CRYSTAL CRAZY
Stone me! Now Harry’s ex has fallen for the mystical power of semi-precious gems. We ask why so many British celebs have gone...
THERE was a time when women yearned for only one kind of glistening rock. But check out any self-respecting A-lister’s dressing table these days and you’re likely to find it groaning under the weight of chunks of trendy crystal rather than diamonds – thanks to the positive powers they’re said to emanate.
These gems were once the preserve of the hippy brigade. But now they’ve made their way into the mainstream – and are even proving popular in High Street stores.
Cressida Bonas, Prince Harry’s ex, is the latest convert to the crystal craze, telling friends she is hoarding stones such as quartz, red jasper and green aventurine to help improve her awareness, clarity, energy, strength and honesty.
She joins the likes of Adele, Cara Delevingne and Louise Redknapp, all of whom believe in the positive power of their crystal collections.
Victoria Beckham is such a fan that she even gives them to her staff to keep them calm.
There is no scientific evidence that the rocks bring health and wellbeing benefits, but Mrs Beckham’s ‘crystal healer’, Emma Lucy Knowles, says: ‘Crystals pulsate with energy and vibrate, and that has a soothing effect when in contact with skin.
‘Different crystals help us in different ways, whether that’s to draw out negative energy or pull in positive energy.
‘You have to spend time – and make them your friend – to get the best effects.’
Explaining the new trend, she adds: ‘Crystals have grown in popularity because they’re aspirational and accessible. In ancient times, kings and queens carried crystals as talismans, now celebrities are doing that and sharing what they’re doing on social media – and everyone else wants to try it.’ And there are various, even bizarre, ways to get the full effect, says Mrs Knowles. For example, she claims that placing a tiger eye in your bra can help bring confidence on a first date.
If you prefer rose quartz, it will promote unconditional love and is great for skin, while peridot crystal can help assist with contraction pains for women during labour. Perhaps this is why lingerie brand Max & Vera is even selling underwear with pockets for crystals.
So, from Victoria Beckham’s Black Obsidian to Kate Moss’s Pallasite Meteorite, here are the crystals that Britain’s celebrities and socialites hope will bring them, happiness, health and yet more outrageous good fortune…