The belief that crystals carry energetic properties is far from new. Across cultures and centuries, stones and gems have been worn as talismans, healing aids, and symbols of protection—from ancient Egyptian burial jewelry to traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practice.
Today, that same fascination has found new life in the wellness world, where crystals are embraced as tools for intention-setting, mindfulness, and emotional grounding. Whether you are simply interested in crystals as jewelry or fully believe in their metaphysical connections, crystals are a way to anchor our thoughts and purposes—a solid reminder of how we want to conduct and encourage ourselves.
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Next chapter of the same story
Arao’s Soul collection was the first crystal bracelet that I got—its unique setting with a pearl looks beautiful stacked with any piece of jewelry.
For a brand built on pearls, launching a crystal collection might seem like a departure. For Arao Fine Jewellery founder Mirabel Rosar, it’s simply the next chapter of the same story—one about energy, intention, and the light each person carries within.
Best known for its work with the golden South Sea Pearl, the Philippine national gem, Arao has introduced the Soul collection: a line that pairs hand-picked baroque pearls with faceted crystals, each chosen for the specific energy it brings to the wearer.
The collection grew out of a desire to deepen the wearer’s connection to their jewelry—not just visually but also energetically. “We wanted people to connect with their Arao jewelry energetically,” Rosar says.
Beyond the symbolism already woven into pearls, the team wanted to layer in the distinct properties of crystals, elevating the craft with faceted stones for extra sparkle alongside a solitaire, hand-selected baroque pearl.
Diving into the Soul collection
Each piece in the Soul collection carries its own meaning, built around the properties of the crystal paired with the pearl:
- Aquamarine: Called the “Mermaid Stone,” it holds the calming hues of the ocean, offering emotional clarity, balance, and a sense of inner strength and courage.
- Amethyst: A prized purple quartz linked to peace, intuition, and personal growth, known for easing stress and fostering a more tranquil state of mind.
- Citrine: A radiant yellow quartz that channels sunlight and inner confidence. Nicknamed the “Merchant’s Stone,” it’s said to draw success in business and finance.
- Smokey Quartz: A grounding stone associated with focus and manifestation, believed to support transformation and new beginnings.
- Clear Quartz: Known as the “Master Healer,” this amplifying stone is best worn alongside others, enhancing mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Larimar: A rare stone found only in the Dominican Republic carrying the colors of sky and sea. It’s considered a powerful ally for releasing stress, anxiety, and outdated emotional patterns.
- Moonstone: Regarded as the stone of the Divine Feminine, associated with intuition, creativity, and welcoming new beginnings.
- Prehnite: A pale, luminous green stone known as the “Stone of Unconditional Love,” valued for promoting calm, restful sleep, and stress relief.
- Rose Quartz: The “Heart Stone,” long tied to compassion and emotional healing. Ancient Egyptians reportedly used it in facial masks for its anti-aging properties; today it’s prized for deepening love and connection.
- Green Aventurine: A stone of emotional healing that’s said to help wearers move past regret and sorrow, encouraging empowerment and courage.
Asked which combinations resonate most, Rosar’s comes easily: stacking larimar bracelets for their blend of sky and sea tones alongside pairings of rose quartz, prehnite, and amethyst—the last being a personal birthstone.
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Everyday luxury for every day
Arao takes its name from the root word of araw-araw, Filipino for “every day”—a nod to the brand’s guiding philosophy of everyday luxury.
Launched in December 2020, Arao Fine Jewellery built its foundation on ethically-sourced, sustainable pieces that spotlight the golden South Sea Pearl. Though headquartered as an international brand in Hong Kong, its heart and roots remain firmly Filipino.
The brand’s artisanal, classic-modern designs are crafted with a clear intention: helping people discover and shine their own inner light, every day.
What started as an e-commerce venture has since grown into physical presences at Rustan’s Shangri-La Mall, Azucar, and AC632 in Greenbelt 5, Makati alongside standing shops at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong and Novel Fineries at The Peninsula Hong Kong. Arao has also made appearances through pop-ups at The Carlyle & Co, Soho House, and Upper House in Hong Kong—and is a regular fixture at Artefino at The Fifth in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell.
The brand’s artisanal, classic-modern designs are crafted with a clear intention: helping people discover and shine their own inner light, every day
The Soul collection isn’t stopping at necklaces and bracelets. Given the strong response from the market, Arao plans to keep expanding the line. The brand has already introduced uniquely-cut agate necklaces, each featuring a solitaire South Sea Pearl sourced from the Philippines—a sign of more innovation to come.
Where to shop for crystals
Wearing your energy with crystals is a way to carry your good vibes wherever you go. Adding them to your home is another way to decorate and incorporate their metaphysical properties in your everyday life.
1. 5D Healing Crystals
A long time destination for crystal lovers, hidden in the maze of stalls. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about crystals, especially if you are new to collecting
G/F, Makati Central Square, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City
2. The Crystal HousePh
Online sellers are plentiful, but not all are as generous with their time and knowledge as those behind The Crystal House who carry all sizes of crystal jewelry as well as stones for display.
Instagram: @thecrystalhouseph
3. Clear Space Manila
Jen, the person behind Clear Space, is passionate about what she does. Sourcing the best specimens from all over the world, she finds what each client needs with deep intention. Not ready for a 2kg stone just yet? They also carry high quality jewelry and smaller stones.
Instagram: @clearspacemanila
