The concept of “birthstone wishing balls” represents a modern intersection of ancient gemstone lore and contemporary practices of mindfulness. While the idea of wishing on gemstones is not new, the specific form of a handblown glass sphere containing slips of paper for wishes or gratitude reflections is a recent innovation. This article will explore the gemstone most commonly associated with these wishing balls – amethyst – its historical context, gemological properties, and the symbolism that connects it to intentions and positive energy. The available sources primarily focus on amethyst and its use in jewelry, alongside the novelty item of birthstone wishing balls, offering a limited but insightful view into this unique combination.
History and Lore
The sources do not provide extensive historical detail regarding wishing on gemstones in general. However, they do highlight amethyst as a significant birthstone, specifically linked to February. Amethyst has a rich history, with its origins traced back to ancient civilizations. While the exact origins of the belief in amethyst’s power are not detailed in these sources, the gem has long been associated with royalty and spiritual awareness. The sources mention amethyst is rated a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, placing it among gemstones susceptible to damage compared to rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. This suggests a historical understanding of its relative durability and therefore, its suitability for various applications, including jewelry and potentially, decorative objects like wishing balls.
The connection between amethyst and intention-setting is a more modern interpretation, but it builds upon the stone’s historical association with clarity and peace. The “Wishing Ball” or “Gratitude Globe,” as described in one source, is explicitly designed to facilitate the practice of writing down wishes or expressing gratitude, then physically depositing these thoughts within the sphere. This act of containment and reflection aligns with the broader historical use of gemstones as talismans or objects of power.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not contain information regarding the geological formation of amethyst or its primary mining locations. They do not detail the specific conditions required for its creation within the Earth’s crust. However, the mention of amethyst being faceted into ball gemstones suggests it is a material amenable to shaping and polishing, indicating a crystalline structure.
Gemological Properties
Amethyst, as detailed in the sources, is rated a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This places it within a range where it can be scratched by harder materials, requiring careful handling and cleaning. The sources recommend cleaning jewelry containing amethyst with warm soapy water and a soft brush, reinforcing its moderate hardness. The sources also mention that amethyst, zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise are more susceptible to damage than rubies, sapphires, and diamonds.
The sources describe amethyst as a purple gemstone, available in faceted ball form. These balls can be incorporated into jewelry, such as necklaces or bracelets, or used as standalone accent stones. The sources note that each stone exhibits unique facets and color variations, highlighting the natural individuality of the gem. The amethyst balls described are 8mm in diameter when constructed into earrings, and 10mm in diameter as a standalone gemstone.
The sources also mention the availability of amethyst on 14k yellow or 14k white gold wire, indicating its compatibility with precious metals in jewelry making. The weight of earrings constructed with amethyst balls is noted as 5.6g for huggies and 4g for kidney wire.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The primary symbolic connection highlighted in the sources is the association of the “Birthstone Wishing Ball” with wishes, dreams, hopes, and gratitude. The act of writing down these sentiments and placing them within the sphere is intended to be a symbolic “deposit at the bank of good luck.” This practice taps into the broader human desire to manifest positive outcomes and cultivate a sense of appreciation.
The choice of amethyst as the gemstone for these wishing balls is significant. Historically, amethyst has been linked to tranquility, spiritual awareness, and protection. While the sources do not explicitly detail these beliefs, the gem’s long-standing association with these qualities suggests a deliberate selection to enhance the intention-setting process. The use of amethyst in this context can be seen as a way to amplify the energy of the wishes or gratitude expressed.
Care and Cleaning
The sources provide specific guidance on caring for amethyst jewelry. It is recommended to clean amethyst with warm soapy water and a soft brush. This is due to its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it susceptible to scratches from abrasive materials. The sources also note that prices for gemstones are subject to change based on market fluctuations, implying a need for careful handling and preservation of the gem’s value.
Birthstone Wishing Balls: A Modern Application
The sources introduce the “Birthstone Wishing Ball” as a handmade item crafted in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. These glass spheres are accompanied by 52 slips of paper, encouraging a weekly practice of wish-casting or gratitude reflection. The availability of these balls in all 12 birthstones suggests a desire to personalize the experience and connect it to individual birth months and associated symbolism. The balls are presented as a unique gift option, moving beyond traditional gift cards and offering a more thoughtful and engaging experience. They are ribbon-wrapped and ready for gifting, with the option of a handwritten card.
The sources also mention a similar item, the "Wishing Ball" Vase, designed by Jill Davis, which functions as a "piggybank for your wishes, dreams, hopes and thank-yous." This further reinforces the concept of using a physical object to contain and nurture positive intentions.
Additional Gemstone Options
While the focus is on amethyst, the sources briefly mention other gemstones available in similar earring designs. These include:
- Garnet (dark red, January birthstone)
- Aquamarine (light blue, March birthstone)
- Emerald (green, May birthstone)
- Pink Sapphire (light pink, October birthstone)
The availability of these alternative gemstones allows for a wider range of personalization and caters to different birth months and preferences.
Conclusion
The “Birthstone Wishing Ball” represents a novel application of ancient gemstone lore, blending the historical symbolism of amethyst with contemporary practices of mindfulness and intention-setting. While the sources provide limited information on the geological origins and detailed historical context of amethyst, they clearly establish its significance as a February birthstone and its association with tranquility and spiritual awareness. The combination of this gemstone with the practice of writing down wishes or expressing gratitude creates a unique and meaningful object, offering a tangible way to cultivate positivity and manifest desired outcomes. The care instructions provided emphasize the need for gentle handling, reflecting the gem’s moderate hardness and inherent value. The availability of these balls in various birthstones further enhances their appeal as personalized and thoughtful gifts.