Frequently Asked Questions

Q. WHY DO PEOPLE WEAR GEMSTONES?
We know from the study of Astrology that we are constantly being bombarded with both harmful and benefical vibrations due to the particular placements of the planets and stars at any one time.

The ancient sages of India discovered that there are ways to counter the harmful effects of the stars. They believed that the best remedial agents, better than herbs, and even better than metals, are flawless (or as flawless as possible) gemstones of not less than 2 carats.

Q. WHICH GEMSTONES ARE BEST FOR ME?
Vedic astrology centers on nine principal gemstones: diamond, emerald, ruby, yellow sapphire, blue sapphire, chrysoberyl cats-eye, hessonite garnet, blood coral and pearl.

Substitutes, or secondary stones, may be used for any of these due to its expense or lack of availability. Vedic Astrologers are able to recommend gemstones after reading an individual's horoscope. We are able to supply the names of Vedic Astrologers for anyone wishing to follow this route.

Q. HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO SPEND?
Money is, of course, always a factor. It is reasonable to want to get the best gemstones for the least amount of money.

However, the ancient Vedic text, the Garuda Purana, states that it is inadvisable to wear a gemstone of poor quality. An inferior stone can reduce the effectiveness of a whole grouping of precious gems.

For this reason we recommend that one acquire gemstones only when one is able to afford a stone of good or excellent quality.

Q. ARE SYNTHETIC GEMSTONES EQUAL TO NATURAL GEMSTONES?
Science has worked for a long time to produce gemstones in the laboratory that are chemically equal to natural gemstones. One of the basic reasons behind this is the vastly reduced cost of the stones. There are currently being produced a number of synthetics, notably among them the diamond, emerald and ruby.

The principal idea behind astrological gemstones is that their vibration is what helps us. The vibration is created by its chemical composition, its clarity, its cut, and just as important, the vibration from the earth it absorbed when it was created millions of years ago. This most important element is something that can not be created or duplicated in the laboratory.

For that reason we feel that although synthetic gems are an inexpensive substitute, we encourage the use of natural gemstones in Vedic astrology.

Q. DO I WEAR THE STONES ALL THE TIME?
Some believe that one should never take off an astrological stone. The belief is that if a gemstone is acting as protection, we are taking a risk if we take off the stone.

It is good if one can wear one's gemstones as much as possible, but we feel one should be practical. Be prepared to take off metal jewelry when passing through an airport sensor, having an x-ray taken, or swimming in the ocean! We also suggest that one refrain from wearing your gemstones if there is a concern for security.

Q. WHY DO GEMSTONES NEED TO BE A CERTAIN WEIGHT?
The ancient rishis of India determined that the nine principal stones should be a minimum of 2 carats in order to be effective. Swami Sri Yukteswar, in The Autobiography of a Yogi, by Parmahansa Yogananda, made a more current statement to the same effect.

FYI

DIAMOND:
The original shape of a diamond was considered important. Some felt that a triangular shape caused quarrels, a square shape caused terrors. But a six-cornered shape was considered fortunate, bringing good fortune.

SAPPHIRE:
Pope Innocent III decreed in the twelth century that the ring of a Bishop of the Catholic Church should be set with a Sapphire. It was felt that this stone held the virtuous qualities necessary to its esteemed position.

EMERALD:
Great was the belief in emeralds that the Romans felt that evil could not prevail in the face of an emerald. It would point out a falsehood by changing color, turning pale. If an emerald was unable to avoid inopportunities, it would fall from its setting.

The origin of the word comes from Sanskrit. It means the color green.

GARNET:
This stone has similar properites to that of a ruby. It was thought to have the ability to warn its wearer of approaching danger by turning color.

RUBY:
This precious and beautiful stone is actually a red variety of sapphire.

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