PHILOSOPHY

We believe that the natural environment reveals the spiritual environment. We believe in the whole person body, soul and spirit. We desire to create products that strengthen the spirit as well as the body. We believe in the power of a spirit that is fully awake and the strength that comes from the knowledge that we can create positive change through us and around us. 

KINGS&PRIESTS uses authentic stones and woods in the composition of all jewelry. The information below is included to provide our customers with the meaning and history of the stones and materials used. 

KINGS&PRIESTS CHARMS AND ICONS

We have resurrected the ancient practice of hand carving charms and icons out of bone. Often found along the coast lands of Europe, this technique was one of the first forms of jewelry making. The natural grain of bone creates a wood like texture and rustic element to each piece. Inspired by religious icons and sacred history, our charms reflect our love of the ancient world and our hope for the future. All charms are custom made by our team of craftsmen and are a signature of the KINGS&PRIESTS line. All charms are available in bronze, sterling silver and 18K gold  

STONE

1. Jasper
   Meaning: Jasper represents new beginnings and rebirth; one who is highly favored. The stone brings the promise of protection and health.
   
   History: The name “Jasper” is derived from the Greek and means “spotted stone”. In antiquity, jasper was used for cylinder seals and as a symbol and promise of protection by primitive cultures.
   
   
2. Lapis Lazuli
   Meaning: Lapis Lazuli represents one who has authority to discern or rule; one who can judge between good or evil.
   
   History: Lapis Lazuli is believed to be one of the first stones used for jewelry. Lapis has been historically used for pigment to produce other stones, as ornamental objects and to support and adorn architectural elements in palaces and fine houses in the ancient world. 
   
   
3. Turquoise
   Meaning: Turquoise represents full completion, celebration and victory.
   
   History: The name literally means Turkish stone symbolizing the stones ancient trade route from Turkey to Europe. Turquoise was a favorite among ancient Egyptian kings and was often used in jewelry as a token of friendship and in the preparation of early cosmetics. Additionally, turquoise was used as a symbol and promise of protection against certain evils.
   
   
4. Emerald
   Meaning: Emerald represents one who is set apart for service and teaching of others. Emerald brings the promise of protection and prosperity. 
   
   History: The name emerald comes from the Greek word “Smaragados” meaning green stone.  Ancient cultures believed emerald to signify peace and tranquility. Historically, emeralds have often been incorporated into the crown jewels of ancient kingdoms and have long been regarded as precious as diamond and ruby. 
   
   
5. Onyx
   Meaning: Onyx represents one who has the ability to overcome difficult circumstances; one gifted in the ability to create governments and prepare for what is to come; one who can discern night visions and stand before rulers; one who is favored above others.
   
   History: As a “layer” stone, onyx has been used in antiquity for seal rings and cameos because of its ability to support engraving and detailed carving. The name Onyx is Greek for fingernail which the stone has earned for its translucent color. 
   
   
6. Carnelian
   Meaning: Carnelian represents new life, hope and beauty. 
   
   History: Carnelian was often found in royal tombs and used as an embellishment in garments as early as 2500 B.C. It was a common choice for Greeks and Romans to use for signet rings, cameos and decorative arts.
   
   
7. Chrysolite
   Meaning: Chrysolite represents one who has clarity; to prevail and bring forth vision in times of opposition and struggle. The stone brings the promise of completion and finality. 
   
   History: In the Greek, Chrysolite translates as gold stone. Legends suggest that this stone was among a favorite of Cleopatra and used by pirates as a form of currency. It was first brought to Europe by the crusaders in the Middle Ages and used for ecclesiastical purposes. Chrysolite is another name for peridot. 
   
   
8. Beryl
   Meaning: Beryl represents one who provides safety to others. The stone brings the promise of a new life season.   
   
   History: Historical accounts suggest that beryl stones have their origin in the ancient city of Tarshish. Uses of beryl included ground stone as used for eye injuries and disorders of the heart and spine. Ancient Egyptians believed beryl to be a promise of victory in battle and used the stone as decoration in tombs. The term beryl refers to a large family of precious stones including emerald, aquamarine, alexandrite and chrysoberyl. 
   
   
9. Topaz
   Meaning: Topaz represents one who walks in purity, peace, wisdom and balance. 
   
   History: It is thought that the topaz stone was first discovered on the island of Topazos, now called Zebirget, in the Red Sea from which the stone derives its name. Historically, topaz was often mistaken for diamond when colorless. This misidentification has included, most famously, the Braganza stone of 1640ct centered in the Portuguese crown which is, in fact, topaz and not diamond as previously believed. 
   
   
10. Agate
    Meaning: Agate represents loyalty, prosperity and full maturity. The stone brings the promise of restoration and order.
    
    History: Agate holds a unique position among stones because of its numerous uses in industry and toughness. Historically, agate was used by ancient Egyptian cultures for cylinder seals, ring stones, cameos and other vessels.
    
    
11. Jacinth
    Meaning: Jacinth represents transition and one who remains strong in authority. 
    
    History: The stone jacinth also known as zircon. Zircon, one of the oldest known gemstones, maintains a mysterious history. The stone can range in color from reds, greens, yellows, oranges and blues to completely colorless. 
    
    
12. Amethyst
    Meaning: Amethyst represents one who has the ability to know and interpret the signs of the times; one who can see and has understanding of the future. 
    
    History: Amethyst is the most highly valued stone in the quartz family. Ancient cultures believed it to be one of the most powerful supernatural stones serving as a symbol of protection and prosperity.  

SACRED WOOD

1. Bodhi Seed- Bodhi wood comes from the bodhi tree which can take 100 to 3,000 years to grow into maturity. The bodhi tree is valued by some cultures for its longevity and connection to enlightenment. The majority of Bodhi seed beads originate from Nepal. Our repurposed Tibetan prayer beads are made of the wood of the bodhi tree. 
   
   
2. Olive wood- Olive wood comes from the branches of the olive tree and is found throughout Israel, Palestine and the surrounding Holy Land. Since antiquity, olive wood has been used for rosaries and religious icons depicting the Madonna and Child. The olive tree is believed to be a symbol of peace, fertility and prosperity.
    
3. Sandalwood- As an aromatic wood, sandalwood has long been valued for its ability to retain fragrance for decades. Sandalwood is seen as a sacred wood by a number of religions. Sandalwood is commonly used for the manufacturing of incense, prayer beads, and carvings. 
   
   
4. Ebony wood- In the ancient world, ebony wood was used in Egyptian carvings and tombs. The hardness of the wood is ideal for carving and cabinetry. Ebony is a native wood to Africa, India and Sri Lanka.