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Modern gemologists believe that, except
for the emerald, all these precious stones
were mined in India. The known emerald mines
of this country are of modern times. No
evidence of ancient emerald mines has been
found in India. It is probably that emeralds
used in ancient jewelry were stones that
found their way into India from ancient
Egypt. In Egypt, emerald mines and working
tools and other equipment dating to about
1650 BC have been found.
The science of gem preparation in ancient
India was well developed in the early centuries
of the Christian era (Puranic perioid).
The diamond was found in different parts
of the country and at least six colors of
diamonds were known, each being associated
with a particular deity: green with Vishnu
(the Preserver), white with Varuna (god
of Oceans), yellow with Indra (god of Heavens),
brown with Agni (Fire god), blue with Yama
(god of Death) and copper colored with the
Maruts (Storm god).
A Diamond For Each Caste
The king could wear diamonds of any color,
as he was the lord of all castes. Each caste,
however, was recommended a specific color
and improper use of colors in diamonds by
the different castes was believed to be
the most harmful. Thus, for a Brahmin (the
priestly class) a diamond of pure white
luster was recommended. For a Kshatriya
(warrior class), a diamond of a reddish
hue was considered auspicious, for a Vaisya
(trading class) one with a greenish tint
was appropriate and for the Sudra (working
class) one, which had the luster of a well-polished
sword, was believed to be suitable.
A spotless diamond was considered to be
the abode of deities. A perfect diamond
was considered to be the one that could
float in water and had six elevated tips,
eight equal sides and twelve sharp edges.
World's Greatest Diamonds
Some of the world's greatest diamonds have
originated in India such as the Kohinoor,
the Great Mogul and Orlov. The Kohinoor,
which after changing hands many times, was
purchased by Britain in 1849 and now adorns
the crown of the Queen of England. Originally,
it weighed 191 carats but when it was recut
in 1852 at Garrards of London its weight
was reduce to 108 carats. The Great Mogul
found in 1650 weighed 280 carats. It was
the largest diamond ever cut in India and
its whereabouts are unknown. The Orlov,
which had its origin in the mid-18th century
Karnataka war, was stolen from an Indian
temple where it formed one of the eyes of
an idol. It weighed nearly 200 carats and
was sold to an English naval captain. It
was eventually bought by Russian Court and
now adorns the Kremlin treasures.
Testing The Stones
There are references in ancient Indian
texts about the preparation of imitation
diamonds by the use of iron, topaz, gomedaka,
lapis lazuli, crystal and different kinds
of glasses. And that is perhaps why diamonds
were tested by means of alkaline solutions
and the emery wheel.
According to the Garuda Purana, to test
whether a pearl is real or not, it should
be placed in heated water mixed with some
oil and salt, for one night. After removing
it from the water, it should be rubbed with
barley grains and then covered with a dry
cloth. If it does not lose its luster then
it is a real pearl. Methods for giving luster
to a pearl are also described. The pearl
should be placed in cavity of a fish, which
is then smeared with clay and baked. The
pearl should then be boiled in milk, then
in water and finally in limewater. The pearl
thus treated assumes an excellent luster.
Effect On Human Body
According to the traditional Indian belief,
the human body is composed of the seven
colors of the rainbow, associated with seven
kinds of rays. Diseases enter the body when
there is a deficiency or excess of any ray
in our body. Each color is associated with
a particular gem, which in turn is associated
with a particular planet. According to astrologers,
a gem is beneficial when worn in the phase
of a particular planet as these stones also
affect our health and destinies.
Besides, there are other important characteristics
of gemstones in their medicinal use.
The ruby associated with the Sun is extremely
hot and releases hot waves in the form of
red cosmic rays. It should be worn only
during the winter months. It cures ulcers,
bone disorders, arthritis, blood diseases,
anemia and general weakness.
The pearl is associated with the Moon,
which in turn is associated with fertility
and regeneration. Being cold, it releases
cold waves capable of curing diseases arising
out of hot rays - heat stroke, high blood
pressure, boils and abscesses. It is particularly
useful for uterine disorders.
The red coral is associated with Mars and
is a very useful gem for every person. It
rules over the excretory glands, kidney,
urinary systems, sex organs and sweat glands.
By assuring the proper clearing out of waste
products from the blood and body, it keeps
the body fit.
The emerald is associated with Mercury,
the planet of nerves, intellect, memory,
creative ability and mind. This gem has
the power to cure all sorts of eye and ear
troubles, forgetfulness, epilepsy, stammering,
insanity and nervous disorders. Real emeralds
can be determined by holding them for some
times before the eyes. A fake stone will
impart a hot or irritable sensation to the
eyes. But a real emerald will soon make
the eyes cool.
The blue sapphire is associated with Saturn
and is believed to have miraculous and magical
powers in healing all sorts of diseases
of the brain and stomach. The very light
blue sapphire is usually preferred for healing
purposes. It cures diarrhea, dysentery,
gastric ulcers, nervous disorders, heart
troubles, paralysis, Parkinson's diseases,
arthritis and insanity. But it is too cold
and should be worn on the middle finger
of the right hand along with a copper ring
on the first finger of the left hand. The
copper ring will protect the wearer from
the bad effects of the blue sapphire. This
stone strengthens concentration, precision
and perfection in any activity. During the
winter months the sapphire should be worn
with a red coral otherwise, there is a possibility
that one will have to suffer from severe
cold, cough, bronchitis and fever.
The cat's eye associated with Ketu is an
extremely hot gem and heals cancer, paralysis,
acne and other skin diseases.
The yellow sapphire (topaz) is associated
with Jupiter and is believed to have the
miraculous power to bring prosperity and
fortune. It cures rheumatism, arthritis,
gout, sciatica, lumbago, spondylitis, impotency,
frigidity and sterility. It is preferably
used with one red coral.
The diamond is neither hot nor cold. It
is associated with Venus and is believed
to have no real power in healing any disease.
Today, gems have increasingly acquired
a commercial character. And given the rich
tradition our society is steeped in, gems
will continue to be an important part of
our religious and secular culture.
Healing Properties
Each gem in the mala was given certain
attributes of healing properties, according
to ancient lore, and the practice is still
in vogue today. The ruby protects against
poisonous substances and banishes any evil
spirits that hover around. It also gives
energy to the wearer and changes color if
the wearer is in bad health.
The emerald is an antidote for all stomach
complaints, stings and bites; it is soothing
to eyes when mixed with saffron, and a protection
against poisonous insects or reptiles. It
was used in ancient times by mariners to
prevent storms. Emeralds are said to pale
if the wearer is faced with deception. As
it is the stone of the Goddess of Love,
it helps lovers in their problems. The coral
is extremely popular as it is a stone that
is said to cure diseases, help the memory
and act as a powerful protection against
the evil. That is perhaps why it is often
used in rosaries and made into chains for
little children.
Pearls give strength to the heart and are
often used in Ayurvedic medicine. In India,
pearls have always been a favorite ornament
in royal courts.
Blue has always been the color of enlightenment
and in Buddhism, the wearing of sapphire
was said to increase devotion. In the West,
bishops and cardinals also wore sapphires
in ancient times. In spite of being held
in sacred esteem, sapphires can also bring
bad luck if worn by a person who does not
have it as a birthstone.
The garnet is found in many colors though
the best known is deep red, almost resembling
a ruby. Garnets are often used to imitate
precious stones, but have not been recorded
as having any special properties of protection.
On the other hand, the topaz is used for
occult practices. It is used in the Middle
East, for averting the evil, and is said
to bring wealth and long life to the wearer.
The topaz can be golden yellow in color
and sometimes colorless. The cat's eye is
usually brownish yellow. There is often
a light line, which shines through, giving
the idea of an eye from which it derives
its name.
Many of these jewels are worn set in rings,
mounted so that they touch the skin. The
stone and its weight are decided according
to the individual's astrological chart.
The nine jewels of the necklace are a combination
of the different gems and perhaps were originally
threaded together to ensure general well
being. There is no doubt that the variety
of color looks beautiful and it would be
interesting if more research were done in
the meaningfulness of the Navaratna, the
nine jewels.
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