Crystals and gemstones have long been worn for their beauty and power since humankind’s beginnings, and as more people embrace holistic lifestyles, beautiful crystal and gemstone jewelry is increasingly sold across the board.

But, what exactly differentiates crystals and gems? One major distinction lies in their atomic structures – crystals have an ordered lattice pattern while gems can have either fibrous or amorphous structures.

Chakras

Chakras are energy centers connected with our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. They’re often at the heart of alternative medicine practices like Ayurveda; and also appear in religious traditions such as Hinduism.

Some people believe that certain gemstones possess healing properties for each chakra, for instance wearing a purple crystal can promote tranquility and help them sleep soundly; other stones like red quartz and amethyst may increase energy and creativity, while spiritual stones like turquoise provide soothing azure calming properties which aid with dealing with loss and fear.

Western medicine has not studied chakra healing extensively, yet it could potentially have some impact on physical wellbeing. One possibility suggests that our pineal gland could correspond with certain chakras – although this remains only an hypothesis and more research needs to be completed on this matter.

Personal style

Crystal and gemstone jewelry has become a fashion must-have in an age where many are seeking healing and positivity in the face of constant change, offering beauty with intention. Wear it to attract love, gain prosperity, protect against negativity or find clarity of thought – each crystal and stone has a special energy which can support our intentions.

Val Garland was part of a recent Vogue shoot where makeup artist Duckie Thot’s face would be decorated with tumbled rose quartz, agate, and tourmaline stones from her collection before beginning work on her face. “I believe in their power,” says Val.

Make the most of their powers by wearing crystal and gemstone jewelry directly on the skin, where its minerals can interact more directly with your own vibrational frequencies and interact more efficiently. Or place the stones near pulse points or chakras for maximum benefit.

Intentions

People often use crystals and gemstones as tools for manifesting their intentions – be they healing, love, abundance or protection. By pairing a clear intention with these stones’ energies, their effects can enhance and support your goals while serving as physical reminders throughout the day.

Intentions are crucial in aligning thoughts, emotions and actions toward your desired goal. By adding crystal and gemstone jewelry into the mix, your intentions become even stronger – giving you the strength necessary to shape the life you envision for yourself.

Gems and crystals should be distinguished, since not all precious and semiprecious stones (coral, pearls, ivory, lapis lazuli, opals and obsidian are organic gems). Additionally, certain minerals like salt do not possess crystal structures similar to crystals so aren’t considered gems or crystals.

When purchasing crystal and gemstones to assist your intentions, always source them ethically from companies who do their part to fight exploitation. To do this, read labels, ask about sources and check for telltale signs such as chips and scratches to identify ethical suppliers.

Healing properties

Crystal healing and gemstones can help ease mental tension, promote emotional well-being and facilitate spiritual exploration. But these methods should never serve as a replacement for medical attention; always consult your physician or mental health provider with any symptoms you are experiencing.

Crystals work best when placed close to you, so wearing jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet is one way to keep them close at hand. Or you could use them in your home or office as task aids. Or use them during meditation; hold one in your non-dominant hand while breathing or setting an intention such as love or grounding and watch for what it tells you!

When purchasing healing gemstones, be sure to choose pieces from sellers who strive to source them sustainably and ethically. Such sellers provide fair wages and working conditions for their employees – they go above and beyond in working with trusted partners who meet these criteria.