Color Psychology: Does Color Affect The Way We Feel?

From old masters to modernists, Rembrand to Picasso, but also from Munch to Matisse, some of history's greatest artists used color as a way of expressing their feelings. They could tell an entire story with such artistic and technical use of color that, hundreds of years later, people are still in awe.

The same way a knowledge of color theory helps artists express their feelings in an artwork, color is used in jewelry making with the exact same aim, as it can be said without any doubt that jewelry is definitely an art form.

Gemstones are used in jewelry because of their glow and physical properties that have aesthetic value. They offer some incredible health benefits, such as helping you in increasing your concentration and connecting you with your inner conscious, or being instrumental in cleaning the accumulated negative energies in our body, just to name a few.

However, part of the huge impact gemstones cause on people's emotions is due to their colors and the memories, feelings or moods they stir in you. As a matter of fact, based on the idealistic, romantic and more natural flair of Bohemians and Hippies, Boho style detaches itself from the more conventional trends and includes rich and vibrant colors as a way of expressing a more free-spirited and uninhibited style.

 

 

So let’s go through some of the main gemstones used in jewelry, their colors and the effect the latter have on people's emotions, as well as their symbolism and wellness benefits. 

Green

Green is the color of life, nature, renewal and energy, therefore it is associated with growth, harmony, freshness, safety, fertility, and the environment. Therefore, green helps people feel rested and secure. 

Here are a few green natural gemstones along with their wellness benefits: 

1. Emerald: Emerald is often associated with emotional balance and love. It is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and can promote harmony, loyalty, and domestic bliss. It is also believed to enhance intuition and attract prosperity.
2. Jade: Jade is known for its protective and healing properties. It is considered to be a symbol of purity and serenity, promoting tranquility and balance in life. Jade is also believed to bring good luck and to help in the manifestation of one's desires.
3. Malachite: Malachite is a stone of transformation and is often associated with positive change. It is believed to absorb negative energies and pollutants from the atmosphere, making it a popular choice for detoxifying the body and the environment. Malachite is also believed to bring emotional healing and vitality.
4. Green Aventurine: Green Aventurine is commonly associated with abundance, prosperity, and good luck. It is believed to attract positive energy and opportunities, making it a popular choice for those seeking success and fortune. Green Aventurine is also thought to promote emotional well-being and enhance creativity.
5. Peridot: Peridot is known to be a stone of healing and cleansing. It is believed to have a rejuvenating effect on both the physical and emotional levels. Peridot is often associated with prosperity, abundance, and self-confidence. It is also believed to alleviate stress and bring harmony to relationships.

Blue

Blue is a color of the mind that has a soothing effect on us, it affects us mentally. People often associate blue with the sky and ocean which has a calming and serene effect. On the other hand, turquoise is a shade of blue that lies on the scale between blue and green. Therefore it has a strong link to the color of the ocean, so similarly to blue, it can be connected to calmness, serenity and peace.

Here are a few blue natural gemstones along with their wellness benefits: 

1. Turquoise: Turquoise gemstones are believed to have several wellness benefits. They are thought to promote inner peace, balance emotions, and enhance spiritual well-being. Turquoise is considered a protective stone that helps ward off negative energy, while fostering communication and self-expression. It is also said to aid in purification, aid in physical healing, and promote overall well-being.
2. Lapis Lazuli: Lapis Lazuli is associated with wisdom and inner reflection. It is considered a stone of truth and enlightenment, promoting self-awareness and spiritual growth. Additionally, it is believed to enhance mental clarity and improve communication.
3. Aquamarine: The pale blue Aquamarine is often associated with calming energies and relaxation. It is believed to reduce stress, promote a sense of peace, and bring about emotional healing. It is also thought to enhance courage and clarity of thought.
4. Blue Sapphire: Blue Sapphire is considered a powerful stone that is believed to bring wisdom, intuition, and mental focus. It is associated with protection, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment. This gemstone is believed to stimulate the throat chakra, aiding in effective communication.
5. Blue Topaz: Known for its soothing energy, Blue Topaz is said to promote emotional healing and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression. It is believed to enhance self-expression, increase creativity, and bring joy and abundance into one's life.
6. Blue Lace Agate: This gentle and calming stone is known to promote tranquility and reduce anxiety. It is believed to enhance communication skills, soothe emotional imbalances, and aid in expressing oneself.

Red

Red calls us to action, gets us motivated, and wearing red lets people know we feel confident and ready to take on the world. Red is linked to strength, power, courage, and danger, but it is also associated with love, passion and desire. Red is vibrant, stimulating and exciting with a strong link to sexuality and increased appetites.

Here are a few red natural gemstones and some of their wellness benefits: 

1. Ruby: Known as the "King of Gemstones," Ruby is believed to enhance vitality, energy, and passion. It is considered a stone of love and can stimulate the heart chakra, promoting feelings of love, joy, and enthusiasm. Ruby is also associated with increasing courage, motivation, and strength.
2. Garnet: Garnet is a stone of passion and energy. It is said to cleanse and energize the chakras, particularly the root chakra, promoting feelings of safety, stability, and abundance. Garnet is believed to enhance strength, endurance, and vitality, and can also help alleviate feelings of despair or negativity.
3. Red Jasper: Red Jasper is a grounding and stabilizing stone that promotes strength, courage, and vitality. It is associated with the root chakra and can help balance the energy flow within the body. Red Jasper is also believed to enhance physical stamina, support endurance, and provide a sense of protection.
4. Red Coral: Red Coral is known for its ability to promote emotional healing and harmony. It is believed to boost motivation, passion, and creativity, and can help enhance relationships and communication. Red Coral is also associated with physical vitality, circulation, and overall well-being.
5. Red Tourmaline: Also known as Rubellite, Red Tourmaline is a stone that stimulates and energizes the heart chakra, promoting feelings of love, joy, and passion. It can help release emotional blockages, increase self-confidence, and attract love and abundance. Red Tourmaline is also believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.

Yellow

The most energetic of all warm colors, yellow is considered a cheerful color. Cheeriness, optimism and happiness are considered yellow traits. Yellow is associated with sunshine, hope, laughter, warmth, happiness, and energy. A splash of yellow on anything dull or dark can make a person feel cheerful and optimistic.

Here are a few examples of yellow natural gemstones and their associated wellness benefits:

1. Citrine: Citrine is a popular yellow gemstone known for its energizing and uplifting properties. It is often associated with abundance, prosperity, and success. Citrine is believed to enhance creativity, motivation, and self-confidence. It is also considered a stone of positivity, helping to dispel negativity and promote an optimistic outlook.
2. Yellow Jasper: Yellow Jasper is a nurturing gemstone often associated with protection and grounding. It is believed to provide a sense of stability and inner strength. Yellow Jasper is thought to help stimulate the solar plexus chakra, promoting courage, self-confidence, and self-discipline. It may also have a calming effect on the mind and enhance one's ability to handle stress.
3. Amber: Amber is not strictly a gemstone but a fossilized tree resin that can occur in various shades of yellow. It is often associated with healing and protection. Amber is believed to have a soothing and calming effect on the body and mind, relieving stress and promoting a sense of well-being. It is also known for its ability to draw out negative energy and promote positivity.

Black

Black is said to represent a strong-willed and determined personality, someone who is not afraid to go after what they want and usually seeks power and distinction. Black as a color choice is surely a timeless decision.

Here are a few examples of black natural gemstones and their associated wellness benefits:

1. Black Onyx: A powerful protection stone, Black Onyx absorbs and transforms negative energy. It helps alleviate stress, enhances self-control, and promotes inner strength and mental clarity.
2. Black Obsidian: Known as the "stone of truth," Black Obsidian provides grounding and protection. It helps release negative emotions and traumas, promotes self-discovery, and encourages personal growth. It is also believed to shield against electromagnetic radiation.
3. Black Tourmaline: A highly protective stone, Black Tourmaline repels negative energies and provides a barrier against psychic attack. It helps in grounding, balancing the body's energy, enhancing vitality, and relieving stress and anxiety.
4. Black Spinel: This gemstone is associated with revitalization, strength, and inspiration. It is believed to provide a boost of energy, enhance physical vitality, and encourage positive thinking. Black Spinel is also said to attract success and prosperity.
5. Jet: A fossilized black wood, Jet is known to possess purifying and protective properties. It has been used to alleviate grief, anxiety, and depression. Jet can bring stability to excessive emotions and promote a sense of calm.

It's important to note that the perceived benefits and healing properties of gemstones are based on traditional folklore and holistic beliefs. While many people find these benefits helpful, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. If you are seeking medical or mental health support, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.