Jane’s path into the world of crystals began with the breaking of a carefully built dam. In a season of deep vulnerability – navigating the weights of single motherhood and the sudden silence of a layoff – she found not just a piece of jewelry, but a tiny, sparkling ally in a simple citrine ring.
Her story is one of resilience, the courage to believe in a little magic, and the light that returns when we choose to see it. Plus, it offers a beautiful glimpse into how the “Success Stone” can help us manifest new beginnings and reclaim our joy when the path feels dark.
This article is part of our Crystal stories – inspirational articles showing how everyday people like you use crystals in their daily life to benefit, grow, de-stress, and heal.
On this page
I remember my first piece of “real” jewelry: a gold ring with a ruby stone. My mother tried to convince me to choose my birthstone, a sapphire, but my 4-year-old heart was set on that bright red gem. Fast-forward 36 years – I now love my birthstone and prefer garnets to rubies.
That moment sparked a lifelong love of shiny things. From holding and admiring the jewelry in my grandmother’s box to building an extensive rock collection, I’ve always been drawn to crystals in whatever form they appear. Just touching and looking at them brought me a sense of ease I couldn’t explain. What began as a simple sensory pleasure eventually became a metaphysical passion.
Finding Light During a Life Crisis
About 23 years ago, I was in a really bad place – emotionally and mentally. I built a dam around myself to keep everything from falling apart. I was a single mom to a young child, trying to hold it together. Then I was suddenly laid off, adding financial chaos to the mix. That was the final crack – the one that shattered my dam. I broke.
I felt like I was drowning in despair, with nothing to hold onto. No hope. A friend took me to her favorite crystal shop, tucked away in a conservative, well-to-do borough. It was your stereotypical Main Street, USA: boutiques filled with bland fashion and a quirky soda shop. This wasn’t the kind of place you’d expect to find “hippie-dippie nonsense.”
But the moment I walked in, I felt calm. Crystals and stones of every size and color surrounded me – statues, points, spheres, massive geodes that sparkled brighter than I imagined possible. What really caught my eye was the jewelry. It was displayed beautifully, each piece organized by stone type with a little card listing its benefits.
“Ah, so the crystals aren’t just pretty,” I remember thinking.
Discovering the Success Stone: My First Citrine Ring
After about 20 minutes of walking around and soaking in the serenity, my friend bought me a small silver ring with a stone meant to help with my situation: citrine.
Before this, I’d known about citrine – and hated it. The dark yellow reminded me of the nicotine-stained ceiling in the crappy apartment I was renting. But this citrine was different: light yellow, like sunlight through champagne.
“This is the success stone. It will help attract wealth. It’ll bring your joy back. No more gray skies, only sunlight – okay?”
I slid the citrine ring onto the middle finger of my right hand. It was simple, beautiful, and a kind gesture from a dear friend. Of course, I loved it, but I didn’t believe it would actually work. Still, what was the harm in pretending?
Using a Citrine Ring for Manifestation and New Beginnings
The next day started like any other. I got myself and my daughter ready, dropped her off at preschool, and instead of heading to work, I went job hunting. As I dressed, I slipped on the citrine ring and muttered, “Any little bit of luck helps, I guess.”
Imagine my surprise when the very first place I walked into asked me to interview on the spot and offered me a job. I started the next week. It became a job I loved, with teammates who supported me while I rebuilt my life.
“But J, was it really the stone or just a coincidence?”
I’d be lying if I said it definitely worked. Maybe it was a coincidence. Maybe it was timing. But I know this: wearing that citrine ring made me feel like I had a tiny ally, something in my corner, while I faced the storm.
Beyond the Citrine Ring: Embracing the Five Elements
Since then, I’ve grown in my spiritual journey. Crystals are now a part of my home and life. I work with the five elements and have five stones to represent them:
- Nephrite jade for Earth
- Selenite for Air
- Carnelian for Fire
- Pink tourmaline for Water
- Clear quartz for Spirit.
Yet that citrine ring still holds a special place in my heart.
There’s a crystal out there for everyone. Whether they’re used for decoration or a dose of confidence, there’s no wrong way to embrace them. Don’t let the skeptics or critics get in your head. Because really, what’s so bad about believing in a little magic?
Story by Jane Murray
Feeling inspired by Jane’s story? Would you like to bring similar crystals and stones into your own life? Here are some of the products, like the ones that are helping Jane, which you might enjoy:
1.14 ct citrine set in lovely leaf rhodium-plated silver ring, with added small zircons for extra blink.
Read other inspirational personal stories from the Crystal Stories series:
