Generally, there are nine primary or main birthstones – one each for the nine planets and luminaries – as per Indian astrology. They are ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, gomed and cat’s eye for sun, moon, mars, mercury, jupiter, venus, saturn, rahu and ketu respectively.

For believers in astrology, knowledge of birthstones is essential. At one point of life, anybody is bound to say he was ‘just not lucky’! Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in the mouth.

Primary Birthstones

Generally, there are nine primary or main birthstones – one each for the nine planets and luminaries – as per Indian astrology. They are ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, gomed and cat’s eye for sun, moon, mars, mercury, jupiter, venus, saturn, rahu and ketu respectively.

Permanent and Temporary

When and for how long should one wear a birthstone? Opinions differ. Some astrologers prescribe permanent wearing of a birthstone based on the birthchart or birth horoscope while some suggest wearing different birthstones in tune with the operating ‘dasa’ and transit influences. Sometimes, more than one birthstone is prescribed to offset the malefic effects of more than one planet or luminary.

Navratna

One interesting lucky ring is the one adorned with ‘navratna’ i.e., nine stones, all embedded on a single ring in smaller sizes to ward off evil effects or energies from all the nine planets and luminaries. This is beneficial only to a few individuals. Of course, expertise is needed on the part of the astrologer in prescribing this. The astrologer must carefully evaluate the strengths of all planetary influences and the afflictions to the houses in the natal chart.

Secondary Birthstones

There are several other types of precious stones or gems like aquamarine, topaz, beryl, moonstone etc. which are also suggested for wearing. These,at best, can be substitutes to the primary birthstones. Again the experience and skill of the astrologer comes into play when deciding the most suitable secondary birthstone because of their subtle nature of influences. However, these are recommended for temporary periods only.

Weight of a birthstone

Birthstones are embedded either on gold rings or on silver rings depending upon the nature of the planet or luminary. Ruby, coral, yellow sapphire etc. are worn on rings made of gold. Normally, the weight is given in carats or in ‘rattis’. Two to three carats weight is common but it can be upto a minimum of five carats in the case of ‘Gomed’. A small gap in the ring is left below the stone, presumably, to allow light rays to pass through the body. The wavelength of the particular rays is said to cause changes in the physiological and psychological activity. For this reason, there are practitioners who prescribe birthstones to cure some diseases.

Caution

Just like self-prescribed medicines, self-prescribed birthstones are dangerous. One should not copy and wear a birthstone just because one’s friend or relative is wearing it and getting lots of luck! You must consult an expert astrologer as to which birthstone is appropriate to you. One wealthy gentleman hesitated to wear a silver ring and fought with the astrologer as to why a particular stone could not be worn on a golden ring because he thought silver would undermine his status! Beware of marketers who will sell you any birthstone for a hefty amount with their own theories of the zodiac and planetary influences.

There’s no denying that rubies and diamonds indeed make a dazzling combination. Today, more and more people opt for ruby and diamond rings because they exude timeless romance and sophistication.

For people who are looking forward to spending their new lives together by tying the knot, they also look forward to buying their perfect wedding ring–which symbolizes a lifelong union and commitment–and prefer the elegance of diamond and ruby rings.

The Fusion of Ruby and Diamond in a Ring

Ruby itself can be a unique and powerful expression of love and passion, what more if its combined with a precious stone such as a diamond?

The deep scarlet beauty of ruby never fails to astound people especially when it is combined with intense whiteness of diamond. If you are a future bride who is looking for a perfect wedding or engagement ring, ruby and diamond rings are perfect for you because it is a powerful pair that symbolizes an air romance and glamour.

If you’re looking for a ring that can satisfy your style, you might want to consider ruby and diamond rings. The fiery and classic combination of these stones truly creates a romantic and stylish flair.

But if you already have a nice diamond ring but tired of its usual and classic appearance, you might want to consider accessorizing it with rubies. What you can do is to ask a jeweler to repair your ring and ask him/her to warp it with rubies depending on your taste and preference.

If you want to send anyone and extravagant message, you might as well send him or her an extravagant present. Aside from being a perfect and unique wedding or engagement ring, ruby and diamond rings also make wonderful gifts in any occasion.

Apart from weddings and engagements, ruby and diamond rings can also be tailor-made for different occasions. You can give a ruby and diamond ring during Valentine’s Day to keep the romance alive, for a July birthday celebrant to give her luck with a ring made out of her birthstones, 15th anniversary celebrations because it is a traditional 15th anniversary stone, 40th anniversary for this is the “ruby” anniversary, or graduation if the person went to a school whose official colors are red or white which is equivalent to ruby and diamond.

Remember that a ring is a constant reminder of singular and everlasting love for couples. If you would want to give a gift that the recipient can treasure for a lifetime, give that special someone a ruby and diamond ring or memento.