Romancing the stone
Jeweler Ica Sebastian of Red Jasper has been fascinated with the beauty and power of gemstones. “Precious stones are lovely no doubt,” explains Ica. “But semi-precious stones have a charm about them that make them irresistible to women.”
Ica adds, “Many believe that gemstones hold on to and act as containers for energy, which makes them so helpful in healing. For healing, stones are willing to have negative energies transferred into them. They then hold onto it until it can be safely flushed away. Healing stones don’t need to be gemstones – river and lake stones work wonderfully.”
This ability to hold on to energy also means that new gemstones do not retain their “freshness.” They are holding energies from past owners, those who mine, polish, set and display them. “Cleaning your stones help purge them of past negative energy.”
Ica explains that gemstones’ healing properties work both on the body and on the mind. Through the years, gemstones have come to symbolize various moods and characteristics. Some examples are:
Amethyst – Healing on all levels – body, mind, and spirit. Raises vibrational frequency and protects against negative energies.
Turquoise – Transmutes negative energy into positive.
Hematite – Grounding. Clarifies thought, improves memory, and calms anxiety.
Lapiz lazuli – Deep wisdom and intuition. Opens the third eye and leads to enlightenment.
Moonstone – Balances yin and yang. Enhances the inner feminine and acceptance for yin attributes.
Opal – Amplifies emotion, insight, and spontaneity. Very potent, and can cause difficulties with the wrong person.
Pearl – Pure mind and heart. Balances emotions and reduces stress.
Quartz – Attracts, amplifies, and sends energy.
Rose quartz – Balances yin and yang, restoring harmony after emotional wounding.
Hematite- Highly spiritual yet grounding. Uplifting to unconditional love. Aligns chakras and opens heart.
Photography by Joanne Zapanta-Andrada • Model: Stephanie Retuya • Makeup by Ms. MJ at Acqua Salon, Westgate, Alabang (771-1340) • RED JASPER is located at Rockwell Powerplant, Makati City
