The History of Healing Stone Jewelry: Ancient Beliefs and Modern Practices

The history of healing stones stretches back thousands of years, as various cultures have believed in the metaphysical properties of gemstones and minerals. The term ‘healing stone’ refers to a type of material typically in the form of gemstone or crystal believed to have some healing or health promoting qualities. Many ancient cultures held that specific gems contained vibrations or energy fields able to catalyze a person’s self-healing. These stones have been thought to possess healing powers and symbolic significance, with each stone associated with specific emotional, spiritual, or physical benefits. Healing stones aren’t just a relic of ancient history and due to a resurgence of interest during the New Age movement of the 1960s, 1970s and 80s. Crystal healing became more mainstream during this time, with holistic health practitioners and spiritual seekers using stones like rose quartz, amethyst, and citrine to promote emotional well-being, balance energy, and encourage self-healing.

But where did the idea originate? Let’s look at a few early believers in healing stones. 

The Sumerians in Mesopotamia (circa 3000 BC) were among the first to document the use of healing stones, using crystals like lapis lazuli and carnelian in jewelry and amulets. Ancient Egyptians also integrated gemstones into their culture, believing certain stones provided protection, health, and success in the afterlife. Turquoise, malachite, and clear quartz were especially prized. The Egyptians placed these stones in burial tombs, and pharaohs wore them for both their beauty and supposed mystical properties.

In India (circa 1500 BC), the concept of healing stones was central to Ayurvedic medicine, where stones were used to balance the body's energy, or chakras. Sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds were believed to correspond with specific chakras, each capable of influencing emotional and physical health. The Vedas, ancient Hindu texts, described the use of gemstones for healing and protective purposes.

In ancient China (circa 2000 BC), jade was considered a sacred stone and was believed to promote physical and spiritual healing. It is still used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine and symbolizes purity, protection, and longevity. Chinese emperors wore jade to channel its energy, believing it could prolong life and enhance wisdom.

Modern proponents of healing stones believe that crystals work by interacting with the body’s energy fields, or chakras, and can aid in alleviating stress, enhancing creativity, and bringing emotional balance. While there is no scientific evidence to support the healing powers of stones, their use continues to grow in popularity as part of wellness practices, meditation, and spiritual rituals. 

Though not always worn for their healing properties, certain precious and semi precious gemstones have the added dimension of healing and protecting. Today we’re going to dive into some of our favorite precious and semi-precious healing stones - we love that these stones create magic for the wearer in aesthetic, sentimental and spiritual ways! 

How Exactly Do Stones Heal?

The approach to healing stones is that every gemstone brings out a certain vibration or frequency and interacts with the energy channels in the body, which are the chakras. When someone wears or holds the healing stone, it is thought that the stone’s frequency helps to balance or align the chakras, thereby promoting overall well-being. Different stones are thought to aid with different ailments, depending on their unique properties and energies.

While there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of healing stones, they continue to be used by many for their potential benefits and as a form of holistic therapy. Let's explore some of the most popular healing stones and their unique properties.

Amethyst: The Stone of Serenity

Amethyst is a type of quartz known for its striking purple color, which can range from light lavender to deep violet. This gemstone is formed in volcanic rock cavities and is mainly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia. The color is caused by the presence of iron and other trace elements. Amethyst is a popular choice for healing jewelry, often used in necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Amethyst is believed to provide calming, protective energies, emotional balance, calmness, and mental clarity. It is believed to help with issues like insomnia, anxiety, and stress, making it a popular choice for those seeking peace and relaxation. Amethyst is also thought to enhance spiritual awareness and intuition, assisting in meditation and spiritual practices.

Sapphire: The Stone of Wisdom

Sapphires are known for their deep blue color, but they can also be found in various other shades, such as pink, yellow, green, and purple. These precious gemstones are a type of corundum that form in metamorphic rocks under high pressure and temperature. The primary sources of sapphires are Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Australia.  Sapphires are believed to enhance wisdom, focus, and mental clarity. They are also believed to protect against negative energies and help with emotional balance, making it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their mental strength and resilience.

Turquoise: The Stone of Protection

The blue-green color of turquoise is its most outstanding feature and its range of colors include pale blue, green of many shades and some veining. This stone is a composition created mainly by copper and aluminum, borne and developed in dry places. Turquoise is mostly found in the US (Arizona and Nevada), Iran, Egypt and Tibet.  Turquoise has been incorporated in jewelry since ancient times, mostly in the form of an amulet for defense. Turquoise is thought to provide protection, energy and healing. Additionally, Turquoise is said to help with communication, self-expression and assisting on the path of spirituality as well as alleviating respiratory problems and inflammation.

Ruby: The Stone of Passion

Rubies are known for the rich shade of red that they possess, ranging from the pale pink, through to the deepest crimson. Ruby, like sapphire, is a type of corundum mineral and occurs in metamorphic rocks under conditions of extreme pressure and heat. Rubies are thought to improve one’s passion and courage, increase energy, excitement, passion and strengthen personal will. People attribute this to its ability to activate the heart chakra which is responsible for love, self-love, and courage. 

Aquamarine: The Stone of Tranquility

Aquamarine is a pale blue to light green gemstone, a variety of the mineral beryl. Its name comes from the Latin words for "water" and "sea," reflecting its oceanic hues. Aquamarine is formed in granite pegmatites and is often used in designs inspired by the sea or water. As a healing stone, aquamarine is believed to bring tranquility and calmness to the wearer, making it ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation. Aquamarine is associated with calming energies, stress reduction, and promoting clear communication. Aquamarine is believed to help soothe anxiety and support emotional healing. 

Peridot: The Stone of Renewal

Peridot is a bright green gemstone with a yellowish hue and was referred to as "the evening emerald" by early Romans because of its sparkle that could be seen day or night. Peridot is formed in volcanic rocks and is primarily mined in Arizona, Pakistan, and China. As a healing stone, it is believed to help renew energy, bring positive changes, promote renewal, growth, and emotional balance. It is also believed to help reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts, promoting a sense of well-being and self-confidence.

Emerald: The Stone of Love

Emeralds are known for their deep green color. Emerald is a variety of beryl and is formed in metamorphic rocks under high-pressure conditions. Emeralds are primarily mined in Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil. Emeralds are believed to enhance love, loyalty, and compassion, making it a popular choice for gifts between romantic partners. Emeralds are also associated with the heart chakra, promoting love, compassion, and emotional healing - including recovery from emotional trauma and enhancement of mental clarity and focus.

Diamond: The Stone of Purity

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, renowned for their brilliance and clarity. They are formed under extreme pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle. Diamonds are perhaps the most popular precious gemstone in jewelry, used in everything from engagement rings to necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. As a healing stone, diamonds are believed to offer protection and enhance clarity, strength, balance, strength, and clarity. They are believed to help enhance spiritual growth, protect against negative energies, and promote courage and resilience.

A Note on Healing Stones

While healing stone jewelry offers a beautiful way to express personal style and beliefs, it is essential to remember that these stones are not scientifically proven to cure or treat any medical conditions. At Jack Weir & Sons, we make no promises that these stones have actual healing properties.