Maui jeweler reveals the healing powers of gemstones.Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but for Maui jeweler, astrologer and author Shakti Carola Navran, these sparkling gemstones are so much more than a fashion statement—they operate at the core of our being, inspiring creativity and innovation.
For more than 30 years, Navran has worked as a professional jeweler, using her innate talents to design and create jewelry for clients all over the world. But she is no ordinary jeweler; while she can certainly craft a dazzling set of earrings, a breathtaking engagement ring, or an eye-catching necklace, she will also tell you how the crystals or gemstones used in a piece of jewelry can enhance your mind, body and soul.
A student of astrology, Navran has identified the correlation between astrological charts and gemstones, perhaps explaining the intrinsic connection between humans and these dazzling natural wonders.
Last month, Navran celebrated the release of her new book, Jewelry & Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul. Within the pages of this comprehensive guide, readers will discover how the principles of astrology and the metaphysical powers of gemstones can generate physical and spiritual well-being, healing and personal growth.
Born and raised in Cologne, Germany, Navran attended art school where she was trained by master jewelers, eventually attaining the distinguished rank of journeywoman.
Soon after, Navran opened a charming, 200-square-foot workshop and gallery in Cologne, where she began her independent practice as a jeweler. “I set up my [work] bench right next to the window,” she recalled. “People would stop by the window and watch me work.”
As she became a rising star within the community, Navran became enchanted with the jewels of the night sky, an attraction that led to a lifelong study of astrology and spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Sufism, Diamond Heart Approach and studies at the Oneness University in India.
“Spirituality has always had a central place in my life,” she said. After completing her own adventure of self-discovery, Navran decided to share her knowledge with others by giving readings, seminars and workshops across the globe, providing insight into astrology, hypnotherapy, meditation and—yes, you guessed it—the power of gemstones. According to Navran, we are all connected to certain stones, which is why we often feel drawn a particular piece of jewelry. She explained that gems and crystals have metaphysical and healing qualities that can support an individual’s unique life path. For example, she said that the verdant sparkle of an emerald can heal emotional wounds, the scarlet hue of a ruby can teach the lessons of unconditional love and the lovely, iridescent glow of an opal can generate intuition and guide one through periods of change.
In her Upcountry studio, Navran continues to customize pieces of jewelry for her clients according to basic principles of astrology. Like many great writers, Navran decided to painstakingly transfer her personal passion into words. And to her delight, a renowned publishing company saw her book for what it is—a diamond in the rough.
“This was my dream,” she said. “And my dream finally came true.”
In Jewelry & Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul, she shows readers how to interpret their own astrological charts, identify life patterns and areas of challenge, and analyze a colorful chart of 67 gemstones in order to discover the stones that will support their specific needs.
But the process doesn’t end there. Once a gemstone is chosen for a piece of jewelry, Navran teaches readers how to select particular elements, such as color, symbols, type of metal and shape, and where it can be worn on the body to meet an individual’s needs, such as healing from an emotional wound or physical illness, overcoming fear, maintaining a clear mind, or enhancing creativity. In addition, the book offers guidelines to “programming” stones with desirable emotions, such as joy, self-confidence and tranquility.
Navran said that the book is not just for those who wear jewelry; rather, it is a resource for anyone who is curious about the metaphysical properties of the stones that are scattered throughout the Earth, in addition to astrologers, jewelers, healers and gemstone collectors.
For more information, visit www.jewelsandgemsforselfdicovery.com.