We’ve been a fan of Lisa Maxwell Jewelry for a few years now and we can’t wait for you to join the crystal jeweled crew. Not only is each piece in every collection beyond stunning and intentionally made but Lisa herself is an angel. Her aura brings a sense of calmness and her positive attitude leaves you feeling inspired after even just a DM. Oh, and every time we’ve purchased from her, amazing things happen! We were lucky enough to do a Q & A with her and here’s what she has to say about fall styling tips, advice and more:

Can you tell us a bit about your creation process? 

Lisa Maxwell Jewelry is hand-crafted in our Toronto studio which is located near Mount Pleasant and Eglinton. Below is the creation process I follow for each piece: 

Step One: Design 

My creation process begins with intuitively choosing a healing crystal that inspires me. I look for crystals that have a high aesthetic quality and also contain healing properties that resonate with the specific piece I am creating. I also make sure that the crystals I choose will be cohesive within the entire Lisa Maxwell Jewelry Collection. 

Next, I decide on what type of piece I will be making (necklace, bracelet, etc). After that, I choose the type of precious metal that is best suited to match the stone. For example, vibrant gemstones like emerald or citrine pair well with gold as they are both complementary warm tones. 

Step Two: Selection 

Next is the process of procuring crystals to make the piece. Whenever possible, myself or a member of my team visits our suppliers in person to hand-select the highest grade stones available. Although this can be a time-consuming process, it helps us to create a more refined finished product. We also choose metals that are high quality. All of the silver we work with is sterling silver. We use mostly 14-karat gold-filled along with some 14-karat gold filled over sterling silver. It is very important that the metals are hypoallergenic, nickel-free, non-tarnish and suitable for sensitive skin. Our chains and metal components are always checked for quality and durability. 

Step Three: Manufacturing 

Before beginning the manufacturing of each piece, we set up all of the component parts that we will need to complete it. Necklaces require certain stones, metal accents, and component parts, along with the chain used to hold them together. Bracelets often need the same parts, or a durable stretch cord if we are making a beaded stretch bracelet. Earrings are a simpler process, as they use only a few gemstones per piece and only a couple of metal parts. During this process, we are attuned to sizing, making sure each component meets the specific size and scale requirements. We use specific tools for each piece: needle-nosed pliers, chain-nosed pliers, wire cutters, crimping pliers are among the tools we use most often. 

Step Four: Quality Control 

During the manufacturing process, my team and I are constantly checking the quality of each piece as we make them. Once a piece is finished, we give it a final appraisal to ensure its quality is impeccable. We give the piece a final polish and then set it aside to be packaged. 

Inside LM’s Studio
Image from Lisa Maxwell Jewelry’s Instagram

What stones/ pieces are you recommending for fall? 

I’m so happy you asked! Fall is such a wonderful time for embracing a time when the weather cools down and colours become vibrant all around us. I actually recently wrote a block on the gemstones I recommend for Autumn. You can find the blog here:

Citrine: Citrine is a vibrant crystal that plays into the mood and colour palette of Fall quite well. Its golden and orange tones are matched well with the colours of changing leaves. Citrine also holds the warmth of the sun, which can allow us to feel more energized as the days get shorter. This sparkly golden crystal is excellent for helping us create abundance during the harvest season.

We recommend: The Charmed with Abundance Mini Necklace 

Onyx: Tapping into darker stones is a wonderful way to help us transition into the cooler months of the year, as dark gems promote a sense of reflection and groundedness. Onyx helps our energy become more rooted and can also provide us with a sense of calmness. This jet black stone can help us feel a deeper connection with the earth even when our time spent outdoors may be decreased in the cooler weather. 

We recommend: The Dainty Grounded Bracelet 

Hematite: Speaking of grounding stones, hematite is another great stone for helping us lean into the slower rhythm of autumn. Gun metal grey in colour, hematite can provide stability and helps us to release stress that may have been building up. With less time outdoors and increased digital activity, hematite creates a shield to protect against negative energy including electromagnetic smog from computers and cell phones.

We recommend: The Clarity Necklace 

What are your layering tips? 

Such a great question! I think it’s important to remember that wearing jewelry is meant to be an enjoyable experience and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wearing different necklace layers (in my opinion). Here are a few of my favourite tips: 

#1 Start with the basics. You actually only need two necklaces to start layering. That’s right, just two! Especially if you’re new to wearing multiple layers, this is a great way to test the waters and discover your own sense of style. 

#2 Mix up your lengths. This step actually makes Step One a lot easier; when you choose the right necklace lengths, it takes the guesswork out of how to layer. We follow one easy rule: leave 2 inches of space between each necklace layer to stack necklaces effortlessly. For example, a 16-inch necklace + an 18-inch necklace = a perfect layering duo. Add a 20-inch chain as the bottom layer to try wearing three necklaces at a time. You’ve got this! 

#3 Choose intuitively. I don’t believe in following set “rules” about deciding which crystals to wear at the same time. Let your inner wisdom be your guide and allow yourself to be drawn to whichever gemstone necklaces you feel called to wear in the moment.

Step Four: Unify Your Metals. Choosing metals that match each other can be a great way to create a cohesive layered look. Silver with silver, gold with gold. Of course there are occasions where you may want to mix up your metals, and if you are feeling bold and want to give it a go, we say go ahead! I’ve recently been really loving wearing a mix of gold and silver stacking rings on one finger and think this can also work with necklaces as well. 

Step Five: Mix and Match Necklaces 

One simple way to add some style variance when laying is by wearing choosing delicate chains with bold gemstones. For example, our Charmed With Abundance Mini Necklace features a delicate citrine pendant on the Gold Cable Chain, combining a vibrant yellow gem with a dainty chain. There are so many possibilities when we begin to combine different styles of necklaces and it allows us to get multiple looks with the staple pieces in your jewelry collection.

Lisa, Owner, layering necklaces
Image from Lisa Maxwell Jewelry’s Facebook

How do you choose which pieces are right for you? 

I think it’s important to choose jewelry that you feel inspired to wear. If you look at a piece of jewelry and it sparks something positive within you, listen to that feeling. Oftentimes, we know a piece of jewelry is likey for us within the first seconds of seeing it. Go with your gut and try the jewelry you feel drawn to. 

Crystal jewelry can also be chosen based on the specific healing properties offered by the gemstones contained in the piece. For example, if you’re looking to enhance your intuition and find a sense of calmness, finding jewelry containing a soothing stone-like moonstone would be a great place to start. After choosing the stone, you can then narrow it down to the specific piece of jewelry you feel drawn to. 

Choosing jewelry that compliments your skin tone can also be a good way to select pieces. For instance, cool complexions can be warmed up with a boldly coloured crystal or bright gold. 

Lisa, Owner, layering necklaces
Image from Lisa Maxwell Jewelry’s Instagram

Advice for jewelry makers? 

Be consistent; whether you’re inspired or not, show up at your workbench with a positive attitude and you’ll be surprised what can happen. 

Cultivate excellent client care. Think about each piece you make with the client in mind. Not just in terms of style, but in terms of quality and longevity. Building a positive client relationship is also an integral part of creating a returning client base that will grow with you into the future. 

Get involved in the jewelry-making community locally and digitally. Talk to other makers; lean on them for support and inspiration and give back to that community when you can. 

Be proud of your work! Putting your creativity out into the world takes courage and it is definitely something to be celebrated.

What is your sign? 

Taurus! And I know that you’re a Cancer because I’ve asked you, of course. You definitely seem to have a few of the awesome Cancer traits: intuitive and very thoughtful. Such a fun question! 

More from Lisa Maxwell Jewelry:

Flow into peace, spiritual growth and restful sleeps with the powerful and delicate Celestite. This light blue baby helps heal and uplift you with properties in and beyond the physical world, making it an ideal crystal for your spiritual journey.

Celestite is well known for being a soothing crystal that helps destress your mind while easing body tension and alleviating stress and anxiety. It’s also perfect to help get over fears while attaining an overall mind/body calm.

Naturally, being emotionally stressed or drained can cause restless sleeps. The soothing vibrations of Celestite fill you up with peace and calm vibes that can bring you to a calm sleep leading to a refreshed morning. Celestite has been recommended for people of all ages, even the little ones, to help promote soothing rest. Keep it by your bedside for sweet slumber.

Celestite in its’ original Latin language means “heavenly” and it has been suggested that this special crystal heal beyond our world. This is because it helps us connect with our guardian angels, to remind us that we always have someone with us and we’re not alone. If you’re interested in learning more about connecting with your guardian angel, check out our post on Angel Numbers.

Below are some lovely ways to bring Celestite into your day to day life.

Cluster

Store Link

Pocket (Tumbled) Stones

Store Link

Necklace

Store Link

Image by Sara Johnston

There are so many amazing ways to implement the high vibrations and good frequencies of rocks, minerals and crystals into your daily life, but have you ever tried tumbled stones? These coin sized healers show that good things really do come in small packages.

They originally start off as regular crystals, rocks or minerals, with raw edges and unique shapes. They are then put through a “tumbler” which smoothes out the edges until they’re soft and polished. While the benefits of these stones are the same as unpolished crystals, rocks and minerals (i.e. clearing your mind, rebalancing, strengthening energy, etc.) it truly comes down to personal preference. Some people like the jagged edges of raw crystalline structure while others prefer the soothing, cool sensations of tumbled stones.

How to choose your stones:

Take a deep breath and pick the one you’re most drawn to. This lets you get the one you really need rather than the one you think you need. The universe works in mysterious ways, so trust us when we tell you you’ll get the right one! That’s not to say if you need help in certain areas not to look up which stone is best for you. Check out our Crystals section for info on different types of crystals and how they can best serve you.

How we love to use our tumbled stones:

• In Pockets: keeping these little guys in your front pockets activates your Sacral Chakra where you can find your creative and pleasure energy and Root Chakra which keeps you grounded
• Home/ Office: spreading them around your home and office adds a beautiful pop of colour to any room and surrounds the environment with the benefits of each stone
• Plants: add a little or a lot of tumbled stones on the top of the dirt in your plants to add a unique twist to your pot
• Body Layout: lay flat on with your stones placed on the areas of your body you need the most healing for a few moments and feel the difference in your every move
• Meditation: holding one or multiple in your hands during your practice helps clear your mind and let’s you focus
• Jewelry: Find beautiful statement pieces with perks such as a tumbled stone necklace that you can switch up the crystal whenever you need a new energy change.

Here’s a few places you can order them from:

Crystal Dreams

Store Link

Dragon Moon Gifts Canada

Store Link

Mineral Mindz Rock Shop

Store Link

Happy Soul

Store Link

As the healing properties of crystals have re-emerged into 21st century mainstream lifestyle and collective consciousness (they’re really not just for hippies from the 60s anymore!), they can now be found in nearly all areas of our modern lives – from gemstone energy-infused skincare to healing-crystal water bottles and aura-cleansing home sprays. 

But what’s the benefit of leveraging the healing powers of crystals into our more intimate activities? We’ve all heard about the Jade Yoni Egg craze, but while yoni eggs have more health focused benefits, sex toys that harness the powers of crystals are starting to become more mainstream and we are totally here for it. 

Image by Rosie Rees

The History Of The Yoni Wand

Before we get into the good stuff, let’s have a little history lesson. This new wave of sex toys are traditionally referred to as yoni wands and yoni eggs. The word ‘yoni’ can be translated to mean ‘sacred space’ and is actually a Sanskrit word for the vagina, with several deeper layers of meaning, of course. A yoni wand is a natural crystal or gemstone wand that is intended for sacred self pleasure, manifestation and healing from within. Although this may seem like a new fad, it is actually deeply rooted in feminine history; the use of crystal dildos spans back thousands of years. In fact, a stone penis was recently unearthed in Germany that was estimated to be over 30,000 years old. The yoni egg practice, on the other hand, was a more recent endeavour that originated in China a few thousand years ago and was practiced by the emperor’s mistress to maintain a strong and healthy vagina. Regular yoni egg practice can increase awareness and strength of the muscles and abilities of the vagina; it can lead to heightened and more frequent orgasms, and a higher sex drive.

Image from Mashable   

This new wave of spiritual sex toys, made for healing, cleansing and taking your everyday orgasm to the next level is upon us once again, and it is not quite as eccentric as you may think. With the undeniable beautiful aesthetic and a slew of recent benefit claims that range from heightened emotional connection, to deeper orgasms, to cleaner, non-toxic pleasure, crystal sex toys are rising in popularity and gaining momentum fast. 

Where We’re Getting Our Wands

Enter Vixen Crystals, sex toys made from different stones for different spiritual uses. All of their toys – which are seriously a work of art – are made from natural crystals and promise to bring a sense of sacredness to your playtime. Using natural crystals, each wand will carry meaning and power to the one who uses it. Owner Maria believes each stone tells its own story and has its own magic; they are a result of millions of years of Earth’s own trials, and just like us, each one is unique. 

Image by VixenCrystals

The most popular crystal pleaser is known as the Yoni Wand, usually made of 100% rose quartz and is easily the prettiest thing that will ever live on your bedside table. The rose quartz works to cleanse your heart chakra and is said to open you up to all kinds of love. Sex toys, let alone ones with such strong energies, are an extremely personal belonging, making it important to choose one that is right for you. Made from amethyst to black onyx and everything in between, you can choose the crystal with the desired metaphysical properties and chakra stimulation.   

Your vagina is the vessel of life and adorning it with crystals, like a queen, is just a sign of respect. Whether you’re looking for a rose quartz wand, Indian jade butt plug or aventurine egg, it is important to listen to your lady intuition. Like anything that has such powerful healing properties, we encourage you to take the time to do your research and ensure it is safe before beginning your journey to sensual healing.  

Double-ended Rose Quartz Yoni Shakti Wand

Store Link

Black Obsidian Butt Plug

Store Link

Blue Aventurine Yoni Shakti Wand

Store Link

Image by
Kyson Dana

With an intensely cosmic summer coming to a close, many of us may be welcoming fall with open arms, ready to dive into the newest versions of ourselves after shedding some serious layers during the warmer months. Now is a time to put concerted energy towards finding our feet and getting grounded. The new fall season is a perfect time to apply what we learned of ourselves this summer and our new understandings of our surroundings to our greatest benefit. Below are simple ways to get yourself in alignment for this next chapter, and help carry you through the rest of 2018 with two feet on the ground and a high vibe heart.

Reassess Your Sleeping Situation

There’s something about waking up when its still dark that will get you feeling like you didn’t get enough sleep. With the turn of the seasons, make sure your sleeping sanctuary is in top form, so you can rest your bodily temple and allow it serve you through the harsh winter climate. Devote time and energy this fall into building out your sleeping space so that you feel excited to give into slumber each night.

A great way to ensure your bedding serves you to the highest is by checking out its back story. Can cheaper fabrics and unethical manufacturing processes really bring us total comfort at night? Check out local Canadian brands like Haute Coton , a misson-driven luxury home textile company. With a “seed to consumer” philosophy Haute Coton evaluates every aspect of the manufacturing process with a commitment to the planet and the people behind their products. They select the best processes for packaging, inks, dyes and paper used in their materials along with environmentally-conscious shipping methods, . Haute Coton offers a range of luxury organic cotton sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers to help you fall into the new season with a clear conscious and open heart.

Goal Set with the New Moon in Virgo 

If you haven’t been working to set your life goals with the moon cycles, fall is a great time to try something new and see what you can accomplish with a ritual to help welcome a new season. We suggest finding a welcoming group to circle with during the upcoming new moon in Virgo (September 9th). Even if it is a small gathering with friends; brew some tea and talk about what you want to achieve over the next few months. If you are looking for something just as welcoming but a bit more guided, we suggest searching Eventbrite for New Moon ceremonies in your town. They can range from Crystal Soundbaths, Reiki sessions and Intention-Setting yoga to more in-depth experiences. Check out Soulsisterhood Toronto, an amazing group of women who gather each New Moon and Full Moon, offering a free circle and experience to those who are looking to set intentions for the new cycle and leverage the collective energies of likeminded spirits.

Meditation

Are you not meditating yet? It’s time to get on it! Meditation is an excellent way to slow down the pace of your mind and thoughts so that you can gain a clear perspective on your next steps and moves ahead. If the concept of meditation feels intimidating, we suggest working with an app like Calm or an online program that can guide you through smaller meditations and help you lead up to longer ones. We suggest checking out Kait Hurley for a non-intimidating first step into the practice of meditation. With a range of different practices starting at 5 minutes to longer, Kait will guide you through a non-judgemental practice and help you find your breath and clarity. She’s also a huge cat lover.

Re-evaluate Your Crystal Collection

We love crystals, obviously, however it is good to know when to put certain ones down and maybe re-asses our needs. For example, while you may have felt the a strong need for the support of agate to help calm the intense energies of summer, it might be time to ramp up your vibrational flow with a more stimulating crystal, such as citrine, a crystal recognized for its ability to amplify our paths to success. Reflect on what assistance you feel you need to call in over the next month or two. Is it clarity? Is it focus? A crystal like florite will be more beneficial than rose quartz, for example. Make sure your supporting tools are aligned with your goals for fall.

Image from Energy Muse

Hydrate with Crystals

We tend to drink less water when the weather starts to cool off. But you need to stay hydrated if you plan on accomplishing all those high vibrational goals! We’re so excited to see that VitaJuwel is now available to Canadians at Well.ca. We suggest staying hydrated with crystal infused water to help enhance your inner vibration and increase your wellness. Get all your water in with an infusion of gems and crystals to enhance your inner being and internal wellness.

Stay tuned as we announce upcoming workshops, events and moon guidance this fall to assist you in your path and journey. Namaste!

Image by

John Gibbons

For those who are very in tune with the planets and find themselves to be affected by natural and universal shifts, you may find yourself stepping into this Summer Solstice with an unexpected lump of emotion in your throat. Not only are we at a halfway point of the year, a time when we are meant to take stock of the past six months of our work, accomplishments, losses and spiritual growth, we are also at a critical period when we should be looking forward to the six months ahead, visualizing our next steps, setting our intentions, all while letting go of that which no longer serves us.

It’s a lot of pressure.

To top it off, this Summer Solstice happens on the exact same day when the sun moves into Cancer, which can characteristically be an emotional time. In addition to being the most emotional of all astrological signs, Cancer is also ruled by the moon, the ruler of all our feelings. So we have a trifecta of emotional turbulence running currents through our small human bodies.

So while we encourage acknowledging and honouring our tendency towards ups and downs, passionate outbursts, powerful tides of love and sincere vulnerability to heartbreak and disappointment, we do not view Cancer season as a time of weakness. To the contrary, the season of Cancer gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our hardshell strengths in the face of adversity, while embracing the opportunity to balance our masculine sun energy through the Summer Solstice with our feminine ties to the moon.

So How Do I Do That? 

Ritual. Ritual is everything when we are working with our universal connections. Rituals do not need to be anything extensive, that you’re not familiar with, they can be subdued, mindful moments of acknowledgment and self-love.

Here’s a couple ways to implement ritual this Summer Solstice:

Honour Your Work

Take 5 to 10 minutes and write down what you have accomplished over the past six months. Read your list as many times as you need to over the next few days to let acknowledgement of your accomplishments resonate within your soul. Further to that, write down what you want to let go, what hasn’t worked out and give yourself acknowledgement for trying. And then, tell yourself that everything that didn’t work out, or that no longer serves you is something you will not be taking into the next 6 months of the year with you. Let. It. Go. 

Smudge Your Space

Start the next six months off with a clean energy slate. Smudge your workspace, closets, and home with sage or palo santo. Clear old energy and make room for new positive frequencies.

Use Citrine

Said to embrace the energy of the sun, Citrine is one of the most powerful stones to use for stimulating passion, strength and the power of manifestation. Citrine is connected your Sacral and Solar Plexus chakras where our feelings of personal power, will and determination are found, as well as our capacity for abundance and joy.

Keep Citrine close to you over the next few days. Hold it in your hand while you meditate or visualize the next six months to come.

Self-Care with Meditation

This is a beautiful ritual that ideally we would make time for everyday. Take an hour to your self  and do something that is only and completely for you. Whether it’s yoga, a bike ride, a run, a salt scrub, drink a warm calming wellness tea afterwards. Then settle into a meditative state for about 10 minutes or more if you can. Clear your mind in preparation for what is right around the corner, while practicing tools to help deal with any Cancer-induced emotional tides.