The meaning behind every symbol and stone

Pixiu is a winged lion from Chinese legend, said to devour gold and silver and never let any go. That is why it became Feng Shui's best-loved keeper of wealth. Wear it on the left hand with its head facing outward, towards the world, so it can gather.

In Tibetan and Chinese tradition a red string is tied at the left wrist, the receiving side, often with a knot for each wish or blessing. Red is the colour of life and luck; the string is a small, daily reminder that you are protected.

Cinnabar's deep vermilion red has been treasured in Chinese tradition as the colour of life force and good fortune, and carved into talismans for protection and prosperity.

Copper worked by hand, silver engraved with mantras, beads strung for counting prayers: pieces in the Tibetan style carry the visual language of a culture where faith is worn every day.

Om Mani Padme Hum, the six-syllable mantra of compassion, and the Heart Sutra, the shortest teaching on letting go, are engraved so they can travel with you. Turning a mantra ring is a moment of attention, a breath you take on purpose.

Each of the seven chakra stones is matched to an energy centre, from the red root to the violet crown. Worn together, they stand for balance: nothing too much, nothing forgotten.

The blue eye and the open hand are among the oldest protective symbols in the world, said to return ill will to where it came from.

In Chinese culture the dragon is not a monster but a bringer of rain, strength and good fortune: power that serves.

The lotus rises clean from muddy water; the endless knot has no beginning and no end. Together they speak of growth through difficulty and of everything being connected.

Wood, fire, earth, metal and water, and the turning circle of yin and yang: the Chinese way of seeing life as movement and balance.

In the Chinese zodiac each year has an animal and each animal a guardian. Wearing yours is a way of keeping your own year's blessings close.

A mala of 108 beads is used to count mantras or breaths in meditation, one bead at a time, until the mind settles.

The Buddha for awakening, Guanyin for mercy: worn as a reminder of the calm and compassion you are reaching for.