The wisdom of gemstones

Ica Manalo-Sebastian is a woman who embodies the creative world. Her Red Jasper store in Rockwell is a popular go-to place for women who collect artisan jewelry. Sebastian’s line of jewelry is markedly Asian in its rendition. She travels to various countries to select her stones and is personally responsible for every design that comes out of her workshop. This craftswoman’s fascination with gemstones goes beyond the aesthetic. She believes these stones are tools that attract positive energy.

Sebastian explains, “We have all heard about how stones are used for aiding those who are physically and emotionally unwell. Many believe that gemstones act as containers for energy, which makes them so helpful in healing.  Stones are willing to have negative energies transferred into them. The negativity caught in the stone is contained inside the stone’s structure 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. To this Sebastian has a simple solution, “Cleaning your stones help purge them of past negative energy.”

Some stones and their healing characteristics are:

Agate —  It attracts strength and is a protection from bad dreams. It also protects one from stress, weakening of energy and is used for stomach upsets. Although agate can’t change emotions, it helps to change our level of acceptance of the emotion.

Amber — Early physicians prescribed amber for headaches, heart problems, arthritis and kidneys. Amber is technically not a stone but a fossilized sap from trees.

Aquamarine — Aids in deepening one’s state of meditation as it induces peace and serenity. The ancient Romans believed it to cure stomach, liver and throat ailments.

Amethyst — A perfect stone to use in fighting insomnia, it also guards against guilty and fearful feelings and has been worn as protection from self-deception.

Bloodstone — A green stone with spots of red, the bloodstone is used for circulation of all energy in the body and helps to remove energy blocks. Bloodstone is used in the alignment of all the centers of the body.  It also aids in the circulation of blood.

Citrine —  Also known as the “stone of the mind” or  the lucky “Merchant’s Stone.”  It is believed that keeping citrine in your place of business significantly increases sales.

Coral — Known as the garden of the sea, coral symbolizes life and blood force energy. Dark red coral is used for heating and stimulating the bloodstream. Pink shades restore harmony to the heart. It is used as an aid to depression, lethargy or deficient nutrition.

Crystal quartz — Although a fairly common stone, its power is significant. It is mainly used in healing as amplification for the energies of the other working stones.

Garnet — This dark colored stone is known to help stimulate successful business. It is also known to raise self-esteem and to strengthen friendships.

Jasper — This stone comes in many colors and gives one the courage to speak out and have personal independence. It also protects from fears in the night. Red jasper is thought to help balance the energy in the body. All jaspers help balance the emotional energy in the body.

Malachite — Believed to be a strong protector of children, it is said to protect the wearer from accidents and protects travelers. Malachite has been used to aid success in business and protect against undesirable business associations. It is a stone of balance in relationships.

Moonstone — It is used by healers to stimulate the functioning of the pineal gland and balance internal hormone cycles with nature’s rhythms. Moonstone is a stone of inner growth and strength. Though often considered to be a woman’s stone, it can also be beneficial to men in opening the emotional self.

Onyx — This stone is used as a protection against those that direct negativity that is directed towards the wearer. Carrying an Onyx stone also sharpens one’s senses and increases self-confidence.

Rhodonite — This beautiful stone soothes the nervous system, promotes love and a feeling of wholeness. Just holding this gemstone promotes relaxation and brings a sense of well-being.

Rose quartz — It is well known for its calming effects. It is also known as the “love stone” as it promotes understanding and compassion.

(Red Jasper is located at the Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City.)

Photography by

JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA