Semi-Precious Stone & Gemstone Jewelry

Jewelry studded with different gems is quite popular among Indians. For reasons ranging from spiritual to aesthetic to health, gemstone jewelry has become the part of life of Indian women and men both. These stone jewelries are worn according to the individual's astrological chart and ruling of planet.  Gemstones are the soul of costume jewelry.  They have been used since the ancient times, to beautify jewelry items. Their colour, lustre, cutting style and rarity, is what sets them apart from other mineral crystals and defines their value. Also, their extraordinary healing powers are not hidden from the world.

History of Gemstone Jewelry in India : Several pieces of stunningly carved handmade gemstone jewelry have been discovered in the remains of ancient civilisations, highlighting the fact that gemstone jewelry was popular even then. Also, several Indian scriptures like Mahabharata and Ramayana, document the mystical healing powers of gemstones and how they were adorned by kings and queens to increase their process.

Further, it is said that it was India’s rich gemmological reserves that fascinated the Mughals to set up their empire in India. In the Mughal era, the stone craftsmanship prospered in all parts of India. Many new forms of gemstones and semi-precious stones were used to create glorious jewelry pieces to compliment the royal family’s day to day attires. However it was during the Victorian empire patronage that India emerged as a trading hub of precious as well as semi-precious stones which were immaculately set in to create marvellous stone studded-jewelry items.Even today India produces some of the finest gemstone studded jewels in the world.

There are several different ways in which semi-precious and precious gemstones are set by Indian jewel designers and crafters. Some of these art forms are as ancient as 5000 years, while on the other hand, some art forms are still under experimental stage.

 

Why Indian Astrology recommends Gemstone studded Jewelry : Gemstones are not just popular for their aesthetic properties, but also their mystical healing powers. Based on one’s astrological chart a gemstone can be used to bring in health, wealth and prosperity in a person’s life. Also, even scientifically proven facts suggest that colours and lustre of gems can be used to cure various illnesses and diseases. Below is a brief account on how different stones and gemstones can affect a person’s life.

• Ruby:  Ruled by the sun, this gemstone blesses the adorner with beauty and health. Also, it can be used to revamp one’s love life.
• Pearl: This white gemstone instils values like honesty, purity and innocence. It has also been documented to help in boosting concentration power.
• Coral: Ruled by Mars, this gemstone is known to promote creativity. Also, it has been known to make the adorner wise and enthusiastic.
• Sapphire: This gemstone promotes universal love and is helpful for those seeking spiritual knowledge.
• Diamond:  Known as a symbol of purity, diamond induces fearlessness and clarity of vision.
• Hessonite: Hessonite protects the wearer from accidents and keeps the evil spirits at bay. Also, it brings wealth and prosperity.
• Cat’s eye: This gemstone can strengthen the adorner’s mind and bless him with undeterred determination and will power.
• Emerald: This green stone brings good fortune to the wearer.

Moreover, semi-precious stones can also be used in gem therapy because they have a predominant colour, which can help ease off symptoms of depression, stress, insomnia, anorexia and many other diseases. Therefore, apart from the visual appeal, gemstones also have therapeutic properties that make stone-studded jewels even more valuable