From the very dawn of civilization, man has been fascinated by brilliant, shiny, colourful shells, stones and crystals. Their possession made him more important than others. Gems have always been regarded as bringers of peace,prosperity and happiness. Favourable gems bring about name, fame, power and make life easier. Ancient scriptures from across the world have praised gems as powerful agents of energy that influence human fate and destiny, induce good energy and expel the negative energy that produces sickness and suffering.

In Tantra Sara, a major tantrik scripture , the human body is stated to be an island of nine gems. These nine gems known as nav-ratnas correspond with the nine dhatus(ingredients) of which the human body is composed. The Tantra Sara gives a clear statement of their correspondence to the nav-ratnas, which is very helpful in understanding the relationship of gems with the human organism.Wearing these gems influences the dhatus and the psychophysical well-being.

The puranas present beautiful stories about the origin of gems and their relationship with the nine planets.The nav-ratna(nine gems) are divided into two groups:-Precious and Semi-precious.Diamond, pearl, Ruby, Blue-Sapphire and Emerald are precious gems whereas hessonite, yellow sapphire, cat’s eye and coral fall in the category of semi-precious gems. This division is based neither on the market value of the gems nor on their brilliance,lustre or durability but on their utility and their influence on the human psyche, body,chemistry and electro magnetic field.

There is no disagreement in the relationship of gems to planets.Most Indian astrologers and gem therapists agree on the use of gemstone related to the moon sign(rashi).(The moon sign means the placement of moon in a particular sign of the Zodiac). It is not always beneficial to select gemstones just because they are related to moon sign(rashi). To wear a gem, is to add the energy of the planet related to the gem and if the planet is badly aspected it will only add to one’s problems. Hence it is always necessary to consult a gem therapist or a good astrologer before selecting a gem.

It is always advisable to wear the rings of different gems on different fingers . As a general rule, the ring finger is the best for wearing rings, but as each finger is related to a particular planet, the ring should be worn on the finger connected with the planet .This belief is quite popular and sometimes we see people wearing rings on many fingers. There is also distinction between the right and left hand: the right hand is solar and the left hand is lunar. If a person seeks balance in life then he has to wear a ring with the gem, related with the planets Sun, Mars, Saturn,Rahu and Ketu on the left hand(i.e solar gems on the lunar hand). The gems related with Moon, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter should be worn on the right hand. Hence wearing gems on the appropriate fingers, would bring good health, prosperity, name and fame, saves one from wild animals, accidents, evil effects of poison and negative effects of ill-aspected planets.