Our Story
Sanctuary of Stones was founded by Ashley Dale, Ph.D. scholar, gemologist, jewelry artist, and passionate explorer of fine gemstones, minerals, vibrational science, and metaphysics. Her journey is deeply rooted in the classical wisdom traditions and Western Esoteric knowledge, blending modern science with ancient stone wisdom.
Ashley’s expertise extends across the Western esoteric traditions of alchemy, astrology, and magic, and Eastern medicine—including the Daoist and Vedic traditions. Her fascination with how stones have been used throughout history, from ancient civilizations to modern healing practices, fuels her mission: to bridge the worlds of traditional gemology, esoteric stone knowledge, and vibrational science (quantum mechanics and physics, solid state physics, crystallography).
Meet Ashley Dale
Ashley is a GIA-trained gemologist certified in colored stones and diamonds, and an expert fine gemstone and mineral specimen dealer. She also has a healing practice that fuses her training and expertise in Jungian psychospiritual coaching, astrological counseling, frequency healing, and stone medicine. She holds certifications in Daoist stone medicine having studied under some of the world’s most knowledgeable adepts in Eastern and Western traditions over the last 10+ years, the vibrational science of advanced BioGeometry, hypnotherapy, and Jungian life coaching, and has been trained in archetypal astrology and astropsychology at the highest academic level.
Ashley Dale is a Ph.D. student in the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Conciousness program at the California Institute of Integral Studies working on her dissertation proposal, which puts forth a psychocosmological theory of meaning where individuation at all levels is a cosmological necessity. The inherent meaning in the universe becomes apparent through understanding the relationship between Jungian individuation, the cosmology of the soul, synchronicity as the language of a self-actualizing universe, and astrology as a system to understand a quantum information-based cosmopsychic reality.
Her research interests also include natural philosophy, the Western esoteric traditions of alchemy, astrology, and natural magic, with a particular focus on ancient lapidaries, the use of stones in astral magic and ancient medicine, quantum mechanics and physics, vibrational science, frequency healing with sound, color, and light, and ancient Egyptian temple science.
She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Human Rights Studies from UMass Amherst where she graduated summa cum laude, and an M.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in Conflict and Security from The New School's Milano School for International Affairs, Urban Policy, and Management where she graduated magna cum laude.
As a vibrational scientist and researcher, she is deeply passionate about frequency medicine, utilizing sacred sound and stones to enhance wellbeing. As she explains:
"Everything is energy. All energy vibrates at a specific frequency, and when we understand the quantum aspects of our biology and the living world, we can heal ourselves with natural medicines from the Earth."
The Birth of Sanctuary of Stones
Ashley's lifelong connection to gems and minerals began in childhood, but it was over a decade ago that she dedicated herself to serious study. Over time, she became disillusioned with the widespread treatment of gemstones—irradiation, heat, dyes, and other enhancements that compromise a stone’s natural vibrational integrity and, in some cases, make them toxic. She also knew that there was more to stones' healing abilities than what was communicated in the new age channeled literature.
While channeled material can be insightful, Ashley wanted to understand the science behind stone metaphysics and why they've been used throughout human history for spiritual and medicinal work. Determined to offer an alternative, she founded Sanctuary of Stones (formerly Sanctuary Vibrational Jewelry), a place where authenticity, vibrational potency, and ethical sourcing come first, and where like-minded, curious people can learn about the science behind stone metaphysics.
Sanctuary of Stones operates in the liminal space between science and spirit, and is rooted in the idea that science and magic are one and the same. Magic is simply the laws of the universe we have yet to understand. Sanctuary of Stones exists as a beacon for those who have a deep inner knowing of that wisdom and are drawn to the magic (science) of stones. You’re here because you value stones for their aesthetic beauty, healing abilities, vibrational qualities, and their value as sound investments in the wider economy.
Our Mission & Commitment
Sanctuary of Stones is built on a foundation of integrity, expertise, transparency, and esoteric knowledge. Ashley’s work serves those who recognize the dual nature of stones—valuing them not only for their rarity and beauty but also for their metaphysical and vibrational properties.
She has coined the term "Esoteric Gemology", a concept that merges ancient wisdom with traditional gemology, and has created a membership community for those who wish to explore this intersection—learning about stones through the lens of both scientific and esoteric traditions.
Ashley is committed to sourcing the world’s finest, high-quality gemstones that embody both exceptional aesthetics and powerful vibrational energy—perfect for stone alchemists, healers, and collectors alike.
We specialize in stones that are both rare and high vibrational as well as unique and rare stone combinations (i.e. red beryl on ryolite and bixbyite matrix cabochon, or Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline included in quartz cabochon), which we sell and make potent stone medicine elixirs with. Stone medicine elixirs are an affordable way to benefit from the unique vibrational energy of a rare stone or rare combination.
Sanctuary of Stones Jewelry
A handcrafted piece from Sanctuary Vibrational Jewelry is more than just an adornment; it is:
- An investment piece
- A powerful vibrational healing tool
- 100% natural & ethically sourced
Unlike most commercial jewelry, none of our stones are treated in any way. Each gemstone and mineral is carefully hand-selected and tested by Ashley—both for vibrational quality and using professional gemological tools to ensure only the highest quality stones are used in jewelry or sold through the site.
All jewelry is strung on 100% pure silk cord, an optimal and prime conductor of energy. As a natural organic fiber, silk allows the energy of the stones to flow with strength and consistency, maximizing their vibrational healing benefits.
Have Questions?
If you’d like to learn more about Ashley, the stones, or our jewelry, feel free to reach out!