women, but all crystals can enhance your environment and look superb as well. A carefully placed crystal can magically transform its surroundings.

Wearing gemstones used to be a royal or priestly prerogative. The high priest of Judaism wore a breastplate set with precious stones. It was much more than a badge of office, it conveyed power to the wearer. As far back as the Stone Age, men and women wore crystal jewellery and talismans. They had a protective as well as decorative function, guarding the wearer against harm.

Crystals today carry the same power and jewellery can be selected not just on the basis of its outward attraction. Wearing crystals, or simply having one in close proximity, can boost your energy (Orange Carnelian), clean your space (Amber) and attract wealth (Citrine) Carefully positioned, crystals can change your life. You can choose stones to enhance your intuition (Apophyllite), increase mental abilities (Green Tourmaline) and boost confidence (Hematite). You can select abundance (Tiger's Eye) and healing (Smithsonite) or attract love (Rhodonite).

Crystal protection
Certain crystals, such as Smoky Quartz and Black Tourmaline, have the ability to absorb negativity and electromagnetic smog (a subtle but detectable electromagnetic field that can have an adverse effect on sensitive people. The smog is given off by electrical power lines and items such as computers, mobile phones and televisions). They put out pure, clean energy. Wearing a Black Tourmaline around your neck protects you against electromagnetic emanations, including mobile phones and computers, and turns back psychic attack (the direction of malevolent thoughts or feelings towards another person, whether consciously or unconsciously, that can create illness or disruption in that person's life). Amber and Jet jewellery will also protect your energies. A large Smoky Quartz cluster or shaped point can look stunning as a decorative object, belying its practical cleansing purpose. Place one between you and a source of electromagnetic smog or geopathic stress (stress that is created by subtle emanations and energy disturbances from underground water, power linesand negative earth energy lines), or position it on your desk. An Ametheyst geode has the same effect. If you find that computers have a debilitating effect on you, place a Fluorite culster or a piece of lustrous Lepidolite beside it, and you will be amazed at the difference in how you feel - and your computer will work more in harmony with you.

Crystal attraction
A large Citrine geode is highly decorative. A beautiful object in its own right, it will not only attract wealth but will also help you to keep it. Place it in the Wealth Corner of your home (farthest left rear corner from the front door).

Selenite is one of the newer stones. Its pure white, finely ribbed form looks angelic and, not surprisingly, it attracts angelic energy into your life. It can link you to your soul's purpose. You can pop it under your pillow, but it is at its most beautiful as a pillar with the sun behind it or set on a light box.

Many transparent crystals have their effect heightened by being placed on a light box or catching the sun. Care should be taken as clear Quartz, for instance, focuses the sun's rays and may start a fire, and coloured crystals can fade in sunlight.

Semiprecious stones
Semiprecious stones have as much power as gemstones. Some are found in several colours, which can affect their attributes. Topaz, which sheds golden light on your life's purpose, is often used for rings. In its blue form, it can be worn at the throat because it stimulates the ability to put your thoughts into words.

Herkimer Diamonds have a clarity and sparkle every bit as attractive as Diamonds themselves, and they come in bigger and more affordable sizes. Many Herkimers display wonderful rainbows in their depths. Used for earrings, theiy heighten your intuition and increase your creativity. But their power is such that it is better to wear them in your ears for a few hours only. Wearing them for too long can set your head buzzing and may cause insomnia. Peridots are known as 'poor man's Emeralds,' but this visionary stone has the power to ameliorate jealousy and anger, reduce stress and release negative patterns. As with many stones, in its unpolished form it can easily be overlooked. But faceted and polished, it is a jewel fit for a queen.

Bringing love into your life
If you are seeking love, crystals will help. Place a large piece of Rose Quartz in the Relationship Corner of your house (farthest right rear corner from the front door), or put a piece beside your bed. Its effect is so powerful it might be wise to add an Amethyst to regulate the attraction. You can also wear Rhodochrosite jewellery - its softly banded pink is pretty as well as potent. Love will soon come your way.