We learnt about the power of crystal healing – wearing crystals can up your fashion game too!
I may not be a firm believer, but there’s just something about crystals that gets me all wide-eyed. Maybe it’s because crystals are known to hold incredible healing powers for the mind, body and soul. Or the pandemic has soaked up all the good vibes and I’d do anything to remove bad juju. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for pretty, sparkly things…
Nonetheless, there was a pep in my step as I made my way to chat with founder Shu of Covet Crystals Jewelry (CCJ). Conceptualised in 2017, the accessory brand bridges the gap between crystal healing and stylish jewellery, using over 50 authentic and high quality crystals and gemstones. And no tacky, outdated designs here – each piece is a stunner and makes a great accompaniment for your outfit. In fact, there’s no reason to second guess Shu’s style. Just take a peek at her fashion diary and you’ll see what we mean!
During our chat, I was humbled by her experiences and even learnt a thing or two about myself as she created a personalised piece for me. But enough about me. Let’s dive into the world of crystal healing jewellery, shall we?
Hi Shu! Tell us about the first time you were introduced to crystals. How did the idea of blending crystals and jewellery come about?
My mother passed away from pancreatic cancer when I was five months pregnant with my first child. The death was so sudden that it devastated me. I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye.
Depression and grief overwhelmed me during that period. On top of that, I had personal issues to deal with. I knew I needed help. I needed to survive and function for my child so I started looking at holistic healing methods and stumbled across crystal healing. From there, my journey with crystal healing started.
I scoured local retail shops and overseas online shops, hoping to find crystal jewellery stylish enough to wear, as I’m an avid fashionista. Years ago, most crystal jewellery was simply strings of beads which did not appeal to me. Luxury jewellery houses like Tiffany & Co and Van Cleef Arpels carried crystal jewellery, but most of the gemstones used were not big enough to be suitable for crystal healing. And if they were, the prices were beyond my reach.
So I started carrying little crystals and stones in my pockets and bags to aid my healing. After two years of doing so, I got fed up and decided to tap into my fine arts education to create jewellery suitable for crystal healing and yet fashionable enough to up my #OOTD game.
From there, CCJ was born.
What were some challenges you faced during the conceptualisation of the brand?
Allowing people to understand my art and concept of marrying crystal healing with fashion. I believe I am the first to start this movement and this idea of crystal healing fashion jewellery was very new. As with anything new, there is a tendency that the idea might appear crazy. But I’m so glad the message translated well and my clients could feel my sincerity to spread the love and fashion swag.
Tell us the benefits of wearing crystal jewellery.
Crystal healing can promote better physical and mental health by improving the flow of energy. It can also help block or rid the body of negative energy which can affect the mind and body. It also improves mental health, enhances physical health and completes your #OOTD looks.
What’s one gemstone you were most excited to source?
I would say it’s jade. There isn’t a lot of jade jewellery in the form of beads. It usually comes in bangles or is set in necklaces. When I found out that I could acquire A-grade jade in beads, I got very excited. Plus, jade is my first love!
Tell us about your latest collection!
There’s an ongoing theme in most of the collections. One of the latest is called Light & Deluge, influenced by the heavy downfall back in January. I drive a lot and the colours are inspired by me sitting in the car, in the dark with twinkling lights. Each gemstone represents different things – “there to love”, “there to change” and “there to grow”.
If you look closer, you’ll notice a certain pattern in the pieces: the three gemstones. I call this the Trinity setting. The design may be simple but it took me eight to nine months to perfect this. If you wear the bracelet, no matter how you turn your hand, you’ll notice the beauty of the design and its even weight distribution.
Another collection is the Femininity series. Each bracelet represents a trait I think most women can relate to and wish to manifest. Each piece has been curated with thought, to ensure the intention and meaning of the stone represents their personalities. Side note: the pieces are named after Greek goddesses such as Hera, Flautina and Athena!
That sounds fab. With crystal jewellery care, are there major no-nos we should take note of?
Use a soft, dry cloth without chemicals to pat your jewellery lightly to whisk moisture or dirt away. Keep them in a dry space, away from sunlight. You may choose to return them to the plastic pouches they came with, to slow down oxidation. Please keep CCJ jewelry away from liquids. We always include care card instructions with all orders but should that be misplaced, clients can always refer to our online boutique for details.
Over the years, have you come across any naysayers?
A good percentage of our clients started shopping with us because they love our designs and our top quality crystals, or come highly recommended by their friends. These #CCJGirls wore CCJ jewellery with the intention of upping their #OOTD game.
But once they started, they mentioned they felt a difference in their demeanour. They were happier, less stressed and somehow, life started to pass more smoothly for them.
From there, the non-believers became converts! And they now shop their CCJ jewelry with more intentionality towards their feelings and goals, aside from the fashion aspect.
Based on what our clients have experienced, the power of crystals can still work its magic whether one starts out as a believer or not.
That’s amazing! What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I’m very blessed to say there are a few but if I must pinpoint one, it was when we were invited to be part of the Yahoo SG creator series. To be recognised by them for my original work as an artist, was such an honour. They did a feature on me using natural crystals and gemstones in my art.
Share some tips for those who are new to the crystal healing game.
When a new client is unsure of which CCJ piece to start her journey, I suggest they listen to their inner wisdom. This means to shortlist three to five pieces that attract them the most. Then, we have a chat about their concerns and I point out the most suitable piece for them. They can also choose to take the chakra test available at our online boutique. I’ll assess their chakra scores, which can lead to a better understanding of what they possibly require.
You’re quite the fashionista! What are your top 5 wardrobe staples?
- Wrap dresses: very forgiving and versatile. You can dress down with ballet flats or slippers during the day; and high heels for cocktail nights or with pumps for work.
- Ankle boots: they’re super flattering to wear with dresses or denim shorts. Wearing ankle boots never fails to give my outfit an edgy vibe when I want to feel a little ‘cool’.
- Black structured tote bag: I enjoy the idea of versatility and having my money’s worth by getting my fashion hauls to ‘work’ many looks for me. As tote bags are roomy, they’re practical for work. But the structured shape also lends a polished look to an evening outfit.
- Black thong slippers: they seriously go with everything. And not to mention, they’re extremely comfortable.
- CCJ bracelets: I never leave home without wearing at least two. Either stacked or one on each wrist. All designs have been thought out with the utmost care from the healing to the aesthetic aspect. They’re meant to go with any outfit; to be worn for any occasion and at any time. And honestly, however, you wish to stack them, they will always look luxe.
Finally, it’s evident that you know your jewellery. Tell us some accessory trends for 2021.
Oh, thank you! I dare not say I’m a trend expert but I do believe that the accessories trend is getting more bold and chunky. People in Singapore are definitely starting to appreciate the importance of accessorising and how jewellery can complete a look.
Our latest collection is the Raw Series which has taken a different approach from CCJ’s usual refined style, venturing into a bolder, rawer feel of stones.
After chatting with Shu, I took a chakra test myself and left with a carnelian gemstone in the La Forma Square bracelet. It promotes feelings of courage, supports strength and vitality, and increases feelings of positivity. Overall, it was quite therapeutic to talk to Shu about my chakras and what I needed help with. I’ll admit that I’m not a convert (yet!), but boy am I loving how it looks on me. Plus, it goes well with all my outfits. It’s a definite win for me!
Covet Crystals Jewelry, available online
