Things to keep in mind while buying Gemstones

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय।

Now that you have read the previous blog on Simplifying Gemstones, you appreciate the true beauty of a gemstone from Vedic remedy perspective.  It is no longer a product for us but a sheer blessing.  Can there be any check list for such a blessing?

Well, only that Vedic remedy comes to us, which is meant to be received by us. At the outset, we can say that only that Gemstone will come to us, which is meant to come to us.  But then there is a limited free will at our disposal and we must exercise that while making this critical decision.

Ø  Get only a natural gemstone.  A natural gemstone is one which is not manipulated by human intervention.  One very common example of treatment is heat treatment where in lot of heat is supplied to a gemstone to remove/hide its black spots and other natural irregularities.  There are numerous other treatments. For us, a simple question from the seller can be good enough i.e. can you confirm that the gemstone is natural and not treated one?

Ø  Get your gemstone with appropriate weight: Gemstones weight is measured in carats and/or ratti. [Broadly 1 Carat = 1.09 Ratti = 200 mg].  Be sure that you are not getting confused between carat, ratti and grams.  Be sure of the measurements while obtaining your gemstone. 

 Ø  Get the prescribed gemstone color. It is an area which requires quite a bit of attention.  When it comes to color, even the best of the gemologists gets confused because there are numerous shades in a single color.  To share an example, when it comes to Diamonds, Gemologists make use of master diamonds set (refer image) to

compare each of the diamond to identify and certify the color.  You may use your judgement to be sure of the color of the gemstone e.g. if you are supposed to wear Gomutra Gomed, then ensure that it is dark yellow in color and not light yellow or reddish Hessonite(Garnet) [I’ll explain the color in detail from technical aspects of hue, tone, saturation in a separate blog]

 Ø  Experience of buying a gemstone: How has been your overall experience from making enquiry to discussion to closing the deal with a vendor.  If you got agitated due to any reasons (doubts on it being natural, cost aspect etc.), it could well be a nimitta to avoid obtaining that gemstone.  Keep a close watch on having a nice and happy overall experience > let the nature be with you throughout.

 Ø  Get the desired shape of the gemstone: Now I am treading into the expert zone of Jyotish consultation.  To recommend a gemstone on its own is such a challenging for an Astrologer; getting to the specific shape of the gemstone (specific cut – round / rectangular / triangular etc.) is taking it to another level.  It is a very advanced area which requires more research and hence, unless you are reasonably sure of the pedigree of the Astrologer, you may rely on meeting the other requirements e.g. natural, weight, color to obtain your gemstone. 

 Ø  It is important to note that the more specific you become with your requirements, the most cost you are adding to it.  With every additional requirement, the cost is added exponentially and not proportionately.  It can be extremely difficult to obtain specific shape of the gemstone while meeting all other requirements.

 Ø  To summarize, as long as you obtain a natural gemstone, with appropriate weight, with specific desired color, under an overall happy experience - you are protected.