Aromatherapy Jewelry
From our earliest years, we're attuned to the power of scent—the way it can uplift or repel, evoke memories or stir anticipation. Whether they are unpleasant odors or especially pleasing smells such as the uplifting fragrance of fresh flowers, the comforting scent of a loved one, or the tantalizing aroma of our favorite food, our emotional responses to scents shape our experience of the world.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to harness those instinctive responses and channel them to improve our mood and outlook. For thousands of years, physicians have used aromatic plant extracts to treat illness, heal injuries and mask bad odors. Documentation of aromatherapy goes back as far as recorded history in civilizations as diverse as Egypt, China, India, Rome and Greece.
Essential Oils
Essential oils come from plants, trees and herbs, such as lavender flowers, eucalyptus leaves, cumin seeds and sandalwood. Essential oils have been shown to promote relaxation and relieve stress. It is believed by many that certain oils can also have therapeutic benefits, booting immunity, balancing hormones, relieving pain and regulating sleep.
Aerial Diffusion
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has many options for beads that can be used for aromatherapy via a method called aerial diffusion. Typically, lava, clay or wood beads are strung on a necklace, and a drop or two of essential oil is then applied to a few (1 to 3) beads, allowing for a sustained diffusion of scent through the day.
Another method is to apply essential oil to absorbent fabric or other material and place the material inside a jewelry component where it will be exposed to the air. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads carries many bead cages and pendant cages, which can be used in this method of aerial diffusion aromatherapy.
Lava Beads
Most of the lava beads and components sold by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads are waxed. These lava beads can be used in aromatherapy jewelry once the wax has been removed. Here are instructions on removing the wax from the beads:
- Bring water to a boil, then turn off the heat. Dip the bead in the hot water and immediately remove. Repeat a few times. The wax will melt and rinse off in the water. Warning: Do not leave the bead in the boiling water.
- While still warm, run the beads through an absorbent, clean towel to remove the last traces of wax.
- For more explicit instructions, see the how-to video “How to Remove the Waxed Coating from Lava Beads”
Tip: After this process, one way to infuse the beads with essential oils is to soak a towel in the oil and draw the strand of beads through a few times. The bead will absorb the oil more effectively while it is warm.
Clay Beads
Clay beads and components made from clay minerals can also be used to absorb and diffuse essential oil. Make sure the beads are unpainted and uncoated, or the oil will not be absorbed. Polymer clay is not considered ideal for aromatherapy diffusion because polymer is not very porous and would not absorb the oils.
Wood Beads
Unpainted and uncoated wood beads and components are an acceptable material for aerial diffusion of essential oils. However, they generally do not retain the oils as well as lava beads.
New Materials
Feel free to experiment with new and different materials for diffusing essential oils. Just remember, when working with a new material, be sure to conduct a small test to make sure it can absorb the essential oils for satisfactory aromatherapy performance.
Locket Inserts and Aromatherapy Lockets
Add drops of your favorite essential oils to terra cotta, plaster or felt locket inserts, then place them inside aromatherapy lockets for beautiful looking (and smelling) jewelry creations.
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**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.