Gemology: Jewellery with a Timeless Tradition

The historical background and significance of gemstones are as ancient and deep-rooted as our ancient Indian culture itself. Since time immemorial people have known the importance of gemstones and their impact on human lives. The importance of gemstones and the science of gemology have also been mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts, the ‘Vedas’. In India, the relationship between Vedic Astrology and gemstones is very close. It is believed that spiritual rituals mentioned in ancient sacred manuscripts and texts have incorporated gemstones to restore the balance of the energy fields and to restore peace of mind.

This is done to strengthen family ties and enhance the feeling of love, trust and security in a relationship. One of the most significant attributes of gemstones is that they can combat the evil effects of negative cosmic influence. Another important aspect of gemstones is that people have been fascinated and allured by the sparkle of gemstones since ancient times. Gemstones have played a significant part in the design of any jewellery set since time immemorial.

Let’s now see what are the most important factors that combine to give a gemstone its unique abilities to benefit mankind.

Colour of Gemstone:

This is considered the most important aspect of a gemstone as it is the colour only that determines the purity of a gemstone. For instance, the quality of a Ruby gemstone is determined by its pure vibrant red, or slightly pinkish-red in colour. This makes it one of the most expensive gemstones in the market.

Clarity of Gemstone:

This is another important aspect of a gemstone. The authenticity of a gemstone is determined by the number of inclusions the gemstone has. However, it is also pointed out that these inclusions can reduce the transparency or brightness of gemstones. However, it is also pointed out that these inclusions can reduce the transparency or brightness of gemstones thus drastically reducing their value. Nonetheless, it is still believed that a gemstone’s purity can only be determined by mineral inclusions called needles. Needles can be short or long and slender and they might appear to be woven together in intersecting groups called ‘silk’. Having said that, needles can also contribute positively to a gemstone’s appearance. The presence of silk in a gemstone can scatter light across facets that otherwise might have looked dark. This can add softness to the colour and spread it more evenly across the gemstone. Intersecting needles can also cause the star effect, called ‘asterism’.

Cut in a Gemstone:

According to gemologists, it is the cut of a gemstone that determines its ability to fit into a particular jewellery set or an item. The most common shapes of gemstones that are found in jewellery sets are ovals and cushions, along with brilliantly cut crowns of kite-shaped and triangular facets. There are also shapes found in step–cut pavilions with concentric rows of rectangular or square facets.

Definition of Gemology:

The next question that comes to mind is what is Gemology. The answer to that question is Gemology has been defined as the study of science dealing with natural and artificial gemstones and gemstone materials. The study of the science of gemstones has been as ancient as that of ‘Vedic Astrology in India. In scientific terms, Gemology is described as a part of geosciences and a branch of mineralogy. There is a long history of putting on gemstones according to one’s astrological interpretations and zodiac signs all over the world. However in India, according to Vedic Astrology, the ‘Janam-Kundli’, or ‘Birth-Chart’ is consulted before advising that person to wear a gemstone. According to gemologists in India, 84 gemstones form the core part of gemology. However, there are only 9 gemstones out of these that form the ‘Navratna’. These 9 Navratna Gemstones are Ruby, Pearl, Coral, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gomedh and Cat’s Eye . Furthermore, it is also believed in ‘Vedic Astrology’ that the purity of these ‘Navratna gemstones is such that it is suitable to almost all people irrespective of their horoscopes, or planetary positions.

The Navratnas:

Let’s now see what these ‘Navratna’ Gemstones are and how they benefit people.

Ruby:

The vibrant reddish colour of a Ruby is considered a symbolic representation of our life-support system; that is blood in our veins. The reddish colour of a Ruby gemstone is also considered the symbol of power, life and youthful energy. Ruby is also considered the ‘Rajratna’ or king of gemstones. It is also known as ‘Padmagara’ in the Sanskrit language. It is associated with the Sun, i.e. the giver of life, vitality and energy in ‘Vedic Astrology‘. Ruby gemstone is associated with Leo Rashi in Vedic Astrology and Cancer is its zodiac sign. It is particularly beneficial for people who are involved in politics, administration or bureaucratic posts.

Pearl:

Pearl is also known by the name of ‘Tarak Ratna’, or ‘Chandra Ratna’ in Hindi and ‘Mukta’ in Sanskrit languages respectively. Pearls are mostly found underneath ocean beds and have a very strong astrological significance. Also important to note here that Pearls are of two types: ‘Natural Pearls’ and ‘Cultured Pearls’. In Vedic Astrology, a Pearl is worn to pacify the planet Moon in a person’s birth chart. It is strongly believed that when the Moon is influenced positively in the birth chart of a person; it helps the person to be calm and composed in life. It also helps in bringing clarity to thoughts and actions. Here also, Cancer is the zodiac sign for Pearl.

Red Coral:

This is considered the most sacred among the nine ‘Navratna Gemstones’. This is also known as ‘Laal Munga’ in Hindi. Red Coral is believed to be the most powerful of all the Navratna gemstones. It is associated with the planet Mars. According to Indian astrology, if anyone is suffering from ‘Manglik Dosh’; then wearing the ‘Munga Stone’ can help in calming the imbalance of the Mars energy. It also helps in making the wearer feel energetic, strong and confident. According to Vedic Astrology, Munga Stone is best suited for ‘Mesh’ and ‘Vrischik’ Rashi and the zodiac signs are ‘Aries’ or ‘Scorpio’.

Emerald or “Panna”:

According to ancient Hindu texts, an Emerald gemstone is believed to represent the small but powerful planet Mercury (Budh). It is also known as ‘Budh Ratna’ and is believed to have a very strong influence on the wearer. That is why it is considered one of the most effective astrological gemstones in Vedic Astrology. It is worn especially to strengthen the weak position of the planet Mercury in a person’s birth chart. It is also believed that wearing a ‘Panna Stone’ can enhance financial, intellectual and creative ventures. It can also help in refining the oral and communicatory skills of the wearer. It is suitable for Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn and Aquarius zodiac signs. It is however suggested, as per Vedic Astrology, that people who have the planet Mercury sitting at the Third, Sixth, Eighth, or Twelfth House in their birth charts should not wear it.

Yellow Sapphire:

According to Hindu scriptures, this is believed to be one of the most auspicious and beneficial of all the ‘Navratna Gemstones’. This is also called as ‘Pukhraj’ Stone and holds a very significant place in astrology. The ‘Pukhraj Stone, according to astrology, is believed to be associated with the planet ‘Jupiter’. Jupiter is also known to be the biggest planet in our solar system. Therefore, it is always ideal to consult an astrologer or a gemologist before wearing a ‘Pukhraj’. It is also said that if the planet Jupiter is positively influenced by the birth chart or horoscope, then it can be beneficial to the wearer. ‘Pukhraj’ is believed to help in having a happy marital life; it also helps in gaining success in jobs, academics and in gaining financial status. People having the ‘Dhanu’ or ‘Meen’ Rashi, or ‘Sagittarius’ and ‘Pisces’ zodiac signs can wear this gemstone.

Diamond:

This is one of the most highly valued gemstones in all of ‘Navratna Gemstones’. As per Vedic Astrology, this is associated with the planet ‘Venus’. The planet ‘Venus’ is represented by the Roman goddess of beauty and love. It is also believed that if the planet is positively influenced by the birth chart; then the wearer can enjoy a lot of comforts, luxury, peace and pleasure in life. Diamond is associated with the ‘Virgo’ and ‘Libra‘ zodiac signs.

Blue Sapphire:

‘Blue Sapphire’ is believed to be associated with the planet ‘Saturn’ (‘Shani’) and is considered one of the most precious gemstones in the ‘Navratna Gemstone family. ‘Saturn’ is also referred to as the strongest planet in the solar system. Therefore, here also, it is strongly suggested that one should consult an expert astrologer or a gemologist before going for a ‘Blue Sapphire’. It is also believed that if the planet is positively influenced by the birth chart; then it would help the wearer in gaining wealth and prosperity. It can also help the wearer in bringing instant success in jobs, businesses and independent projects. ‘Blue Sapphire’ is also known as the fastest healing gemstone and is beneficial for people having ‘Makar’ or ‘Kumbh’ Rashi or ‘Capricorn’ or ‘Aquarius’ zodiacal signs.

Gomedh or Hessonite:

‘Gomedh’ gemstone is also known as ‘Hessonite’ in the Greek language, as it is derived from the Greek word ‘Hesson’, which means inferior. ‘Gomedh’ is honey-coloured and holds a very significant place in ancient Hindu scriptures. As per Vedic Astrology, ‘Gomedh’ has its association with ‘Rahu’. Furthermore, if ‘Rahu’ is positively influenced in the birth chart, it can protect the wearer from all sorts of negative energies. It is also said ‘Gomedh’ or ‘Rahu’ stone will give better results when matters are related to law, justice etc. ‘Gomedh’ is best suited for people having ‘Gemini’, ‘Libra’, ‘Taurus’, or ‘Aquarius’ zodiac signs.

Cat’s Eye:

‘Cat’s Eye’ is known to be a very beautiful gemstone and is also considered very sacred by its users. It is believed that the ‘Cat’s Eye’ derives its powers from the spiritual planet referred to as ‘Ketu’. It is also said that if ‘Ketu’ is positively influenced in the birth chart; then it will help in warding off all kinds of negative supernatural energies. It has also proved to be beneficial for a wearer in warding off the envies of other people. It has also been known to help in improving the health conditions of the wearer. Cat’s Eye is also known to have reinforced the position of ‘Rahu’ and ‘Ketu’ in a person’s ‘Janam Kundali’. People having ‘Kumbh’ or ‘Makar’ Rashi, or ‘Aquarius’ or ‘Capricorn’ zodiac signs can wear this gemstone. On the other hand, people having ‘Aries’, ‘Leo’, Sagittarius’ and ‘Pisces’ zodiacal signs should avoid wearing this.