The Quest for Spiritual Solace: How Gen Z Embraces Traditional Symbols in Modern Times

Introduction: Gen Z’s Spiritual Quest in a Post-Pandemic World

In recent times, Generation Z across the globe has been seeking spiritual solace and contemporary comfort. The New York Times in early 2022 posed a question: Why are crystal jewelry pieces gaining popularity in the American market? The Times attributed this trend to the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened people’s health consciousness and spurred demand for crystals, minerals, and gemstone jewelry, leading to an explosive growth in sales. During times of anxiety, people crave objects with symbolic significance and healing properties.

The Power of Crystals and Stones

Los Angeles-based high-end jewelry designer Jacquie Aiche shared her insight with The New York Times: “What I sell is not just jewelry, but energy.” Her website describes her jewelry as talismans imbued with power. Aiche’s brand, primarily using minerals, crystals, and jade, offers pieces ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. Although she has been in the industry for over a decade, her business’s rapid growth began in early 2020, when her sales unexpectedly doubled and remained high.