Navaratna (nine-gem) amulets
Meaning
Navaratna ('nine gems') sets nine stones for the nine celestial bodies (navagraha): ruby (Sun) at the centre, pearl (Moon), red coral (Mars), emerald (Mercury), yellow sapphire (Jupiter), diamond (Venus), blue sapphire (Saturn), hessonite (Rahu) and cat's-eye (Ketu).
Intent
Worn as a ring, pendant or armlet, it balances the influence of all the planets, bringing health, prosperity and protection from astrological harm. The arrangement, with the ruby always in the centre, is fixed by tradition.
Significance
It is one of the most important jewels of Hindu, Buddhist and Southeast Asian courts. Thailand's Order of the Nine Gems is a royal decoration, and the design links astrology, medicine and adornment.
History
Navaratna is described in classical Sanskrit gem treatises and was worn in India and Southeast Asia from at least the medieval period. It is still widely made and worn.
Making yours
Ring, pendant or armlet with a 3×3 or radial layout in gold, with the ruby at the centre.South Asia: the tradition
India combines the protective systems of several religions. Hindu kavacha ('armour') prayers and yantras, Jain and Buddhist charms, Muslim ta'wiz and Sikh symbols are often worn by the same people. Planetary astrology (jyotisha) gave rise to the navaratna nine-gem jewel and to gemstones prescribed to balance the planets. Tigers' claws, rudraksha seeds and black thread against nazar (the evil eye) are pan-Indian. Mughal and Rajput courts made these amulets into jewellery of gold and precious stones, and British India turned the tiger claw into a Victorian fashion.
More from South Asia: Tiger-claw & tooth amulets · Amulet cases & kavacha · Yantras & mantra plates · Deity pendants & sacred seeds · Other & unsorted South Asia
Every type in the gallery
Anything in the gallery can be made: any piece, any tradition, in its own material or yours, by hand from the documented original. Numbered. Price on commission, quoted before anything is made. I reply within one business day.