There’s more to a gemstone than its dazzling looks, value or size. There’s also more to a gemstone than any prescribed energy or symbolism. Again and again I have witnessed how a particular gemstone brings a unique and special energy to the person who selects or receives it.

Expressions of Nature

I consider gemstones and metals to be energetic beings (like everything else on our planet), here to fulfill a very special purpose for their chosen person. I see them as true expressions of Mother Earth. Born deep within her, they not only bring a strong connection to the natural world, they also bring innate wisdom to those who choose to connect with them.

The story of gems and the understanding of their specific energy is a guide on how to co-exist and co-create with the earth. Natalie Barney Jewellery is here to represent the collective soul of gems and to help others reconnect with nature through them.

Shedding Myths & Misconceptions

In the last century, society has been caught up in the narrative of jewellery as a source of adornment, a symbol of social status, and subject to evolving fashion trends. Growing up, I too was caught up in the marketing myths of ‘precious’ and ‘semi-precious’ stones — that diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies should be valued and desired above all else. Even after I completed my studies in gemmology (which opened my eyes to many more beautiful natural gems), I would still abide by the ‘rules’ of what constituted a worthy gem — colour, hardness, shape, clarity, cut, carat and value. But this never truly felt right to me.

As my passion and relationship with gemstones deepened, I found that each stone had a very specific energy for me. An energy that transcended any category, grading and buying criteria. Selecting, handling and designing with gems became a spiritual experience for me. I found that I could intuitively guide a person to the right gemstone or piece for them. This feels incredibly special — divine almost — and has filled me a renewed sense of purpose. As a lifelong lover of nature and animals, working with gemstones and metals began to feel like a sacred reconnection with the beauty and intelligence of nature. Something that is so needed in today’s world. Now, when I come across a gem that is calling for me, or I visualise a design, I have a strong urge to answer the call.

When I found this incredible citrine, I knew it was meant for me.

As recently as a few months ago, I had decided that diamonds were not for me — that they were too commercial, too superficial. But even though I had decided not to work with diamonds, I found that diamonds were not ready to give up on me. Suddenly, I was dealing with a renewed interest in custom and existing diamond pieces. It was then that I realised I had bought into the commercial narrative of diamonds, instead of revering them as miracles of nature. Diamonds have such a pure energy, but in order to sense that, you must let go of the notions perpetuated by De Beers.

Working With & Through Gems

I am definitely here to work with gems, and through them. To experience my spiritual truth and to follow my purpose through Natalie Barney Jewellery. And I feel so blessed, through my conscious energy, to help these gems and metals to not only fulfill their unique purpose but to bring a very specific gift to another soul.

So as I shed some of my own limiting beliefs, I have become open wide to receiving the wisdom of gems through many channels, such as —

• gems that were previously set in pieces that did not allow them to vibrate highly enough
• gems sourced by others which are looking to be set and activated by me
• gems which I source for a specific person
• gems that call to me (to be set in a piece now or down the track).

I also feel the call of metals — dreaming of yellow gold for my collection Mauresque, knowing that the essence of this collection would be best expressed through the use of this metal.

I want to invite you to accompany me on this journey of high energy, soul enrichment and true adventure. To answer the call of a gem, a jewel, to receive its wisdom and to follow your soul’s journey.