Crystals are beautiful, but do they live up to the hype? We talk to people in Singapore to find out.
The obsession with healing crystals is real. Just search #CrystalTok on TikTok and you’ll find an endless number of videos, with individuals discussing their latest crystal buys and how to cleanse or charge them. We know these sparkling, iridescent gems are beautiful, but what’s with the hype? Do they really work? We speak to some of Singapore’s avid crystal collectors, sellers and healers to find out.
From old-fashioned to in fashion
When we think of crystals in Singapore, some of us might recall the large, seemingly impractical pieces of decor we used to see in old shops and offices. We never thought that years later, we’d be crazy about them. “In the past, crystals were mainly admired and collected by the older generation, and used for purposes such as feng shui,” says Edwin Koh, reiki master and crystal seller at De’Obsidian. However, more than 75% of his current customer base is now aged between 18 to 35.
Perhaps this is due to crystals being sold and packaged in aesthetic and pleasing ways to cater to young and fashion-conscious buyers. For example, Pearlyn Neo – founder of local crystals and accessories shop MoonAura – sells crystal products with a contemporary touch to appeal to the younger crowd. “As a kid, I was always around crystals. But when I grew older, I realised many people my age weren’t selling or wearing them in more modern ways. So with my shop, I wanted to put a fresh spin on things.”
Indeed, there are those who simply purchase crystals because of their beauty. Emily Rosadi, 26, collects crystals because they remind her of how nature can produce such amazing wonders. “I like how they come in different shapes, sizes and colours. Some of them have rainbows and inclusions (material that’s trapped within the mineral while it’s forming). Some even have what they call “fingerprints” inside them. It’s beautiful,” she says.
Fellow collector Lili Ong, 27, shares that her obsession with crystals only extends as far as their appearance. “I started collecting them because I think they’re so pretty,” she says. “It’s just for fun, and I usually like keeping collectibles, so this is just part of a phase I’m going through now.”
The soothing effect of crystals
The interest in crystals doesn’t solely fall under aesthetics. Another reason for the recent rise in demand is the belief that they have healing and soothing properties.
Alicia Loh, 29, shares that when she first began providing tarot reading and animal communication services (found on her Instagram page, Klarheity), she’d often feel drained and had the feeling of floating away after the end of every session. In looking for a solution, she bought her first crystal – a chevron amethyst stone that’s believed to relieve worries when rubbed. “I took it to a reading with me and kept it by my side, and when the session ended I noticed that I felt less drained and more anchored to the physical plane.”
These soothing, almost magical properties of crystals are likely what made them so popular when Covid-19 broke out in 2020. It was clearly a time when many were seeking out stability, peace, luck and harmony during uncertainty.
“I received plenty of requests for crystals in Singapore to aid with careers. This was when people were losing their jobs in the early days of the pandemic,” Edwin says. The number of views on his Instagram Live sales for crystals also tripled at the time. More customers came to him looking for crystals to help maintain harmony within the home. Especially as they had to spend an increasing amount of time cooped up with family members indoors.
“During that period, I believe people were also becoming more aware of the state of their physical and mental health,” Alicia says. “Access to conventional care and therapy isn’t something that’s readily available to everyone. So in addition to crystals being trendy and fashionable, individuals are also reaching out to it as an alternative method to treating their ailments.”
It’s all how you look at it
Do these benefits achieved from crystals sound too good to be true? Is it really possible for crystals to possess metaphysical properties we don’t see?
“I often tell my customers that as much as crystals give out energy, it’s important for [people] to put in the personal work as well,” Pearlyn says. “I let them know to use the crystals as a reminder of why they’re working towards the change they want to see. For example, when I use the rose quartz crystal (the stone of love), I remind myself that self-love and compassion for self is what comes first.”
“Once you start to love yourself, you naturally give out the right vibes to attract the love you desire.”
Do crystals really hold some magic to them? Perhaps that’s secondary. At the end of the day, it’s possible that just believing helps us to align our thoughts with our actions to produce the results we desire. And maybe that is what’s most important!
Thinking of jumping onto the crystal trend? Whether you’re looking to add new decor to your home, an accessory to your jewellery collection, or another gemstone to alleviate stress and worry, these crystal shops will help you find what you need.
And remember: life can sometimes get rocky, but maybe it’s because you’re a gem.