Gemstones

Gemstones occupy a large place in Indian tradition, usually linked to jyotish and the planets, and they are bought in enormous quantity. Here is a straight account.

What tradition holds

Particular stones are associated with particular planets - ruby with the Sun, pearl with the Moon, blue sapphire with Saturn - and are worn, after consultation, to strengthen or moderate an influence. Rules about metal, finger, weight and timing are detailed and taken seriously by practitioners.

What we will not claim

There is no scientific evidence that a gemstone affects health, fortune or disease. We are not going to imply otherwise, and we would not want anyone spending money they cannot spare on that expectation.

Wear it because it is beautiful, or because it means something to you. Do not wear it instead of seeing a doctor.

If you are buying anyway

The commercial risks here are real and worth naming. Ask for certification from a recognised laboratory. Understand that "natural", "treated" and "synthetic" are enormously different in value and that heat and diffusion treatment are widespread. Get an independent valuation before a large purchase, and be extremely wary of anyone who diagnoses a problem and then happens to sell the stone that fixes it - that is a sales structure, not a consultation.

The line

No stone treats illness. If someone advises you to wear one instead of taking prescribed medicine, walk away and tell your doctor what was said.