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The Power of Nine
I'M TOO SEXY FOR MY SHOES!
| November 25, 2009 15:08 IST
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Wield the power of nine stones and look like a heavenly body. We bring you the alluring story of the Navratan...
As per Hindu astrology, the elements of the solar system are represented by the Navratan or the nine gems.
The Navratan is a combination of:
1. Ruby
2. Pearl
3. Emerald
4. Blue Sapphire
5. Yellow Sapphire
6. Diamond
7. Red Coral
8. Cat's Eye
9. Hessonite Garnet
Each gemstone is specific to a certain planet and imbibes its positive traits. Over the years the nine stones have been set together in many well designed ornaments.
But if you choose to wear individual stones for its powers then here’s what you need to know...
Farah Khan, Jewellery Designer
Stones do have a healing power but only very good quality stones. Not the ones that astrologers or healers use saying they have medicinal properties.
Emerald
Known as a gem for knowledge, an Emerald is often worn by those connected to public life or politics.
Astrologically, this stone is associated with memory and intuition. It sharpens your ability to think.
It comes in various shades of green. There is the very dark green which is the Tanzanian and Brazilian variety. Then you have the Columbian, which is lighter in colour.
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For fashion-lovers, nothing can quite beat the combo of Emeralds and Diamonds.
Yellow Sapphire
Jupiter rules this gem, which represents knowledge, wisdom and material prosperity. Interestingly, Jupiter also governs your appetite, so if you want to put on those extra kilos, you can consider owning this gem.
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Yellow Sapphire is mostly used with other stones for hairpins, bracelets and brooches. Individually, it can be seen in rings.
Blue Sapphire
Among gemstones, Blue Sapphire is said to have the most potent and powerful results, good or bad.
It represents the planet Saturn and the deity Shani. Perhaps that's why you will not find this stone in most of the antique jewellery or old jewellery of India.
Good Sapphires are described as peacock blue sapphires. And good peacock blue sapphires came from Kashmir or Burma.
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Enhance your blue aura by wearing an oval-cut Blue Sapphire teamed with diamond baguettes or as a brooch pin. It can be worn as a pendant, a ring or a bracelet.
Red Coral
The word Coral originates from the Greek term Coralian meaning pebble. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used Coral as a means of trade.
Astrologically, Coral has a lot of therapeutic value. It cures blood diseases and is good for purifying blood.
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You could wear the Indian Coral by day and the deeper red is great with black.
Ruby
The stone of the Sun with the colour of the heart is recommended to those with heart ailments. Also to those in search of power and fame.
It has been prescribed by astrologers for various reasons. Perhaps when the cosmic rays of the Sun pass through the Ruby, it endows it with some therapeutic value.
The best rubies even today, value-wise are considered to be the Burmese Rubies specially from the old Mogok Mines.
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Burmese rubies set in a contemporary style with pearl drops and rose cut diamonds or dangling earrings, can never go out of fashion.
Hessonite Garnet
As per astrology, Hessonite Garnet also called 'cinnamon stone', is worn by those who are keen on promoting their careers in photography, farming and engineering. This gem comes in various shapes and forms.
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Simply for its fashion quotient, this stone can be used in a set, as a pendant and even a fine-shaped ring.
Diamond
Over the years, Diamonds have mesmerised and captured the hearts of millions. Luscious but sophisticated, minimal but dramatic, they define the ultimate style statement.
Amongst all the precious stones, the Diamond is considered to be the most valuable, precious and most popular stone.
Diamonds are judged by the famous four 'Cs': Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat. The best diamonds of the world have come from India, from the famous Golconda Mines.
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Diamonds have such a strong personality that they never fail to bring a smile on your face, be it as: Polki-studded jewellery or an encrusted box in 22 carat gold, pear-shaped big diamond earrings, or the ring.
Pearl
Known to pacify passions and to increase wealth, Pearls are the familiars of the luxurious. Even if you are not into astrology, one very good reason you need to possess a strand of Pearls is for its versatility.
With colours ranging from white to Champagne to grey, Pearls spell old world charm. They are generally worn for calmness, good health, and to contain a violent temper.
The most expensive pearls are the Basra Pearls which came from Iraq, and are now very, very hard to get. What you have to look out for when buying pearls is the lustre, it has to have great shine and the fewer the blemishes the better the pearl.
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Clip on a strand of Tahitian pearls which are set along with polki and rubies. These work well with a jacket or a sari.
Cat's Eye
Like the eye of a sleek feline predator, the Cat's Eye winks at the astonished observer. This stone is mainly used for astrological purposes and indicates sudden changes in the wearers life.
That's why a Cats Eye is not a common choice when it comes to jewellery.
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If you want to wear this opaque gemstone, keep your overall look clean and simple.
So whether it's for healing or to up your glam quotient, don these multi-hued gemstones and take your look from demure to dramatic.
Special thanks for inputs to Jewellery Designers Farah Khan, Alpana Gujral and Sudhir Kasliwal, Gem Palace
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