Gemstone tree — Red jasper

A dense, entirely opaque brick red, sometimes veined with brown or cream.

A tree assembled wire by wire, leaf after leaf, from natural stone chips; the branches are shaped and spread by hand.

In tradition. The builders' stone in tradition, it is credited with endurance and grounding; it is associated with the root chakra.

Use & upkeep. The branches can be gently repositioned to the balance you want — that is intended, and it is what makes each tree end up resembling whoever set it. Dust with a soft brush or compressed air, never with a cloth, which catches on the wires.

• Jasper is a siliceous rock whose color comes from hematite; it can contain up to 20% foreign material.
• A natural piece: shade, veining and dimensions vary from one example to the next

A decorative object for personal practice. It is no substitute for medical advice or treatment.