Engraved Horoscopic Gems-Glyptic Art, a class apart!

February 9, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 1 Comment

Engraved Horoscopic Gems

Glyptic Art, a class apart

That gemstones have fascinated human beings from the earliest times is a well-known fact. There are enough and more examples that list collectors who have taken tremendous pains and have given enormous wealth to possess some rare pieces. What is relatively lesser known is the fact that the ancients were staunch believers in the astrological potential of the gemstones.

The art of Gem carving is worth more than a note as often times it takes a specialist who has the makings of an artist to painstakingly engrave beautiful images on small surfaces that quite often are brittle. And a mistake in this process would prove to be quite a costly affair as gemstones are expensive.

There are many specimens of glyptic art that have been preserved till date but among them the ones that deserve real study and attention are the ones that have horoscopic detail included. The most famous examples known are described by George Frederick Kunz (incidentally this master of gems is also famous for discovering a new variety of pink spodumene, which was subsequently named after him- Kunzite) in his book, The Curious Lore Of Precious Stones (1938).

In this book, there is a mention of letters of M. Mairan who describes a fine carnelian gem engraved a star surrounded by the images of a goat, a bull, and a lion. He sees in the star the symbolic of the splendid comet which appeared shortly after the assassination of Caesar, and which, according to Suetonius, was believed to be the soul of Caesar newly received into the sky; the goat, bull, and lion are the symbols of the zodiacal signs Aries, Taurus, and Leo, the first-named sign referring perhaps to the death of Caesar on the Ides, or fifteenth of March; while the other two signs may allude to the position of the comet at different dates.

Kunz wrote,â€Some choice example of astrological gems may be seen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; among these is a green jasper bearing symbols of Luna, Capricorn, and Taurus. This gem is from the collection of the late Rev. C. W. King, which has been acquired for the Museum, and is described as figuring the horoscope of the owner.

Picture of Augusts in Ancient Roman Cameo

In the same collection is a banded agate engraved with Sagittarius as a centaur, surrounded by the stars of this constellation in their proper order. King states that this was the earliest horoscopical gem known to him. Still another gem of this collection is a sard bearing the symbol of Aries carrying a long caduceus (The caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology); this type appears on the coins of Antioch, because that city was founded in the month over which the sign Aries presides.â€

Roman intaglio portrait of Caracalla in amethyst

There is also the mention of celebrated Gemma Augustea at The Austrian Imperial Collection in Vienna. Above the figure of Augustus, appears the sign of Capricorn, the constellation of his nativity; beneath the figure of Tiberius is engraved the sign of Scorpio, under which that emperor was born. This celebrated cameo, the work of the famous gem-engraver Dioskorides, is mentioned in an inventory of the treasury of St. Sernin, in Toulouse, dated 1246.

Equally interesting and if not older is the tradition of jade carving in china. The rulers of Mughal dynasty in India were known for their partiality towards the Emeralds which they got engraved with prayers and sacred texts. These were then used as personal talismans and amulets. In the ancient Indian system of Navratnas, emerald is considered to be the gemstone of planet Mercury.

Engravings on an Emerald- These were considered as special Talismans by the Mughal Kings

There are many more treasures that sit preserved in museums and private collections. The secrecy, the aura of mystery and the exclusivity around them stand testimony to the incredible power that nature packs into the small package called the gemstone!

Picture Credits

1. Roman intaglio portrait of Caracalla in amethyst, once in the Treasury of Sainte-Chapelle, when it was adapted by adding an inscription and cross to represent Saint Peter. Image courtesy Wikipedia

2. Ancient Roman cameo engraved gem of Augustus

3. The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (1938), George Frederick Kunz, Page 322 at the Internet Archives

Abhijita Kulshrestha-PGA/ Consultant Gemstoneuniverse.com

Abhijita Kulshrestha-PGA

Abhijita Kulshrestha is a communications professional and held the position of Research Associate at MICA- Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad before becoming certified Planetary Gem Advisor from PGA Thailand. At present is a consultant at Gemstoneuniverse.com

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

Gemstoneuniverse-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology

What is a Jyotish Gemstone and why any stone is not a Gemstone and any Gemstone is not a Jyotish Gem.

February 3, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 1 Comment

What is a Jyotish Gemstone and why any stone is not a Gemstone and any Gemstone is not a Jyotish Gem.

What is a Jyotish gemstone?

In Simple terms a Jyotish Gem is a Gem recommended on basis of sacred Astrological principles of Jyotisha to bring in dawn of fame and fortune and accomplishment of desires. But not every Gem is a Jyotish Gemstone.

AÂ Gemstone is aÂ Jyotish Gem only when it excels on all 4Câ€™s-the cut, color, clarity and carat weight and the crystal is of exceptional lustre with a color so fine and closest to its true spectral color that it looks outstanding. Only an untreated Gem like that qualifies to be a Jyotish Gemstone and has the capacity to bring about promised results.

To understand what Jyotish Gemstones are, we must first understand the meaning of Jyotish. Jyotish is usually understood as Astrology, which to a certain extent is true, but the work JYOTISH is derived from two words, JYOT meaning light and ISH, meaning God, together meaning light of God. Jyotish is the science of light.

We know that everything in this universe is composed of cosmic rays, which are visible through a prism as the 7 basic colour or VIBGYOR. Gem therapy uses these cosmic rays, which represent different planetary energies to get positive results and to derive maximum benefits.

Quotes in Sacred texts regarding Jyotish Gemstones

“Inward glowing lustre, transparency, illumination with rays, sparkle, free from impurities and good formation of the shape are the characteristics of good gems” -(Agni Purana, 246.13-14).

“If anyone wears a gem of many flaws even out of ignorance, then grief, anxiety, sickness, death, loss of wealth and other evils will torment him” -(Garuda Purana, 70.19)

Gems have intrigued mankind since time immemorial. From the ancient times gem have been used to not as priced possessions of the rich and the royals but also to enhance the quality of life. Due to the rarity of pure gems today, a lot of new techniques are being developed each day to enhance the beauty of gems that are flawed, which are the accepted norm for jewelry purposes, but renders the gem useless for Jyotish purpose.

Any treatment of any kind to the gem takes away its Sattvik nature. Sattvik means pure and any treatment to enhance the beauty of gems are not acceptable for Jyotish use.

Sattvik Jyotish Gems harness Cosmic Rays

The five Basic Characteristics of a Jyotish Gemstone:

To get the best results from Gem therapy, gemstones must fulfil the following basic principles, without which a gem cannot qualify as a Jyotish gemstone.

1)Â Â Â Â Â A Jyotish Gem is NATURAL: All gemstones must and should be 100% natural and untreated. The gem should not have undergone any treatment so as to enhance its colour or clarity or beauty. Any treatment renders even the most beautiful gem useless for Jyotish purpose.

2) A Jyotish Gem has fine COLOUR: All gems come with different shades of the same colour, depending on the origin. For example Emeralds from Colombia are usually a spring green colour, but Zambian Emerald are more of a vivid green, but whatever the shade of the colour, the purity of the original colour with only the slightest of hues of other colours are the best gems!

Picture Courtesy: Gemstoneuniverse.com-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology!

3) Jyotish Gem has exceptional CLARITY: Actually this is self-explanatory. But, as mentioned earlier, Jyotish or the Science of Light works with the cosmic rays, and for the cosmic rays to pass through clarity is very important in a Jyotish gemstone. Having said that, natural fine inclusions are the fingerprints of nature that prove the gemstone was created in a the lap of nature and not in a lab, and are generally acceptable, but any crystal Gemstone below 85% clarity level is not a Jyotish Gemstone.

4) A Jyotish Gemstone has a pleasing CUT: Again, the cut of the gemstone should be such that it allows for the maximum play of light and allows for maximum absorption of the cosmic rays and have positive effects. The shape of the gem is not as important as the precision cut of the gem.

SAPPHIRES IN DIFFERENT CUTS!

Mixed Unheated Sapphire Lot highlighting the importance of Cut

Picture Courtesy:Gemstoneuniverse.com-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology.

3)Â Â Â Â Â CARAT: Some astrologers have given undue importance to the weight of the Jyotish gemstones. The knowledge of correct Gemstone weight is available only to a blessed few. Recommendation just on basis of body weight such as 1 carat per 10 Kgâ€™s of body weight is a myth and not described in any sacred text. If we go by this technique than a 90 Kgâ€™s man will require a 9 carat Diamond or a 9 carat Ruby. The root of this method is Greed driven by a desire to push non gem grade and low gem grade material as Gemstones.

Even a 1 â€“ 2 carat gemstone, satisfying the above 4 aspects will give positive and good results. Generally gemstones above 2 carats satisfying the above conditions will give the best results.

Natural-Colombian-Emerald-1.12carats-Gemstoneuniverse.com

A SUPERFINE EMERALD OF 1.12 CARATS!

Apart from these facts, there is the most important aspect of choosing a gemstone. That is the aura and draw of the gem. While choosing a gemstone anybody and everybody are bound to feel attracted to a particular gem more than the other.

The gem that satisfies the 5 basic principles of Jyotish quality and the gem that appeals and draws you the most is the gem for you!

So for the best implementation of gem therapy follow the above stated factors and get ready to experience the miracles of gems!

Gaurav Kapur-PGA, Consultant-Gemstoneuniverse.com

Gaurav Kapur-PGA

Gaurav Kapur is a certified Planetary Gem Advisor from PGA Thailand and at present is a consultant at Gemstoneuniverse.com

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

Gemstoneuniverse-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology

What exactly is imperial pigeon Blood Color? â€œAsking to see the pigeonâ€™s blood is like asking to see the face of God.â€ Rare Imperial Pigeon Blood finest Burma Ruby set in Gold ring with prongs.

February 3, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse Leave a Comment

What exactly is imperial pigeon Blood Color? â€œAsking to see the pigeonâ€™s blood is like asking to see the face of God.â€ Rare Imperial Pigeon Blood finest Burma Ruby set in Gold ring with prongs.

Selected Rings, Pendants and Talismans made available to Gemstoneuniverse.com patrons in February 2011

Gemstoneuniverse.com Table of Burma Ruby Gemstone Facts!

Gemstone	Natural Unheated Burmese Ruby
Weight	2.05 carats
Treatment	Unheated, fully natural, non glass filled Burma Ruby
Origin	Burma
Planetary Energy	Sun/ Surya
Patron Location	Pittsburgh, PA, USA
All inclusive Price	Undisclosed
Comments	In The gemstone trade the word Gem is of importance, rarity and is like a title given to only the choicest and finest of Gemstones.

A Gemstone is called a Gem only when it excels on all 4Câ€™s-the cut, color, clarity and carat weight and the crystal is of exceptional lustre with a color so fine and closest to its true spectral color that it looks outstanding.

Above is an example of one suchâ€Gemâ€. Featured above is a fine Burmese Ruby of true imperial pigeon Blood color.

What exactly is Imperial Pigeon Blood color?

In the Book, Tavernierâ€™s Travels In India (1640-1676), we read â€œAsking to see the pigeonâ€™s blood is like asking to see the face of God.â€

Anonymous Burmese Trader

This color Ruby is supposed to be the choicest in Rubies. Imperial Pigeon Blood is pure medium dark red with around a 10-15% shade of Blue that combines with red to give an aristocratic and regal deep red purplish shade. When such a Ruby is set in bright rich yellow Gold of a high caratage the Blue gets muted to give you a stunning and unique scarlet red. An unheated and untreated Burma ruby that is Imperial Pigeon Blood red is so rare and unique in nature that it is the fate of a privileged few to view it and own it. Owning a Burma Ruby as the one featured above is like owing a piece of History.

Jean Baptiste Tavernier

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605 -July 1689) was a French traveller and pioneer of trade with India, and travels through Persia (Iran), most known for works in two quarto volumes, Les Six Voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (Six Voyages) and diamond merchant for some important diamonds of the century. He was born in Paris, where his father Gabriel and uncle Melchior, Protestants from Antwerp, pursued the profession of cartographers and engravers. Tavernier was one of the most remarkable men of a most remarkable century, the 17th century, known as the Age of Exploration. Tavernier, a private individual, a merchant travelling at his own expense, covered by his own account, 180,000 miles (290,000 km) over the course of forty years and six voyages.

The famous Koh-i-Noor Diamond and Hope Diamond are examples of the finest Gems that he returned with , in his adventures.

Courtesy: Wikipedia

You can read more about this fascinating and season Gem merchant and traveler at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Tavernier

At Gemstoneuniverse we feel blessed, privileged and proud that this Aristocratic piece was sourced by us for our patron whose intense urge to own a Gem so fine made us an instrument in making this planetary ring and view such a Gem. The finest Surya Ring we have made till date, Â this powerful Burma Ruby will bless its owner with the best Lord Sun has to offer.

Note Added 09th Feb 2011, Thank You dear patron for your gracious testimonial and generous praise. We at Gemstoneuniverse feel fortunate that we were a link in getting this Burmese Ruby for you and that Gemstoneuniverse made this ring that will be a part of our heritage and history. Coming from a respected professional it means a lot!

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Gemstoneuniverse-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology

Help! My Astrologer says that my Emerald has become white because it has prevented big accident yoga and the Jeweller says that the Emerald has soaked up all my negativity-The Gemstone Pyramid and the truth about Indian Taste Ka Ghatiya Maal- Things we donâ€™t like and you shouldnâ€™t either.

January 31, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 1 Comment

Help! My Astrologer says that my Emerald has become white because it has prevented big accident yoga and the Jeweller says that the Emerald has soaked up all my negativity-The Gemstone Pyramid and the truth about Indian Taste Ka Ghatiya Maal- Things we donâ€™t like and you shouldnâ€™t either.

BUYER BEWARE!-Scam Alert!

In our day to day practice we meet several individuals, who make statements similar to the one above. An interesting case happened last week wherein one customer said that that his Emerald has become white after one year of usage. When he reported it to his Astrologer the latter said that the Gem has prevented big accident yoga and made you safe. He next went to the Jeweller who had been recommended by his Astrologer. The Jeweller said that this was nothing new for him and he has seen several cases where a good gemstone had soaked up all negativity from the body!

Well, it is an outright scam and this particular nexus of the Astrologer and the Jeweller is at best an UNHOLY ALLIANCE. Time to change both!

Let us begin with telling you about the global perception. A shocking and demeaning statement was made by a Gemstone intermediary in Bangkok that opened our eyes. Now, this gentleman has been trading and acting like an intermediary (taking Gemstone parcels) from one office to another and has no gemological knowledge. Nada. None, except that he takes a parcel from one dealer at $X and sells to another at $X+10%. At an International Gem and Jewellery show he approached one of the team members and said that he had top quality Emeralds.

Well, the next logical step was to ask him to show his goods. The parcel he opened was of a non gem grade beryl rough heavily treated with Joban-Color dyed oil (more about this later). Showing them and with a big grin says: â€œOnly $1(INR 45) per carat emerald for 1000 carats, Top Quality Indian Taste Ka Ghatiya Maal â€œ (Literally translated: specific material for Indian Taste consumer/ jeweller who seeks out the cheapest low non gem grade material, and this stuff ranks highest in that category).

Our response made him disappear in less than 30 seconds but the revelation about the Indian JewelersÂ taste and the sweeping Generalization about the consumer preference spoilt our entire day.

A Glorious Past

This is the country that has given the world most prized gemstones in the world and Indians have had taste for the best gemstones throughout the ages. Â There was a time when in India Diamonds below the weight of 3 carats were not even valued and traded for they had no time. They were occupied in grading and trading of Diamonds above 3 carats! -this is a historical fact. Do read Tavernierâ€™s travels in India and you will know about the glorious Gem culture of this great country.

Reality Dawns

The above low- cost non-gem grade material is bought by unethical jewellers at $5( INR 225) per carat and then retailed to consumers Â who have been recommended to wear a 5 carat emerald by the Astrologer at a price point of $22-$44 per carat( INR 1000-INR 2000) per carat. No wonder people are seen wearing a 5 carat Emerald for a net price of $110/-. Removal of accident and negativity is of course free! The mathematics of sourcing gems at cost $1 and selling at a price of $ 44 â€“ Whoa! this is too cool a business!

Industry statistics reveal that India is the largest market for non- gem grade, low-grade gem material and most of the scrap is imported into India. Please see the Gemstone pyramid (Highlighted area makes up the majority of Indian market). Most of the discarded goods reach India.

The Gemstone Pyramid-Gemstoneuniverse.com

Jyotish quality Gemstones would be top grade or high grade, not lesser.

How the Emerald/Yellow Sapphire becomes white.

Non Gem Grade Beryl-Bogus Emerald treated with Joban Oil

Non Gem Grade Beryl sold as Natural emerald and became white after a use of an Year

The stone in the picture above is not a gemstone. It is Non-Gem Grade beryl that has been treated with Joban.Â Joban is green colored oil– Oil that has been made green by adding a plant based dye. This is the most common treatment of choice in commercial grade goods coming from India and sold in India.

Leave alone Jyotish even in the Gem Trade it is considered as an UNETHICAL treatment. The green oil seeps into the white non gem grade ore to make it look like a beautiful Emerald. Eventually with normal usage the oil dissipates leaving what the mineral actually is. When the consumer is perplexed by the change in the stone, Â he is taken for another ride by the Astrologer who hands him out a candy by saying the color evaporated and has saved you from a major accident and by the jeweller who says that it has absorbed all negativity and thatâ€™s why it has become white. Â Producers of these goods justify Joban Treatment by saying; It is just like the make-up your wife puts on. (A demeaning statement that could spell trouble eitherway!)

Any reputed Gem Lab will identify this treatment and make an entry in the report as Code: T-Joban

Outright Fraud!

Low Grade Yellow Sapphire color enhanced by Dyeing and Irradiation with Cobalt60

Low grade Yellow Sapphire that became white in 3 months.

Again, the above is a stone- but not a gemstone. It is a low grade yellow sapphire from Sri Lanka that combines two treatments. One is dyeing with material that has got the same Refractive Index as the mineral and second by irradiation with Cobalt 60. Just exposure to strong sunlight will make the color leave the gemstone leaving what you are seeing-Scrap!

Yes, there are Gemstones that are sensitive to light (Light Sensitive Gemstones) such as one member of the Quartz Family-Amethyst. A natural Amethyst may show fading of color when exposed to strong Sunlight but the above two samples are outright frauds.

India-The sacred Land of the Navaratnas!

India is the land that has given this world the sacred and powerful science of Navaratnas and their profound impact on Human life. Yes there are miracle cases where a Blue Sapphire becomes cracked by preventing a real time accident and saving a life but none of the sacred Navaratnas/ sacred nine gemstones- Ruby, Natural Pearl, Red Coral, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond/ White Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Hessonite and Catâ€™s Eye change color or become white if they are natural, untreated and Jyotish Quality!

Never ever wear a poor quality Gemstone. The Sacred Garuda Purana says:

If an individual wears a Gemstone that has many flaws even out of ignorance then he will be tormented by grief, loss of wealth, anxiety, illness and evils of many Kinds.

-Garuda Purana (70.9)

Next time if somebody tells you that your Emerald has become white because it has prevented a big accident yoga and the Jeweller says that the Emerald has soaked up all the negativity-YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.

Issued in public interest and in Service of sacred Planetary Gemology!

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

Gemstoneuniverse-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology

BIRTHSTONES BY MONTH – A FARCE DRIVEN BY COMMERCE

January 27, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 2 Comments

Birthstones-a farce driven by commerce and 155.52 trillion years old Sacred Indian Gemology!

The Sacred Gems are described in details in the Puranas. Gemstoneuniverse.comThe system of suggesting birthstones by month is a fictitious system, which has no base in Astrology or any sacred text and is purely driven by commerce. Time and again, I come across various lists that have no basis and appear quite arbitrary in nature. There was a list of the ancients that got changed during medieval times and that further got modified as late as 1912.

Unanimity for Gemstone powers

If you are a lover of metaphysics or Gemstone folklore you will come across various such lists. Romans had one, so did the Greeks. Each civilization has been enamoured by the beauty and powers of Gemstones and have valued them. Wars have been fought over Gem treasures. Gems have been used for medicinal purposes, healing, enchantment, witchcraft and what not. Gems have been used against protection from evil eye and also to ensure safety during travel. There has been unanimity among all civilizations regarding the power of Gemstones.

The fictitious System of Birthstones by month

A historical fact and the astrological explanation of why this system is pointless – The System of recommendations of Birthstones by month has no basis in Astrology or its tenets. Even a layman is aware that the Zodiac sign changes somewhere around the 22^nd day of each month. Hence, if a person is born on the 23^rd he/ she will have a different sign but still have the same birthstone. There is no logic to this system. This system can, in turn have very serious consequences for individuals who choose to follow it.

It is interesting to note that the American National Retail Jewelers on August 12^th,1912 issued a new list of birthstones by month based on data collected by various members of the Association and replaced some of the classical birthstones in the old system with new gemstones that were more commercially viable. In the year 1952, a variation of this list was adopted by the ANRJA-American National retail Jewelers Association and the American Gem Society. This list is given in a tabular form below:

Month	Birthstone By Month
January	Garnet
February	Amethyst
March	Bloodstone/ Aquamarine
April	Diamond
May	Emerald
June	Pearl/ Moonstone
July	Ruby
August	Sardonyx/ Peridot
September	Sapphire( Doesnâ€™t mention Blue/Yellow)
October	Opal/ Pink Tourmaline
November	Topaz/ Citrine
December	Turquoise/Zircon

A simple example that highlights commercial motives for furtherance of such fabrications:

Opals and Bad luck

The birthstone for October as per the table given above is Opal, a gem that has a strange history. The name opal derives from the Sanskrit upala via the Greek opallios. Pliny, the Elder, called precious opal opallus or “precious stone”. There is mention of Upalmani is many sacred Indian Texts.

How did Opal get a bad name and still end up in the birthstone list? The ancients believed that Opal was a Gemstone of beauty, success and health having the capacity to confer divine powers of invisibility. Opals were much valued and respected and gained tremendous popularity and in the process became expensive too.

There is a well known story about how a Turkish Monarch who had tremendous love for Opals and Opal jewellery, concocted a fib about how Opals bought bad luck and death and these rumours spread like wildfire. In this process, he was able to secure all good quality Opals at a very cheap price – the consumers did not want to preserve a bad luck gemstone and the suppliers did not have any consumers to buy a gemstone that brought bad luck.

The reputation of Opal further got hit following the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. In Scott’s novel, the Baroness of Arnheim wears an opal talisman with supernatural powers. When a drop of holy water falls on the talisman, the opal turns into a colorless stone and the Baroness dies soon thereafter. The novel was a hit and in this process Opal became a flop.

However sustained marketing and beautiful aura of this Gemstone helped it became commercially viable again and no wonder it suddenly found itself in the birthstone list as the gem of October.

The divine Navratnas and the Indian Sacred Gemology

Gemstones and their mystical powers are clearly documented in the Puranas. Gems and Astrology find mention in the Agni Purana which is made of 15400 verses and the Garuda Purana which has 19000 verses.

The Divine Pearls have been described in the sacred Garuda Purana. Gemstoneuniverse.comThe Garuda Purana is considered the authoritative Vedic reference volume describing the Nine Pearls, which includes not only the well known Oyster Pearl, but also the Conch Pearl, Cobra Pearl, Boar Pearl, Elephant Pearl, Bamboo Pearl, Whale Pearl, Fish Pearl, and Cloud Pearl. Garuda Purana speaks about how these divine pearls are obtained and the results of each.

How old is this system

The following verse of Bhagwatam sheds light on this:

â€œBrahma is the source of the eternal scriptures, Rigved, Yajurved, Samved, Atharvaved and also the Puranas which are like the fifth Ved.â€

He created them at the very beginning of the creation of the world which was 155.52 trillion years ago.

Bhagwan Ved Vyas reproduced all of them before 3102 BC

The Indian system of Nakshatras and Gems are eternal like Brahma Himself and when implemented properly bring in divine grace and solutions.

The Sacred Nine Gemstones/ Navratnas as per the Indian System

Gemstone	Ruling Planet
Ruby	Sun
Natural Pearl	Moon
Emerald	Mercury
Yellow Sapphire	Jupiter
Blue Sapphire	Saturn
Diamond	Venus
Red Coral	Mars
Hessonite	Rahu
Catâ€™s Eye Chrysoberyl	Ketu

This list has remained unmodified since 155.52 trillion years and these Navratnas have divine powers as documented by the Puranas and as seen in day to day life even today. Commerce, business, laws of demand and supply and even greed of man have not been able to modify this list. Commerce and business does affect the quality of Gemstones though!

If reason is what drives you, you now know where to look!

A small prayer for you, which you should also recite for yourself, your loved ones and the whole universe

Sarve bhavantu sukhinah= may all be happy
Sarve santu niramayah= may all be free from disease
Sarve bhadrani pashyantu = may all see good and auspicious in everything.
Ma kaschit duhkha bhaag bhaveet– may none be unhappy or in distress
Om shantih, shantih, shantih-Om peace, peace, peace!

Guruji Shrii Arnav-Vedic Guru is also an internationally acclaimed planetary gemmologist. An Accredited Jewelry Professional from the Gemmological Institute of America at present he is the chief mentor of http://www.astromandir.com and http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com . He is also the chief Horoscope columnist of Deccan Herald– A leading Indian English daily.

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

Gemstoneuniverse-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology

Difficult time choosing your planetary Gem-Here is the 6 question/ 6 step approach to resolve the confusion and identify the Gem of your desire-a Gem that delivers-A Gem that’s just for you!

January 26, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse Leave a Comment

Difficult time choosing your planetary Gem-Here is the 6 question/ 6 step approach to resolve the confusion and identify the Gem of your desire-a Gem that delivers-A Gem that’s just for you!

When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice

Every month we receive messages from some patrons that say:

– The Gemstones that I liked have been sold out.

– When is the next lot of xyz going to be uploaded?

Choosing a Gemstone can sometimes be a daunting task even with the experts. It becomes more complicated especially when we are using gemstones for planetary benefits. You can evaluate the 4C’s( cut, color, clarity, carat weight) and this exercise can go on endlessly. Just like that Globe picture on the top-choices will keep rotating!

So here we have tried to give you a brief guide that shall empower you to make correct selection and not delay your Gemstone therapy.

From our end there is no guess work. Each Gemstone on Gemstoneuniverse is

-Jyotish Quality.

-Natural

-Certified

-Appraised

– Comes with a lifetime Buy Back Guarantee.

So these issues are out of the picture. Sometimes the sheer range and diversity of color causes difficulty in decision making.

The 6 step guide to choose the Gemstone of your choice:

Here is your 6 step guide to choose the Gemstone that you like and get it and avoid disappointment that you have been browsing the inventory for 3 months and had very nearly made a choice but suddenly the choice that you made after a lot of research has been sold out.

The 6 step guide/ 6 questions to choose your planetary Gemstone:

1) Are you ready for therapy? Really, it is a humble request please goes through the article Do Gemstones Work- No they do not for 90% of the people. If you are Iffy then do NOT implement Gem therapy. This resource can be accessed by clicking here.

2) Is the Gem of the color you desire?

In colored Gemstones the 4 C’s are color, color, color and color. Sounds like a clich©, but its true!

3) Is the Gem of the shape you desire?

4) Does the gem have something special, life like, unique character or a distinct personality or trait that you like?

5) Do you feel good when viewing it? Does it excite you or for some people it has the X Factor.

6) Can you go for it without putting yourself under financial duress?

Take the 6 step approach and identify the gemstone of your choice.

Just like people each Gemstone is different, has different character and identity. We are sure that if you take this approach in a structured manner you shall identify YOUR special Gemstone.

And Finally,

LET YOUR GEMSTONE CHOOSE YOU. That is where the magic is!

Good Luck

http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com

Gemstoneuniverse-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology

Raktambar Neelam- An irresponsible advice and information about one of the most dangerous gemstones of the world-The Khooni Neelam or the Rakthmukhi Neelam-The Blue Sapphire capable of causing death!

January 24, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 4 Comments

Raktambar Neelam- An irresponsible advice and information about one of the most dangerous gemstones of the world-The Khooni Neelam or the Rakthmukhi Neelam-The Blue Sapphire capable of causing death!

A couple of weeks back the Gemstoneuniverse team received an e mail that reads :

My Â *** has been suffering heavy loss in business for past 7 years. Almost from riches to rags! We have approached an expert astrologer and he suggested my father to wear raktambar neelam. We are from *****.We have searched almost 20 shops but we could not get the raktambar neelam, Astrologer says itâ€™s reddish sapphire. We found finally naturally purple sapphire available in above 6 ratti. My question is raktambar Neelam available? If at all, where? Is it suggestible to substitute purple sapphire for raktambar Neelam as it has reddish glow in sapphire? Please advice as soon as possible!

(Note: Areas blanked out to protect privacy.)

At the very outset I would like to state that there is nothing known in this world as Raktambar Neelam – neither in the Shastras – sacred texts, nor in the normal and ethical gem trade. It seems that this term has been coined to take individuals for a solid ride or maybe this is a case wherein the consultant is plain misinformed and in all likelihood, the person making this recommendation is no expert.

The word Raktambar it is a composite of two words: Rakt ( meaning Blood) and Ambar( meaning sky). Hence Raktambar in context of the stone would translate into a Gemstone having a Blood Red Shade. Raktambar Neelam would translate into a Blue Sapphire having a Blood Red Color. Kindly note that the word Neelam is used to characterize the Blue of a Blue Sapphire. Fancy term this â€œRakthambarâ€

Now from a Gemologists viewpoint there are Red Sapphires and Pink Sapphires in this world but they are NOT Blue Sapphires/ Neelam.

“Once in a while Ruby is defined as corundum that’s colored mainly by Chromium, a metallic element incorporated into the mineral as an impurity. Dr. Horst Krupp, a mineralologist and dealer, says he determines if a stone is a ruby with the aid if a spectroscope, an instrument which measures how the stone absorbs light. If a reddish corundum stone shows lines in the spectroscope indicating the color is clearly coming from the presence of chromium, then he calls it a ruby; otherwise he calls it a red sapphire. He was taught to define rubies this way at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. ”

Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald buying guide by Renee Newman GG, MA

It would be sensible to stop wasting precious time searching for this elusive Raktambar Neelam and after reading this you definitely may want to reconsider your choice of consultant!

So what actually is a Khooni Neelam/ Rakthmukhi Neelam or Rakthmukhi Neela:

It is one of the most dangerous gemstones in this world. Yes, there are others that are even more dangerous but this makes it to the group of death or more aptly cursed Gemstones of the world.

A Khooni Neelam literally means a Neelam/Blue Sapphire capable of causing bloodshed. Khooni means murderous. Â A Khooni Neelam is a Blue Sapphire that has Red colored feather like inclusions, or red colored, dot like inclusions or has a Bluish Red Shade.Â This Blue Sapphire is supposed to give rapid gains to the individual including tremendous inflow of wealth, name and success and it is promoted like that. There are individuals who at the time of desperation find these fancy hooks terribly attractive.

It is called Khooni Neelam because it will give death – that is certain. To some people whom it suits, there may be temporary gains that may give the illusion that you are travelling at the speed of light but the ultimate result is Death. I have personally known two cases where this has happened. In one case it happened instantly – Within one day of wearing and in another case after 5 years of wearing.

The whole family was wiped out in an accident. So whatever reason somebody tells you, Saturn Marsâ€™s conjunction or Saturn Rahu conjunction – Never ever use this gemstone that is Khooni Neelam. Never put your life at risk and the lives of your loved ones at risk.

In this business called life you will have profits and losses but till you are alive, the almighty shall give you the resources, intelligence and talent to tide over a time frame that may appear unfortunate but never ever try a Khooni Neelam. And the individual, who is advises you to try it- is not your friend.

One of the famous Cursed Gemstones of the World is the Delhi Purple Sapphire.

Called as the Delhi purple sapphire this one is actually an Amethyst better known as the Heron-Allen amethyst, that was looted during the Indian mutiny inÂ 1855 and brought to Britain. Everyone who owned the amethyst since that time suffered disaster and misfortune. According to Edward Heron-Allen, a scientist, friend of Oscar Wilde and the amethystâ€™s last owner., owner of the stone from 1890, it was ‘cursed and stained with blood’. After Â discovering its sinister history he gave it to his bank with instructions for it not to be opened until three years after his death.

Heron-Allen claimed to have been so disturbed that he had surrounded the amethyst with supposedly protective charms and sealed it inside seven boxes before Â leaving it to the museum in his will. His letter concluded: “Whoever shall then open it, shall first read out this warning, and then do as he pleases with the jewel. My advice to him or her is to cast it into the sea”

This is also my advice should you come across the Khooni Neelam

A small prayer for you, which you should also recite for yourself, your loved ones and the whole universe

With Love and Prayers,

I remain

Guruji Shrii Arnav-Vedic Guru

Guruji Shrii Arnav

Guruji Shrii Arnav-Vedic Guru is also an internationally acclaimed planetary gemmologist. An Accredited Jewelry Professional from the Gemmological Institute of America at present he is the chief mentor of http://www.astromandir.com and http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com .He is also the chief Horoscope columnist of Deccan Herald– A leading Indian English daily.

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Gemstoneuniverse-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology

Oval Zambian Emerald in Ladies Gold ring, Love of Mughals for the emeralds as Talismans and the pinnacle of Indian Craftsmanship Gemstoneuniverse

January 19, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse Leave a Comment

Oval Zambian Emerald in Ladies Gold ring, Love of Mughals for the emeralds as Talismans and the pinnacle of Indian Craftsmanship Gemstoneuniverse.com

Zambian Emerald 2.20carats Gemstoneuniverse

Selected Rings, Pendants and Talismans made available to Gemstoneuniverse.com patrons In January 2011

Oval Zambian Emerald in Ladies Gold ring, Love of Mughals for the emeralds and the pinnacle of Indian Craftsmanship Gemstoneuniverse.com

Gemstoneuniverse.com Table of Natural Zambian Emerald Gem Facts

Gemstone	Natural Zambian Emerald
Weight	2.20 carats
Treatment	None / Fully Natural
Origin	Zambia
Planetary Energy	Mercury/Budh
Patron Location	Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA
All inclusive Price	$ 1323.00 / Rs. 60,858/-
Comments	Featured here is a nice and resplendent Emerald from Zambia. Oval Emerald which is different from the regular Emerald cut and the nice spring green grass color make it unique. Normally to get such clarity in Zambian Emeralds is quite difficult with this color.

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Beryl has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the 10 point Mohâ€™s scale of mineral hardness and due to this fact the resistance to breakage is very high.

One has to be very careful while setting the Emerald because even a minor error may damage the gemstone.

This brings us to the Second part of this discussion. The great Mughal Dynasty of India loved Emeralds and believed in their powers of protection and good luck. Shah Jahan whose vision gave the world one of the seven wonders of the world the Taj Mahal used to adore Emeralds.

The great Mughals loved and revered the Emeralds so much that they use to inscribe them with sacred prayers and text and wear them. Some of these sacred Emeralds called Mughal Emeralds/Mogul emeralds, can still be seen in museums and collections today. For example, one talismanic emerald is deep green and weighs 78 carats. Around the edge in Persian runs the inscription: “He who possesses this charm shall enjoy the special protection of God.”

: Carved Mughal Emerald-The Glory of Indian Craftsmanship

217.80 carat Carved Mughal Emerald c. 1107/1695 AD

Featured above is once such exhibit of master craftsmanship, a 217.80 carat Carved Mughal Emerald c. 1107/1695 AD.

Admire the pinnacle of Indian craftsmanship and the glorious days of Asiatic Jewellery. Can you imagine the skill level to carve and inscribe the sacred text on such a soft gemstone such as an Emerald and bring out so much beauty and perfection? Imagine the state of the mind of the master craftsman when he was adorning this Emerald. Maybe he was so devoted to the almighty he got connected at the soul level and was able to complete this work despite the risks associated.

A tribute to the master craftsmen of India

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Gemstoneuniverse-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology

Gemstones of the Rich and Famous- The absolutely Stunning Rockefeller Blue Sapphire-Imagine the power of a 62.02 carats internally flawless cornflower Blue Sapphire. Gemstoneuniverse.com

January 11, 2011 by gemstoneuniverse 1 Comment

Gemstones of the Rich and Famous- The absolutely Stunning Rockefeller Blue Sapphire-Imagine the power of a 62.02 carats internally flawless cornflower Blue Sapphire. Gemstoneuniverse.com

There is a common thread that runs in all major powerful families of the world and that is their fascination for Natural and fine Gemstones. These Gemstones are not only valued as an investment tool but if you delve deeply each family that has made a mark on this world has a history of a powerful Gemstone attached to it and also attached is the story of the Gemstone.

Featured here is the famous Â Rockefeller Blue Sapphire. The stunningly beautiful and heart stopping Rockefeller Blue Sapphire Â was originally owned by the last Nizam of Hyderabad Asaf Jah VII-Mir Osman Ali Khan who at one time was supposed to be the richest man in the world. Subsequently it was purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr. The only son of John D. Rockefeller Sr. in 1934.

It was then held by the Rockefeller family till 1971.

Characteristics of the Rockefeller Blue Sapphire

Contrary to majority of beliefs the Rockefeller Blue Sapphire is actually Burmese in origin even though the rich cornflower blue color suggests that it of a Kashmir Mine. Internally flawless and weighing 62.02 carats with highly saturated intense Blue color it has been fashioned into a rectangular step cut.

Internally flawless with great clarity levels, this famous blue sapphire fetched $ 3 million at Christieâ€™s, New York City, auction on April 11, 2001.

Of what value it actually is:

“Speak not: whisper not:

I know all that ye would tell,

But to speak might break the spell

Which must bend the Invincible,

The stern of thought

He yet defies the deepest powers of Hell.”

Shelley

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Gemstoneuniverse-The Gold Standard in Planetary Gemology

Deeply Incapacitating Planetary Positions and How to overcome living a compromised life and negative emotions using Gem Therapy and remedial measures!

December 18, 2010 by gemstoneuniverse 7 Comments

Clicking on Underlined Links will give more information about a topic. You can always come back to this page

What Problems Can Astrology & Jyotish Gemstones Solve? Can they solve My Unique problems

Which is the Best Gemstone Choosing Method | Which Gemstone Should I wear

Â Do Gems Work- No They Donâ€™t for 90% of the People-Why?.

What results Can I expect from Jyotish Gemstones?

In Quest of Indiaâ€™s Best Gemstone Astrologer.

Tell me My Best Life Changing Gemstone

Deeply Incapacitating Planetary Positions and

How to overcome living a compromised life and negative emotions using Gem Therapy and remedial measures!

My initiation into the study of Astrology was because of my Vedic Guru who motivated me to learn this science â€“ the light of knowledge for the precise reason of accurate diagnosis of limiting planetary combinations. It involves correct recommendations of remedial measures to bring in desired positive changes.

Even though after my Vedic diksha, I was initiated into Tantra and Dhyana (Meditation) by my Tantrik Guru, it was my intitation into Jyotish (Astrology) proved to be invaluable.

My Vedic Guru had said ,â€ Yes, accumulation of Gyana (knowledge) , removal of ego , meditation and mantra Japa (chanting) Â is a medicine that will work for anyone but in what time frame and how much suffering could it alleviate â€“that is suspect?

It was him who later said – Learn Astrology and find out the accurate cause of Karmik suffering and then give an individual medicine. It will work faster, more accurately and bring peace to the tormented soul. Donâ€™t give the same mantra to everybody. Each personâ€™s suffering is unique and so should be the remedy.

Today, I find that lesson invaluable wherein my major interest lies in the diagnostic and the statistical part of Astrology more than the predictive part.

After interacting with so many human lives, I have come to the conclusion that there are some planetary positions that indicate severe negative karma and are typical in their results. The pain caused by these positions is immense and even the person suffering them cannot tangibly explain and quantify the pain.

These planetary conditions cause restriction and lead to severe compromises in the quality of life and other human interactions. They need to be remedied with the correct mix of measures that bring in desirable changes.

Only in these conditions, exceptions to the basic rule of planetary friendship can be made and contradictory gemstones can be worn and that too after analysis of several charts and combinations. One has to be very cautious in the implementation of these remedies.

The top six limiting and incapacitating planetary conditions are:

1) Moon in Scorpio aspected by malefics/ in a challenging house- Living in Illusion- Do I want to live?

The sacred text says-Chandrama Manso Jaataha– The moon is the significator of mind and the intellect. This is the position where moon becomes powerless and is debilitated.

A painful combination in the horoscope wherein the effects can be felt every 2 and 3/4 days when moon makes a transit in another sign.Â Periods of normalcy followed by acute depression and loss of energy followed by normalcy again and then a period of being extra sensitive, agitated or temperamental!

Half of the life goes in suffering these negative mood cycles and half of the life goes in recovering. What is then left?

Physically it can give common cold, cough, congestion and frequent migraine like headaches.

This is the position that causes one to be restricted and afraid. A lingering feeling of fear stays with the individual. Deep seated traumas eat up the peace. Negative events in life keep coming back like monsters. There is self doubt about oneâ€™s ability.

In extreme cases this is the position that gives suicidal tendencies and needs to be rectified as soon as possible. This position makes the individual think that the whole world is against him or her. Lack of correct decision making, lack of sticking to one path and deep pain caused by negative relationships makes the life very painful. I have found that this is the singular position wherein maximum failures creep in remedial measures. Either incorrect remedial are adopted or correct remedial measures are abandoned.

The emotions given by this position are:

– Embarrassment

– Doubt

– Shame

– Disrespect

-Lack of Self worth

– Depression

– Suicidal tendencies in extreme cases

– Inferiority complex

– Easily offended

– Feeling of being unclean due to lack of removal of traumatic events and people in life

– Giving too much importance to the views of the people around them and carrying the negative feedback throughout the life. Feeling of being let down.

– Becoming reclusive as a self defence mechanism to not to get hurt.

– Imbalance in relationships and lack of love.

The moon represents the water element. I have noticed that in 90% of the cases individuals with Moon in Scorpio position drink very less water. One method of bringing in improvement is to increase the intake of drinking water.

Remedies:

– Wearing of a Natural pearl– It is an absolute must in this position and brings in a tangible difference in the quality of life. Even though moon is debilitated, one needs to cure it by wearing a Natural Pearl, especially in the case of suicidal tendencies. However, this should be implemented only after consultation with an expert Astrologer.

– Increase the intake of drinking water.

-Meditate on Lord Shiva and chant the Shiva Panchakshri Mantra: Om Namah Shivay for 108 times daily.

The above remedies will give good results. Individual specific remedies may change due to the combinations made by the moon the chart such as Moon Rahu or Moon Ketu conjunctions.

2) Mars in Cancer- I am in a prison!

Mars is the planet of energy, enthusiasm and vigour. Cancer is the sign of the gentle moon and Mars in this position gets debilitated and powerless. The single result of this planetary position is Claustrophobia. Many of the results indicated by Moon in Scorpio, including suicidal tendencies are observed in this position.

Physically it can give anaemia, frequent headaches, leukoderma, Leucorrhoea and fear psychosis.

Some other negative emotions observed in this position are:

– Feeling of being controlled

-Manipulated

– Fear and Anxiety

– Frequent Guilt trips

– Feeling of being used or misled

– Violated and scared

– Lack of trust

– Confusion

– Feeling of being mocked at, made fun of

– Being overruled, distrusting and cynical

– Imbalance in relationships and lack of love

Remedies:

– Wearing of Organic White coral in the neck as pendant touching the thymus gland area (just above the first rib bone) in Silver.

– Meditation on any form of Shakti specially Durga.

– Charity to Women on Tuesdays.

3) Rahu in Sagittarius or Pisces/

4)Rahu in 1^st house/

5) Rahu dasha in operation- Losing Touch with reality!

Rahu periods are karmik in nature and are very unsettling unless the individual learns the lesson this planet want to teach very fast. These periods are usually accompanied by a sudden desire for fast results, overambitious, pursuit of unrealistic goals. The individual puts in too much expectation and hard work in realization of these and when there is failure there is deep seated frustration. These periods are accompanied by a feeling of abandonment. There is no joy left in life and there is nothing to look forward to. One needs to be very cautious and avoid unrealistic pursuits and get rich quick schemes! There is also feeling of disappointment that due recognition and credit of good work eludes them, despite their best efforts. This is also the time when there is break in relationships due to misunderstandings.

Some of the negative emotions experienced in this position are:

– Deep seated emotional pain and a feeling of being restricted from all sides

– Mania and anxiety

– Living with negative emotions where feelings of bitterness become important for survival

– Living in a make believe world

– Addiction

– Feeling of being lonely and uncared for

– Feeling of being judged

– Falsely accused

-Defensive

-Humiliated

-Labelled.

-Insignificant

-Frightened

– Threatened

Remedies

– Wearing of a Hessonite of Appropriate weight as per the chart, brings in appreciable change.

– Social service especially serving in hospitals or service of handicapped people.

– Worship of the Chandramoulishwara form of Lord Shiva.

– Avoidance of Alcohol and drugs.

– Charity to sweepers on a Saturday.

6) Ketu in 1^st house- I am my biggest enemy?

In extreme cases it makes the individual very sensitive, aggressive and temperamental. This position also causes hormonal imbalances, loss of touch with reality, perception of spirit and ghost attacks, fear and aggression. On a professional level this position gives instability, frequent challenge like situations with colleagues and seniors, lack of credit for good work and sudden change of job or life path every 15-25 months. Â Negative and limiting emotions associated with this planetary position are:

– Anger

-Temperamental

-Rage.

– Deviousness

– Fear of Ghosts, spirits and esoteric phenomena

– Suffocated

-Instability

– Punished

-Attacked

-Pressured

-Forced

-Discouraged

– Over controlled

– Violent

Remedies:

– Wearing of a Catâ€™s eye of appropriate weight after assessment of planetary position brings in appreciable changes.

– Worship of Lord Ganesh especially on Tuesdays.

– Daily Chant of Lord Ganesh mantra: Om Gangg Ganpataye Namah for 108 times facing east.

In addition to these above remedies one should also look at Chakra Healing with proper kriyas for healing!

These are some of the typical limiting conditions in the chart. I consider the position of Saturn in Aries also a part of this group but it requires a more detailed analysis. One needs to consciously work to overcome these conditions in the horoscope to live an optimized life. A life where one feels loved, appreciated and recognized.

This message from Buddha should be ingrained into your life philosophy if you have been suffering from these conditions to bring in tangible positive difference:

Develop a quiet, even state of mind. When praised by some and condemned by others, free the mind from hate and pride, and gently go your way in peace.

With Blessings, Prayers, Love

I remain

Guruji Shrii Arnav-Vedic GuruGuruji Shrii Arnav

Guruji Shrii Arnav-Vedic Guru is also an internationally acclaimed planetary gemmologist. An Accredited Jewelry Professional from the Gemmological Institute of America at present he is the chief mentor of http://www.astromandir.com and http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com. He is also the chief Horoscope columnist of Deccan Herald– A leading Indian English daily.

Clicking on Underlined Links will give more information about a topic. You can always come back to this page

What Problems Can Astrology & Jyotish Gemstones Solve? Can they solve My Unique problems

Which is the Best Gemstone Choosing Method | Which Gemstone Should I wear

Â Do Gems Work- No They Donâ€™t for 90% of the People-Why?.

What results Can I expect from Jyotish Gemstones?

In Quest of Indiaâ€™s Best Gemstone Astrologer.

Tell me My Best Life Changing Gemstone