Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Monday, December 8, 2008

Birthstones - Gemstones by Birth Month

Gemstones based on the month of birth are given below. This classification of stones are also called as 'Birthstones'.

January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine, Bloodstone
April - Diamond, Rock Crystal
May - Emerald, Chrysoprase
June - Pearl, Moonstone
July - Ruby, Cornelian, Onyx
Augest - Peridot, Sardonyx
September - Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli
October - Opal, Tourmaline
November - Topaz, Citrine
December - Turquoise
Read More on the Significance of Birthstones and the Modern and Traditional Gemstones based on the 12 Birth Months.

Importance of Navaratna ornaments

Either one can wear gemstone jewelry based their zodiac or horoscope or where Navaratna Ornaments where 9 stones representing the all 9 planets are also can be worn. It is a known fact that the positions of planets keep on changing so does the dasa and mahadasas of the planets. According to astrology the malefic effects of Planets can be balanced by the effect of beneficial planets when wearing a 9 stoned ring, bracelet or pendent.
Navaratna Ornaments can be worn by anyone and does not have any negative effects. It suits everyone irrespective of Zodiac and can be worn without the recommendation from an Astrologer. Navaratna Ornaments should be made preferably of gold or silver.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Gems by Zodiac Sign or Birth Date

Aries (March 21- April 20) Coral
Taurus (Apr 21- May 20) Diamond
Gemini (May 21- June 20) Emerald
Cancer (Jun 21- July 20) Pearl
Leo (July 21- Aug 21) Ruby
Virgo (May 21 – June 20) Emerald
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22) Diamond
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 22) Coral
Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 20) Yellow Sapphire
Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19) Blue Sapphire
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Blue Sapphire
Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20) Yellow Sapphire

The sub stones which can be used instead of precious stones as Zodiac Stones or Birth Stones are as follows

Diamond - White Agate, Opal, Crystal, White Sapphire
Emerald -Green Agate, Green Onex, Green Jade, Turquoise
Pearl - Milky Agate, White Coral, Moon Stone
Ruby - Star Ruby, Ratva Agate, Garnet
Coral - Red Agate, Red Onex
Yellow Sapphire - Yellow Agate, Golden Topaz
Blue Sapphire - Amethyst, Black Star, Lapis

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Wearing Gemstones

Gemstones are normally worn as a remedy to planetary influence. When the gemstones are worn as astrological remedy, the stone should touch the body with the bottom of the gem stone setting open. If worn as a remedy the stones have to be continuously worn on the specific part of the body for prescribed periods.


Normally gems are worn
  • On the basis of Name
  • On the basis of Birth Month
  • On the basis of Color
  • On the basis of Problems
  • On the basis of Gemstones Characteristics
  • On the basis of Zodiac Sign
  • On the basis of Horoscope
  • On the basis of Numerology
  • On the basis of Palmistry
Other than as a Astrological remedy, gemstones are used for healing, as fancy jewelry and as medicines.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Classification of Gemstones

Gemstones have been widely mentioned in Vedic literature like the Brihat Samhita, Bhava Prakash, Ayurveda Prakash, Garuda Purana and the Rasa Ratna Samuchaya.The Puranas, Agni Purana and Garuda Purana also have reference of gemstones. Gemstones have healing powers and can remove blockages which are the cause of diseases in the human body. It is said that in order to get maximum effect of gems it should be worn and not just owned unlike Rudraksha beads where benefits of these beads can be obtained by just worship also.



Scientifically, Gemstones are formed because of the chemical reactions and can be broadly classified into two, one is those which are mined and the other those come from the Sea. Those gems which are mined include Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby etc and those which are obtained from the sea include Pearl and Coral. Some of the components of gems are Carbon, Calcium, Aluminum, Manganese, Potassium, Prosperous, Beryllium, Hydrogen etc.



According to the astrological point of view the gemstones are divided into two, one is the navratnas and the second is sub stones. The Navaratnas (9 stones) are Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Coral, Pearl, Hessonite and Cat's Eye. There are around 80 substones out of which the main sub stones are Citrine, Amethyst, Rock Crystal, Malachite, Turquoise, Peridot, Tourmaline, Opal, Goldstone,Quartz, Zircon, Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Garnet, Moonstone, Hematite, Load Stone, Malanite/Andradite, Chatiyant Quartz/Tiger Eye, Jade/Jadeite, Onyx, Agate, Sulemani Onyx,Aquamarine, Smoky Quartz, Alexandrite, Blood Stone, Amber, Turmaline, and Rainbow Quartz.



Another mode of classification of Gemstones can be as Hot and Cold. The Hot gemstones include Ruby, Red Coral, Diamond and Cats Eye and the Cold gems include Pearl, Topaz, Blue Sapphire and Gomedh.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Legend on Gemstones

There are several legends regarding Gemstones. If Rudraksha Beads have originated from Lord Shiva, the gemstones are considered to be originated from Lord MahaVishnu.


The Demon King Bali was a very strong that he even defeated the Lord Indra. King Bali was also a generous King and people in his kingdom were very happy. The Gods troubled by the defeat approaches Lord Maha Vishnu and asks him to save them. Maha Vishnu takes the form of a small Brahmin and goes to King Bali and asks him for 3 1/2 feets of land which Bali readily agrees. Lord Maha Vishnu then assumes his Virad form and with three feet’s he measures the entire world and still 1/2 feet was remaining and Vishnu asked where to keep it. Vishnu completes the rest of the 1/2 feet by placing his feet on the Demon Kings Chest. The area where his feet touched on the Kings Body turned into gems. The different parts of the body turned into different gems like diamond from head, pearl from mind etc. Totally 84 precious and semi precious gemstones came into existence from the body of King Bali. After that Indra used his Vajra and broke the body into pieces. Later Lord Shiva wore 9 of this gems on his trishul representing the 9 planets and 12 zodiacs and threw the different parts of the body in different places on the earth becoming mines.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Gemstones - Introduction

Gemstones have been in existence from time immemorial. The proof of that is the mention of Kaushtaba Mani on the chest of Lord Vishnu and the mention of Gemstones in the Book of Exodus in the Holy Bible. For thousands of years gems have been used in Ayurveda in the form of powders for treating diseases and for physical healing because of the ability of gems to release toxins and negative energies from the human body. Gems are also used to make beautiful jewels and as a mode of displaying wealth.

According to Ayurveda there are 7 elements in a human body which are responsible for either good health or diseases in human beings.These seven elements in the human body are controlled by the seven planets of the Universe Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter,Venus and Saturn.The benefic or malefic effects of these Planets affect human life and are the cause of all sickness and diseases.The malefic effects of planets in our life can be remedied by chanting the mantras related to those planets, performing puja's or by wearing suitable gemstones.However, these malefic effects of Planets can be remedied by wearing suitable gemstone jewelry because of their medicinal and divine properties.

Gemstones have the capacity to attract cosmic rays to it.The Gemstones related to the planet absorb or reflect the vibration of the planet they are related to which means if a person is suffering from the malefic effect of a planet it can be remedied by wearing the correct stone which can counteract the negative effects and allow only the positive effects reach the individual. Gems are the best option for those who cannot dedicate much time on puja's and prayers and want a remedy for their problems very fast.
Treating diseases using gemstones is referred to as ‘Gem Therapy' or ‘Gemopathy'.

The Nine gem stones associated with nine planets (Rahu and Ketu included) are referred to as navratnas. The Navaratnas are Ruby , Pearl , Coral, Emerald, Yellow sapphire, Diamond, Blue sapphire, Hessonite and Cat's Eye. The ruling Planet of Ruby is sun, Pearl is Moon, Red Coral is Mars, Emerald is Mercury, Yellow Sapphire is Jupiter, Diamond is Venus and Blue Sapphire is Saturn. The gems of Rahu and Ketu are Hessonite (Gomed) and Cats Eye respectively. There are many substitute gemstones out of which Turquoise, Peridot, Topaz,
Amethyst, Tourmaline, Rock Crystal,Garnet, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Jade, Bloodstone, Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Amber, Kidney Stone, Onyx and Malachite are a few which are extremely popular like the precious gemstones.

However,Gems have to be worn for astrological purposes after a detailed analysis of the Horoscope and as per the recommendation of an expert. Some stones need to be tested before starting to wear regularly as it may or may not suit the individual. Stones have to be energized by mantras and worn in the specified time to get the maximum effect. Gem stones because of their curing powers on diseases, ability to remove the malefic effects of planets and suitability for making fancy and wedding jewelry are hot selling products of online shopping stores which has a wide collection of gemstone jewelry. Apart from these precious stones, there are also substitute or semi precious stones which can be used instead of precious gems.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Diamond as Wedding Anniversary Gemstone

Diamond is the anniversary gemstone for the 30th and 60th year of marriage. Diamond rings are famous as engagement rings too. Diamond is a very strong stone and I guess that may be the reason it is considered indicative of stability and longevity in love and marriage. Diamond, despite of being a very costly and valuable stone, does not fail to attract grooms who want to give bigger stones to their brides as an expression of love and devotion to them. Maybe this is the quality which makes the Diamond Ring the most preferred Engagement Ring. Because of its great value Diamond Gemstone Jewelry is one of the hot selling products of Online Shopping Companies like EBay and Amazon.

To know more on Wedding Anniversary Gemstones and Wedding Planning see my HubPages Articles.

Diamond Jewelry Care and Cleaning

Diamond gemstones are used to make beautiful jewelry which enhances the beauty of the wearer. Diamond which is also known to be a girl’s best friend is also one of the hot selling products of Online Shopping Companies like EBay and Amazon. Diamond Gemstone Jewelry is also an Expression of Beauty, Love and Wealth.

Cleaning Diamond Jewelry

Diamond requires special care. Diamonds should be stored separately So that it does not get scratches. Cleaning the diamonds help to maintain their shine. This can be done by putting the jewelry in lukewarm water after putting some mild detergent in it. After some time remove the jewelry and clean it with a soft brush. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly in plain lukewarm water and pat dry using a soft towel.

It is advisable not to use diamond jewelry while using dirt, hand-creams, hair-styling products, perfumes etc. Also do not use cleanser or abrasives on the jewelry.

Diamond Jewelry for Health

The treatment of diseases through gemstones has been considered effective since many ages. Diamond gemstone is considered effective in treating brain related diseases, sexual and skin disorders, diseases of the Kidney, bronchitis, pneumonia, eye disorders, diabetics etc. Diamond is also an antidote to poison. Diamond is also said to expel diseases and enmity and bring in victory in wars. Pregnant woman are said to be blessed with good baby by using diamond jewelry. Those who want to have lucidity or clarity in their expression and want to achieve confidence must wear diamond jewelry. Diamonds strengthens ones concentration and memory. It is believed that explosion, lightening etc does not harm to the wearer of the diamond. Diamond is said to lose its brilliance with the health of the wearer and regains it only when the owner recovers.

Diamond - Introduction

Diamond gemstone is said to be the king of gems. Diamond is also the most beautiful among gems. Diamond derives its name from the Greek word adamas, which means "invincible". Diamond is a form of carbon. Diamonds are strong, transparent and shining. Diamonds are the most popular and costly gemstone of all times. The hardness, brilliance and sparkle of diamonds make them most suitable for making gemstone jewelry. Diamond Jewellery has been used from ancient times as an expression of beauty, love and wealth. Diamond is the favorite gemstone which adorns the engagement rings of the wealthy. Diamonds have earned fame as beautiful symbols of love around the world. Diamonds are usually colorless. However, depending on the impurities present brown, yellow, blue, green, purple, pink, red, gray and black variations are also found. However, white is the most popular and preferred color in Diamond. Diamond, also known as Heera, is the gemstone of Planet Venus and representation of love, marriage, beauty and comforts. Diamond is one of the navaratnas and wearing it is said to attract name, fame, beauty, grace, elegance, longevity, passion and creativity of the individual.

Diamonds are used for several purposes. The hardness, brilliance, various colors and sparkle of diamonds make them most suitable for making gemstone jewelry. But Only 20% of the Diamonds from mines are suitable to be used in jewelry. Diamonds also have a number of important industrial applications . They are used in glass cutters, drill bits, masonry saws and also for cutting other diamonds because of their extreme hardness.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Pearl Jewellery - an auspicious gift

Pearl Jewellery can be worn by anyone and they make fantastic ornaments. The availability of Pearls in different colors and shapes make them ideal for making Ornaments. Moreover, there are no negative results unlike other gems. Pearl symbolizes love, success and happiness. Pearl Jewelry is considered an ideal gift for a loved one.

It was a common belief that a gift of white pearls ensured the happiness of married couples. White pearls jewelry are the favorite of women in the U.S and Europe. Pearl often symbolizes a happy marriage and in many countries Pearl Jewelry is given as a wedding gift to the Bride. I do not know how and when the tradition of gifting Freshwater Pearl is on the occasion of the 1st year of marriage started. But I remember reading it some where that there is such a tradition. Pearl is also the anniversary gemstone for the 12th and 30th year of marriage. Pearl Jewelry is also gifted to Bridesmaids as a token of appreciation and love. It is also given to females on the occasion of weddings, graduation, Valentines Day and birthdays as a gift.

Find more about Wedding Anniversary Gemstones and metals for different years of Marriage.

Pearl Jewellery and Care

Pearl Gemstone Jewelry is never known to be out of fashion. It has become a style statement irrespective of the ages. Is there any woman in the face of earth who can resist beautiful Pearl Jewellery. I do not think so. Pearl, because of its beauty, colors and shapes is one of the most preferred Jewellery among women. Pearl also goes well as a combination with other gemstones which of course is an added advantage. Pearl Jewelry, in any form, is loved by one and all. However, white is the most preferred color. White Pearl Jewellery is popular as Bridal or Wedding Jewellery. Pearl Jewellery popular as a family heirloom which is passed from mother to daughter. Pearl Necklaces, Bangles, ear rings, bracelets and rings are extremely popular as Jewelry. Pearl necklaces comes in various types and fancy names like pearl Collar, Pearl Rope, Opera necklace, Princess Necklace, Pearl Choker etc. Pearl Jewelry is often given as gifts to bridesmaids as a token of appreciation and love. Pearl Jewelry is also an ideal gift to ladies on the occasion of wedding, anniversaries, graduation, birthday and Valentines Day. Pearls are also used as costume jewelry especially for bridal dresses. A wide range of Pearl Jewellery is available with Online shopping Stores like Amazon.

It is advisable to keep your Pearl Jewellery away from cosmetics, perfume or hair spray. Never use or expose pearls to dish detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda, or ammonia based cleaners. Also do not use toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive materials to clean pearls. If necessary, Pearls can be washed in warm soap water and then thoroughly dry it with a clean and soft towel.

Characteristics of Pearls

The basic characteristics of Pearl are :-
  • Shape: The shape of Pearl can be round, rice shaped, baroque, oval, button, mabe or teardrop. Among all, Round shaped is the most preferred and auspicious.
  • Size : The size of Pearl is usually measured in millimeters. Pearls come in a wide range of sizes. Those weighing less than 50 milligrams are called seed pearls. The largest naturally occurring pearls are the baroque pearls. However, when it comes to pearl size the most popular sizes are between 6mm to 8.5mm.
  • Luster: The deeper the layers, the higher the luster. When buying Pearls it's wise to look at them with your back to the light. A fine pearl will reflect your image like a mirror.
  • Color : Pearls are available in different colors. They are available in colors like white, cream, black, grey, blue, yellow, lavender, green and mauve. The white Pearls are considered best of all. The availability of Pearls in different colors makes it ideal for making jewellery. Pearl Jewelry enhances the natural beauty of the wearer.
To test the quality of Pearl soaks it in a solution of warm oil and salt. If the Pearl is genuine no damage would happen to the Pearl. Also, if a natural pearl is rubbed with a dry cotton cloth containing rice, a genuine pearl will maintain its luster and color. A well equipped gem testing confirms if the gemstone is genuine or fake. Another method of testing for imitations is to rub the pearl against the surface of a front tooth.

Pearl Gemstone Jewellery for Health

Wearing pearl jewellery is said to reduce anger and unwanted thoughts. It is also said that wearing Pearl Jewelry brings wealth, happiness and stability in life. Pearl can also be worn if a person is mentally weak and exceedingly emotional or have uncontrollable anger or worries. Pearls strengthen the mind, help control anger and increase memory. They have a calming and peaceful effect. Pearls is said to reduce body heat to balance bodily fluids. Pearls can calm the nerves, relieve anxiety, lessen tension and help with mental problems caused by too much heat in the brain and heart. Pearl should also be worn by those who are pessimistic or under depression. Pearls transmit the color orange which is used to treat the diseases relating to blood and bodily secretions that are caused by inflammation. Pearls may also help improve tuberculosis, heart disease, ulcers, fever, epilepsy, diabetes, insomnia, eye problems and uterine problems. Women can wear pearls for menstrual problems. Pearl is also known for its healing powers. Pearls eliminate emotional imbalances. They help one master the heart chakra, aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract and ulcer problems.

Astrology and Pearl Gemstone

Pearl is worn as an astrological remedy. Pearl is the gemstone of the Zodiac Sign Cancer. Pearl is governed by the Moon and is recommended to be worn if the moon is the lord of an auspicious house or is afflicted in the birth chart. Pearls also can used to strengthen a weak moon in the birth chart or can enhance your moon if it is well-placed in the birth chart. Pearl is the birthstone of Gemini or those born within May 21 to June 21.

When worn as a remedy, Pearls should always be set in silver. Mostly rings are worn for this purpose. It is advisable not to purchase the Pearl Jewelry on a Saturday. A pearl ring should be worn on a Monday 6 to 7 AM or 8-9 PM during the bright half of the lunar month especially on a full moon day. For best results, one can wear it during one of the constellations (Nakshatra) ruled by the Moon, such as Rohini, Hasta, Shravan, or Pushya Nakshatra or even on a Monday evening after moonrise. The ring should ideally be worn during the Zodiac Sign of Cancer, Pisces or Taurus, or while in a friendly sign. The minimum one should wear pearl is 4 carets. It is more auspicious to wear 5, 7, or 9 carets or 109 beads pearl necklace. Pearl ring is ideally worn on the ring finger on the right hand or on the small finger on the right hand. The Pearl Ornament should be made in silver and worn after washing it in holy water and milk and after touching the pearl on the feet of Lord Shiva or Lord Ganesh in a Temple. It should also be worshiped with incense and flowers. Once worn it should not be taken out or removed to get benefited. The maximum effects of wearing pearl jewelry lasts up to 2 years from the day of wearing it. . Any of the following mantras should be chanted 108 times before wearing pearl jewelry. It is advisable to recite the mantra every Monday during the first hour from sunrise for 9 continuous Mondays to charge the Pearl.

“Om som somaya namaha”

“Om som chandraya namaha”

"Om Chadraya vidmahe, Lakshmi sahodharaya dheemahee
Thanno sasisekhara prachodayat”

“Om Sraam Sreem Sroum saha Chandramase namaha”

As the Moon is not compatible with Rahu or Ketu, neither Hessonite, nor Cat’s eye should be worn with pearl or its sub stones. The Navaratna (nine stone) setting is an exception to this rule. It is also said that Pearl should not be worn as remedy by persons having birth dates 3, 12, 21, 30, 8, 17 or 26. Pearl should also not be worn with Diamond, Blue sapphire or Emerald. But these rules are applicable only if the Pearl is worn as a remedy and worn continuously.

Pearl - Introduction

Pearls have always been a favorite gemstone with the royal families and celebrities. Pearl is considered as a sign of elegance and class. Pearl, also referred to as the Queen of Gems or Tears of the Sea, is an emblem of beauty, purity and innocence. It is said that no two pearls are alike. This uniqueness and beauty of Pearls has made it a prized possession for ages. Pearl is obtained from the Sea. Basically, there are two types of Pearl, Sea Pearls and Fresh water Pearls. Pearl is available in different shapes and colors. The price of pearls varies widely as a result of luster, size, their origin, color and type. Among Pearls, Natural pearls are the most expensive. Fresh water pearls are relatively inexpensive.

There is no proof as to who discovered Pearl and when it was discovered. There is reference of Pearl been used by Romans and Egyptians back as the 5th Century BC. There is mention of Pearl in Bible, Quran and Hindu religious texts like Garuda Purana and AtharvaVeda. Other than Jewellery, Pearls are also been used in cosmetics, paints and medicines. It is believed that Cleopatra crushed a Pearl in a glass of Wine and drunk it to prove that she could give the most expensive dinner. A French jeweller Jacques Cartier is said to have bought one of his famous stores in New York with two pearl necklaces in the year 1916. Julius Caesar is said to have given a Pearl as gift to the mother of Brutus. It is said that some countries even passed laws that only noble class should wear Pearls. Famous pearl lovers include Queen Elizabeth 1 of England, Jaqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana.