Key Terms
Kala Note: Our list of Key Terms is more of a “need-to-know” Kala description. We figured if you want some overly-detailed scientific or hardcore explanation you could, well, “Google it”. In the meantime, here is some of the knowledge we believe is important to better understand Kala and what we do.
C
Crystals– One of the many miraculous creations of Mother Earth, crystals differ from gemstones and minerals due to their unique geometrical atomic structure.
They have been used continually throughout history and modern-day practices for many purposes, including (but not limited to): healing, meditation, energy work, protection, storing information, elixirs, and the treating of food, plants, and auras.
The many variations of crystals, including size, structure, color, and other influential elements in their creation, directly affect the meaning and healing properties of the crystal. Check out Stone Meanings for a more in depth look at this topic.
Kala note: When you start working with crystals, do a little research. Find out what grade they are and where they are from. Spend some time meditating with them and allow your connection with the crystal to further your understanding. Oftentimes a crystal may have a different role or purpose for different individuals..
G
Gemstones- Rare minerals, also known as precious or semi-precious stones, commonly cut, polished, and used for making jewelry. Like crystals, gemstones have been used throughout history and modern times for many purposes including healing. (See above Crystals)
Gold-filled– Kala’s choice metal, rather than the commonly used gold-plated. Gold-filled is composed of a solid layer of gold, which must constitute at least 5% of the item’s total weight, mechanically bonded to sterling silver or a base metal. Some high quality gold-filled pieces have the same appearance as 14 karat (58%).
Kala Note: Gold-filled jewelry prevents tarnishing, while remaining cost-efficient comparatively to solid gold. It is also grouped into “allergen-friendly” metals.
Grade A++ – As with diamonds, in order to maintain the integrity needed, colored gemstones and crystals are valued and rated with the 4 C’s: cut, clarity, color and carat. Once the gemstone has been evaluated on these four criteria, a final grade is given to the gem. The final grade falls on a scale of AAA – D, with AAA being near perfect and D being a poor quality gemstone.
H
Healing Grade Stones- Kala makes it a priority to use healing-grade stones. In our experience, the higher the grade or overall integrity of the stone/crystal, the better the ability to maintain its true characteristics. This allows a stronger energetic expression of its natural healing properties.
Kala Note: We always provide the Grade of our material when applicable. We believe this is important information when buying and wearing jewelry. Afterall, knowledge is power!
K
Kala– root word taken from Sanskrit term Kalachakra. However, standing alone, Kala translates into the word “time” in Sanskrit.
Kalachakra- Sanskrit term meaning wheel of time or “time-cycles”.
Kula- Sanskrit word for tribe.
M
Mandala- a symbol historically used in Indian religions to represent the universe. In common use, “mandala” has become “a generic term for any diagram, chart, or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe,” or a circular symmetric figure.
S
Sanskrit- “an Indo-European, Indic language, in use since c1200 b.c. as their religious and classical literary language of India.” In Kala’s world it’s the beautiful language of spirituality.
Sterling Silver- Our other go-to metal, sterling silver jewelry supports the longevity and tarnish-free style we wholeheartedly believe in. The overly common silver “metals” in mainstream fashion such as tibetan silver, pewter, and silver-plated brass tarnish quickly and leave a colored residue on the skin. Trust us, it’s worth the investment.
Semi-Precious Stone- A term created to identify gemstones that were not precious stones but of higher value than most common stones.
Site
Difference Between Crystal and Gem | Difference Between http://www.differencebetween.net/object/comparisons-of-food-items/difference-between-crystal-and-gem/#ixzz4QBnlBx4f (web)
Love Is In The Earth, By: Melody. Earth Love Publishing house CR 1995 (book)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold-filled_jewelry (web)
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/sanskrit