A new year commences… and with our best wishes for prosperity and happiness, we bring to you this month’s Gem Gossip on a gemstone that brings to its wearer hope, happiness, and good fortune!

Saturn rules the practical sign of Capricorn and controls the month of January. January Borns are strongly motivated to succeed and gain positions of power. They possess strong organizational skills and strive for respect and accomplishment. The fluctuations of the Moon strongly affect those born in January and they must avoid nurturing depressing thoughts. Emotional and sensitive, January Borns are very responsible and protective of the family circle. However, they find it difficult to openly communicate their deepest feelings.

The birthstone for the month of January is the Garnet stone. Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. All species of Garnets possess similar physical properties and crystal forms but differ in chemical composition. The word Garnet comes from the 14th‑century Middle English word gernet, meaning ‘dark red’. It is derived from the Latin granatus, from granum (grain, seed). This is possibly a reference to pomumgranatum (pomegranate), a plant whose fruits contain abundant and vivid red seed covers (arils), which are similar in shape, size, and colour to some garnet crystals. According to the Roman historian Pliny, the large dull-colored “Carbunculus of India” (a variety of Garnet) used to be hollowed out into vessels.

This gem is available in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red Bohemian Garnet to the vibrant greens of the Russian Demantoid and African Tsavorite. It also appears in the oranges and browns of Spessartite and Hessonite from Namibia and Sri Lanka, and the subtle pinks and purples of Rhododendron. The light transmission properties of Garnet can range from gemstone-quality transparent specimens to the opaque varieties used for industrial purposes as abrasives. The mineral’s luster is categorized as vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like).

Garnets were used in former Czechoslovakia as far back as the Bronze Age and in Egypt more than five thousand years ago. They were used in Sumeria around 2100 B.C. and in Sweden between 1000 and 2000 B.C. They were also popular in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. According to the Talmud, the only light on Noah’s ark was provided by a large Garnet. In Europe during the Middle Ages, Garnet was used to enhance truth, faith, and constancy, and to dispel melancholy. As a Warrior’s Stone, Garnet served as a talisman in the Crusades for both the Christians and their Muslim enemies. Garnet is said to have been one of the twelve stones in the Breastplate of the High Priest and has been used as a sacred stone by the Native American Indians, the South American Indians, the Aztecs, the African tribal elders, and the Mayans.

Legends and folklore place garnet among the most ancient of talismans. Not only was it prized as an ornamental jewel, but its strong curative powers and protective energies made it invaluable. Legend says Garnets light up the night and protects their owners from nightmares. Garnets have long been carried by travelers to protect against accidents far from home. They may be the birthstone for January, but with their stunning variety of colors and mystical powers they have been given as gifts for all occasions for centuries. Garnet signifies eternal friendship and trust and is the perfect gift for a friend. Garnet is also known for its utilization of creative energy. It grounds spirit forces within the body. It is a sensual stone representing primordial fire, the creation of the world out of chaos, purification, and love. It is a stone of strong, intense feelings.

Garnet & Emerald Gold Drops

Garnets that are the color of blood were not only believed to confer invulnerability from wounds, but some Asiatic tribes launched garnets from their sling bows, and later as bullets- the principle being that the blood-coloured stone would inflict a more deadly wound than a leaden bullet. Today, Garnet is not only worn ornamentally as a beautiful gem but is used widely in industrial markets, from watch gears and scientific instruments to sandpaper and abrasives. Garnets bring balance in life and eliminate all negativity from the mind. In Indian astrology, each variety of Garnet relates to different Chakras in the body. Generally, Garnets are associated with root chakra which is the life force in our body. Green Garnet has an impact on the Heart chakra while Hessonite works on Sahashara Chakra. Demantoid stimulates all chakras from base to crown. Garnets are said to enhance composure, strength, contemplation, and generosity in the wearer.

The healing properties of Garnet include increasing blood circulation and hemoglobin levels in the body. Garnets reduce inflammation and cure bone injuries. They also regulate the functioning of spleen, lungs, and heart.
Garnets are highly beneficial for businessmen and it is considered propitious to keep a few garnets in the cash box. They also reduce mental stress and depression, and encourage imagination and self-confidence in the wearer. They also foster better relationships and are considered ideal for frequent travelers to ensure a safe journey.

We welcome you to our wonderful world of jewellery to explore what you might like own with Garnets. Earrings, necklaces, pendants, bangles…. the repertoire is limitless, as is the finesse of our designers and jewelsmiths. Begin 2016 auspiciously and gift yourself or loved ones timeless pieces of jewellery with Garnets in them.

View our Garnet Jewellery Collection: Garnet Silver Jewellery | Garnet Jewellery | Garnet Earrings  | Garnet 18K Gold Earrings |

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The planet Jupiter and the sign of Sagittarius govern the month of December. December borns are philosophers, natural teachers, and classified in Divine Astrology as a Truth Seekers. They are also attracted to holistic healing and travel to foreign lands. They can be extremely organized and have a quick mind.

The birthstone of those born in December is the Turquoise stone. Turquoise is an opaque, light to dark blue or blue-green gem with its finest colour being an intense blue. Turquoise may contain narrow veins of other materials either isolated or as a network. They are usually black, brown, or yellowish-brown in colour. Known as the matrix, these veins of colour are sometimes in the form of an intricate pattern, called a spider web.

Neo-Classical Turquoise Chandeliers

The word Turquoise, which dates to the 17th century, is derived from the French word turques for “Turks”, because the mineral was first brought to Europe from Turkey, from mines in the historical Khorasan Province of Persia. Pliny the Elder referred to the mineral as callais and the Aztecs knew it as chalchihuitl. Turquoise was among the first gems to be mined, and while many historic sites have been depleted, some are still worked to this day. For at least 2,000 years, Iran, previously known as Persia in the West, has remained an important source of Turquoise which was named by Iranians initially “pirouzeh” meaning “victory” and later after Arab invasion “firouzeh”.Turquoise is among the oldest known gemstones and its popularity has spanned the globe for centuries. It graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned the ceremonial dress of early Native Americans. This beautiful robin’s egg blue gemstone has been attributed with healing powers, promoting the wearer’s status and wealth, protecting from evil and bringing good luck.

Turquoise is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. In recent times, Turquoise, like most other opaque gems, has been devalued by the introduction of treatments, imitations, and synthetics onto the market.

The finest of Turquoise reaches a maximum hardness of just under 6, or slightly more than window glass. The lustre of Turquoise is typically waxy to subvitreous, and transparency is usually opaque, but may be semitranslucent in thin sections. The colour is as variable as the mineral’s other properties, ranging from white to a powder blue to a sky blue, and from a blue-green to a yellowish green. The blue is attributed to idiochromatic copper while the green may be the result of either iron impurities (replacing aluminium) or dehydration.

The pastel shades of Turquoise have endeared it to many great cultures of antiquity. Despite being one of the oldest gems, Turquoise did not become important as an ornamental stone in the West until the 14th century, following a decline in the Roman Catholic Church’s influence which allowed the use of Turquoise in secular jewellery. It was apparently unknown in India until the Mughal period, and unknown in Japan until the 18th century. A common belief shared by many of these civilizations is that Turquoise possessed certain prophylactic qualities; it was thought to change colour with the wearer’s health and protect him or her from untoward forces.

Turquoise renders its impact through its definite colour, its crystalline structures along with other inherent properties and characters. Both the positive and negative personality traits get influenced by the birthstone.

It provides wisdom of both earth and sky, thereby it is old and yet young. It is considered to be pure as it is believed to hold the atmosphere surrounding the earth and sky, thereby giving life and breath.It promotes prosperity and success and brings in happiness along with good fortune.

Turquoise has the capacity to absorb negative feelings that is prone to December borns. It is also believed to treat infections of the throat and lungs, diseases of the teeth and gums, asthma and other breathing problems, and depressions.

Sagittarians are prone to pondering on thoughts and Turquoise helps to open the communicative faculty in them. It also enhances activeness by offering strength and regeneration in thoughts and behavior that get reflected in actions.

At Gehna, we have experimented aplenty with these brilliant gemstones and have produced results not short of remarkable to celebrate the Turquoise. Explore our online range of Turqouise Egyptian inspired necklaces, colour blocked earrings and much more. Should you feel inspired and want us to breathe life into your inspirations, meet with us and help us design and craft the perfect Turquoise jewellery for you.

View our Turquoise Jewellery Collection: Turquoise Jewellery | Turquoise Silver Jewellery | Turquoise Earrings | Turquoise Hook Earrings

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Are rustling in September’s breeze,

A sapphire on her brow should bind

`Twill cure diseases of the mind.

The month of September is governed by the planet Mercury and by the sign of Virgo. September borns are intellectual, very critical, and picky, and they tend to work too hard. They are masters of communication and always combine logic and intuition in dealing with life. Astrologically, they are labeled the perfectionists and have a powerfully investigative mind.

Speaking about the Sapphire stone, people immediately envision a stunning violet-blue gemstone because the word “Sapphire” comes from ‘Saphirus’ in Latin and ‘Sapheiros’ in Greek, both meaning blue. The name sapphire is also said to be derived from its association with the planet Saturn. The name can be roughly translated to mean “dear to the planet Saturn” in many different languages. For centuries, the Sapphire has been referred to as the ultimate blue gemstone.

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide (α-Al2O3). Trace amounts of elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper, or magnesium can give corundum respectively blue, yellow, purple, orange, or green colour. Chromium impurities in corundum yield pink or red tint, the latter being Ruby. Sapphire is remarkably hard, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale.

Since Ancient times, the Blue Sapphire has represented a promise of honesty, loyalty, purity, and trust. Keeping with this tradition, Sapphires are one of the most popular engagement gemstones today. While the blue Sapphire is perhaps the most popular, Sapphires come in almost every colour of the rainbow: pink, yellow, orange, peach, and violet. The most sought-after fancy coloured Sapphire is the rare and beautiful Padparadscha: a pink-orange corundum with a distinctive salmon colour reminiscent of a tropical sunset. These ultra-rare, ultra-expensive stones are among the most coveted gems in the world.

Sapphires are found in many parts of the world, but the most prized Sapphires are from Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, and Sri Lanka. Sapphires with highly saturated violet-blue colour and “velvety” or “sleepy” transparency are rarer. The purer the blue of the Sapphire, the greater the price. However, many people find that the darker hues of Sapphire can be just as appealing. The cost of natural sapphires varies depending on their colour, clarity, size, cut, and overall quality – as well as their geographic origin.

Sapphires have been prized as great gemstones since 800BC. Rulers of ancient Persia believed the sky was painted blue by the reflection of sapphire stones. Blue sapphires were also holy to the Catholic Church, and ancient lore held that the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written, were actually sapphire. Kings wore sapphires around their necks as a powerful defense from harm. They preserved the wearer from envy and attracted divine favor. During the 12th Century, the sapphire was known as the most appropriate stone for ecclesiastical rings. The Sinhalese believed that the star sapphire served as protection and as a guard against witchcraft. The great Oriental traveler, Sir Richard Francis Burton, had a large star sapphire which he referred to as his “talisman,” for it always brought him good horses and attention wherever he went. The mere sight of the stone was believed to bring luck. King Solomon wore a sapphire ring, and in modern times, the sapphire gained popularity with Lady Diana’s (and now Kate Middleton’s) engagement ring.

In Indian Astrology too, Blue sapphire is the gemstone of Saturn, the attendant in our solar system. Saturn has been considered malefic, spreading negative impacts, but ultimately bringing positivity. It compels catastrophe and calamities that will lead to promising times.

Sapphire could compel the wearer towards great heights but could also send him or her into an abyss of despair and failure. It bestows affluence, longevity, contentment, prosperity, strength, and glory, wiping out hurdles of health, faults, misery, and poverty. Buddhist Monks believed Blue sapphire or Neelam eliminated the negative rays of Saturn from the life of a person bringing tranquility of mind, turns losses into gains, and could make a barren woman fertile. But being the gemstone of Saturn, it also could adversely impact the wearer with negative thoughts and energies. It is believed that before choosing to wear sapphires, one must place the gemstones under the pillow while sleeping. The quality of one’s dream is said to reflect the effect that the gem may have on the wearer’s disposition. Pleasant dreams indicate the positivity Sapphires can bring, while nightmares warn one of possible negative effects.  Nevertheless, the gemstone brings the wearer the hope required to sustain and pursue dreams and aspirations.

Astrology aside, the vibrant blue of the Sapphire is magical and comes alive when set along with brilliant diamonds. The green-blue contrast of Emeralds and Sapphires is perfect for Indian jewellery with peacock themes. For subtler beauty, sapphires are just as elegant with pearls. It is the gemstone of dreams and desires, and needless to say, no one respects your dreams as much as our team at Gehna. Bring us your Sapphire visions, or feast yourself to our design team’s wonders, and watch your Sapphire fantasies breathe life!

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The royal ruby is a magnificent pink to blood-red colored gemstone composed of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). The red color is caused mainly by the presence of chromium. Ruby gets its name from ruber, which is Latin for red. Rubies have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Among the natural gems only moissanite and diamond are harder. All natural rubies have imperfections in them, including color impurities and inclusions of rutile needles known as silk. Gemologists use these needle inclusions found in natural rubies to distinguish them from synthetics, simulants, or substitutes. Some rubies show a three-point or six-point star. These rubies are cut into cabochons to display the effect. Furthermore, rubies can show color changes (though this occurs very rarely) as well as chatoyancy or the cat’s eye effect.

The color of a Ruby is the most important feature of the gemstone. Rubies are available in a range of red hues from purplish and bluish red to orange-red. The brightest and most valuable color of Ruby is often that of the Burmese Ruby – a rich, passionate, hot, full red color with a slight blue hue. This color is often referred to as “pigeon blood” red, a Ruby color only associated with the Mogok Valley mines in Myanmar. The color Pigeon Blood Ruby red is not the color of a pigeon’s blood but rather the color of a white pigeon’s eye.
Clarity follows color in the grading of a ruby. Like diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated. Most, if not all, rubies at the lower end of the market are treated with heat to improve color, remove purple tinge and blue patches. Lead glass filling, where fractures inside the ruby are filled with lead glass (or a similar material), dramatically improving the transparency of the stone, has also gained popularity in recent years.

The Mogok Valley in Upper Myanmar (Burma) was, for centuries, the world’s main source for rubies. The region has produced some of the finest rubies ever mined, but in recent years Mong Hsu has been producing Rubies and has become the world’s main ruby mining area. The most recently found ruby deposit in Myanmar is in Namya (Namyazeik) located in the northern state of Kachin. Rubies have historically been mined in Thailand, the Pailin and Samlout District of Cambodia, Burma, India, Afghanistan, Australia, Namibia, Colombia, Japan, Scotland, Brazil and in Pakistan. In Sri Lanka, lighter shades of rubies (often “pink sapphires”) are more commonly found. After the Second World War ruby deposits were found in Tanzania, Madagascar, Vietnam, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Pakistan. A few rubies have been found in the U.S. states of Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wyoming.

 Ruby Studded 18K Gold Jhumki

The moon and the emotional sign of Cancer rule those born in July. They are strongly affected by the Moon’s fluctuations and family always plays an important role in their lives. They are the caretakers of the Zodiac and are distinctively gifted with real estate and food. Lunar children have a solid sense of organization and are perfectionists. With Ruby as their birthstones, these emotional, yet exceptionally gifted individuals can soar heights hitherto thought unreachable.

Ruby is an earth stone, a perfect complement to the vagaries of the waxing and the waning moon that controls those born in July. It energizes and activates the mental and emotional body, enhances self-confidence and passion for life. It is a protective heart stone that eliminates feelings of hopelessness and defeat. Ruby provides the wearer with the energies of optimism and determination. It is a stone for courage, helping ease anxiety as it brings adventure and opportunities into life.

In Western lore, Royals such as Queen Elizabeth of England and Queen Mary of Scots wore rubies as a tool for protection. It was believed that rubies would darken (dim) if they were in danger. During Elizabeth’s claim to the throne and reign over England she had many assassination threats from groups; Queen Elizabeth’s own cousin Mary wanted her dead. This is a primary reason rubies are found on the crowns of Royals. Ancient warriors wore rubies to make them invincible in battle. Rubies were the most desired gems of European royalty and the upper classes, medieval Europeans wore rubies to obtain good protection, wealth, wisdom, and success.

In the occidental world, Ruby, or Manik, represents the Sun, again a counter for the moon. Apart from being the most significant luminary of the celestial world, the Sun represents the father or the king and signifies authority. The Ruby symbolizes love, passion, courage, and emotion. It is said to give name, fame, virtue, vigor, warmth and commanding power to its user. It also enhances the status of a person. It also helps to cure peptic ulcer, fever, rheumatism, and gout.

Find your fire and soul at Gehna, with our exquisite Ruby jewelry, with and without other precious stones. Wear a Ruby set in prongs or a bezel close to your heart in a customized pendant, or as a ring on your ring finger to harness the stability of the Earth and the power of the Sun. Astrological impetus apart, on its own, the Ruby is quiet irresistible. So maybe we can interest you anyway in ruby jhumkis, necklaces, bangles, or anything else your heart may fancy. After all, the ruby does represent your heart…

If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in reading about The Pearl and Moonstone!

View our Ruby Jewellery Collection: Ruby Bracelet | Ruby Jewellery |Ruby Nosepin | Ruby Earrings| Ruby Necklace

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The sweltering month of May is upon us with all the wrath of the sun in its folds with emerald stone. Maybe we can distract you from the scorching heat with a little insight on gemstones by the month of birth. And what better month to start with than the one that currently torments us!

May borns are understood to be resolute, yet understanding. Their enthusiasm and physical attractiveness make them quite irresistible. As charming as these May-borns are, they always claim the attention of everybody around them. It is no wonder then, that the birthstone of those born in May, is the regal Emerald stone.

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, coloured green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Beryl has a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. Most Emeralds are highly included, so their toughness is classified as generally poor. And yet, the rarity of finding a beautiful emerald in rich hues makes it a gemstone dearer than all, but diamonds.

Vivacious Emerald and Gold Earrings

The word “Emerald” is derived from the Latin Esmaralda/Esmaraldus, a variant of Latin Smaragdus, meaning green. Emeralds in antiquity have been mined in Egypt since 1500 BCE, and India and Austria since at least the 14th century CE. Colombia is by far the world’s largest producer of Emeralds, constituting 50–95% of the world production. Rare ‘trapiche’ Emeralds are found in Colombia, distinguished by a six-pointed radial pattern made of ray-like spokes of dark carbon impurities. Zambia is the world’s second-biggest producer, with its Kafubu River area deposits.

Glamorous Emerald Jhumki

In general, while grading coloured gemstones, colour is the most important criterion. However, in the case of Emeralds, clarity is considered a close second, and both colour and clarity are necessary conditions. A fine emerald must possess not only a pure verdant green hue but also a high degree of transparency to be considered a top gem. Emeralds tend to have numerous inclusions and surface breaking fissures. Unlike diamond, where the loupe standard, or a 10× magnification, is used to grade clarity, Emerald is graded by eye. If an emerald has no visible inclusions to the eye, it is considered flawless. It is important to note that now jewellers across the world have embraced paler hues with enthusiasm, the uncommonness of the colours in jewellery being a large motivation to do so.

Emeralds that lack surface breaking fissures are extremely rare and therefore almost all Emeralds are treated to enhance the apparent clarity. The inclusions and fissures within an Emerald are sometimes described as “Jardin” (French for ‘garden’), because of their mossy appearance. These imperfections within the stone are unique to each emerald and can be used to identify a particular stone and make Emeralds more likely than other gemstones to be cut into cabochons, rather than faceted shapes. Faceted Emeralds are most commonly given the Oval cut, or the signature Emerald cut, a rectangular cut with facets around the top edge.

Green is the colour of fertility and prosperity. In the western world, as the gem of Venus, the Emerald was considered to aid in fertility. Cleopatra, Egypt’s tempestuous female monarch was as famous for wearing Emeralds in her time as Liz Taylor is for wearing diamonds in our time. Ancient Egyptian mummies were often buried with an Emerald carved with the symbol of verdure– flourishing greenness–on their necks to symbolize eternal youth.

In India, the Emerald is considered the gemstone of planet Mercury. In Hindu mythology, Mercury is the son of the Lord of Love and is a manifestation of Wisdom and Words. However, the planet is also known for its dual nature and as shrewd and astute are those born under the sign of Mercury, those afflicted by the negative effects of the planet may suffer memory loss, inadequate reasoning power, speech defects, lack of concentration, and/or insomnia. The Emerald is believed to shield its wearer from these ill effects of the largely benefic planet. It is believed to harness the positive energy of the planet to its wearer and bring him/her confidence. Mercury also symbolizes younger siblings, in particular, sisters, and the Emerald is therefore believed to nourish the bond between siblings. To reap the astrological benefits of any gemstone, it is recommended that the stone remains in close contact with the skin, as it would in an open set ring or pendant.

The Emerald has been an integral part of quintessential Indian jewellery. Temple Jewellery of South India uses the green hues to brilliantly contrast the rubicund shades of rubies, while Kundan and Moghul Jewellery showcase the Emerald in all its glory. Stones of higher caratage are now being used in conjunction with diamonds for added splendour.

Whether it wards off the ill effects of Mercury, or to aid fertility, or maybe just because you need Emeralds to coordinate with your favourite outfit, we, at Gehna, understand and respect every need. Visit us, or contact us to design your Emerald masterpiece. Talk to us about what other gemstones you would like to enhance the beauty of your precious Emeralds. Brainstorm with our designers on how you can make your emerald sing the green song and wear the perfect handcrafted piece with pride.

If you liked reading our blog on exquisite emeralds, you may also be interested to explore more about our article on Legends and Lore Surrounding Emerald Jewelry & Elegant Emerald Jewellery for a Taurus Woman.

Shop our Emerald Collection – Emerald Jewelry | Emerald Jhumki | Emerald Nosepin | Emerald Earring

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