Deep within the earth, forged by quakes and the shifting of tectonic plates, rare stones owe their uniqueness to their chemical composition. Could these natural gemstones also harbour energies that improve our well-being?
When Queen Camilla waved off the Emir of Qatar and his wife at the close of their two-day state visit to the UK, her fashion choices captured attention.
Eagle-eyed observers were quick to notice her stunning three-strand pearl choker, featuring a geometric diamond clasp encasing a single amethyst.
A cherished piece in her collection, Camilla has donned this necklace for decades. It made its debut at her first official engagement with the National Osteoporosis Society in 2002.
That same year, she wore the necklace, with an additional strand of pearls, at the Queen Mother’s funeral and again during the announcement of her engagement to Prince Charles in February 2005.
The choice of amethyst – a gemstone associated with wellness and health – is particularly apt as Camilla recovers from pneumonia.
Amethyst, a variety of quartz, is chemically composed of silicon dioxide. Quartz forms in lava, where gas bubbles become trapped, creating cavities that allow crystals to grow.
Known as the ‘all-purpose’ stone, amethyst is said to alleviate stress and anxiety, fostering calmness and wisdom.
The choice of an amethyst necklace – a gemstone associated with wellness and health – is particularly apt as Camilla recovers from pneumonia
Maxwell Stone, Creative Director at Steven Stone, said: ‘Amethyst is known for its associations with wellness and health, making it a particularly fitting choice for Queen Camilla, who continues to carry out her royal duties while recovering from pneumonia.
‘The stone’s healing properties add an extra layer of meaning to the necklace, symbolising strength and resilience during this challenging time.’
Crystal jewellery is often thought to promote physical, spiritual and emotional well-being by interacting with the body’s energy points.
Mr Stone told MailOnline: ‘Healing gemstones are believed to enhance both physical and mental well-being by harnessing their unique energetic properties to promote balance, alleviate stress and support emotional healing.
‘A few popular examples include amethyst, known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, black tourmaline, thought to absorb negative energy, and turquoise, revered as a protective stone that fosters emotional harmony.
‘Each gemstone offers distinct benefits, helping to improve overall well-being in various ways. It’s easy to see why they’ve become a popular choice in everyday jewellery.’
A number of royals, known for their symbolic sartorial choices, have embraced gemstone jewellery thought to possess such healing properties – as we explore below.
Catherine, Princess of Wales
Kate has been spotted wearing Missoma’s ‘Mini Pyramid’ charm hoop earrings, priced at £85, on at least nine occasions.
These dainty earrings, handcrafted from 18-carat gold-plated vermeil, feature pink rhodochrosite gemstones, which are associated with love and compassion.
The earrings were particularly poignant during her November 2023 visit to Sebby’s Corner in Barnet, where she launched an initiative supporting families during the festive season.
Rhodochrosite is said to deepen emotional connections and encourage unconditional love.
Kate has been spotted wearing Missoma’s ‘Mini Pyramid’ charm hoop earrings, priced at £85, on at least nine occasions
The dainty earrings feature pink rhodochrosite gemstones, associated with love and compassion
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Meghan has often used her jewellery to convey meaning. During the coronation weekend, she wore the £445 ‘Clarity Retreat’ necklace designed by her friend and Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, in collaboration with Maya Brenner.
Made with hand-cut clear quartz – a crystal believed to amplify energy and promote inner peace – the necklace also features a 2.5mm diamond, combining elegance with purpose.
During the coronation weekend, she wore the £445 Clarity Retreat necklace designed by her friend and Suits co-star, Abigail Spencer, in collaboration with Maya Brenner
Made with hand-cut clear quartz – a crystal believed to amplify energy and promote inner peace – the necklace also features a 2.5mm diamond, combining elegance with purpose
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh
Sophie frequently wears Monica Vinader’s ‘Siren’ earrings, which include amazonite crystals, known as the ‘hope stone’.
Priced at £115, these earrings were a fitting choice during her recent visit to Ethiopia as a Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
Amazonite is thought to balance intellect and intuition, supporting spiritual healing and fostering clarity.
Monica Vinader’s ‘Siren’ earrings were a fitting choice during Sophie recent visit to Ethiopia as a Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
The versatile stud earrings include amazonite crystals, known as the ‘hope stone’
