Gems that change your life

Abhijita Kulshrestha, senior consultant, Gemstone Universe, talks about her spiritual engagement with planetary gems

A few months back, you set up Gemstone Universe in Indiranagar. Is this just a boutique that sells gemstones or is there something more?
I would rather define Gemstone Universe as a place that people come to for solutions to their problems.  Gemstone Universe is dedicated to the cause of the ancient science of planetary gemology and bringing the best of jyotish gems to interested folk. In today’s times, when one cannot differentiate between a genuine from a fake, Gemstone Universe aims at bringing in some quality awareness and standardisation in coloured gems.  You can choose from a vast range of authentic gems that come with certification. gemstoneuniverse.com holds pride in the fact that  its work ethic and quality of products and services remain sacred. We are among the top exporters of colored gems from Karnataka and have won the ‘excellence in exports award’ for two consecutive years from the Jewellers Association, Bangalore. Gemstone Universe is a member of GJEPC. At Gemstone Universe, you have PGA certified astro-gemologists making your gem recommendation after a thorough analysis of you horoscope based on Vedic astrology and GIA certified gemologists assisting you with your assessment and purchase of gems.

What’re the demographics of the average Gemstone Universe customer?
An average walk-in customer is between 25 and 35 years of age and is well educated. People from business families, the IT sector, academicians and others who seek suitable planetary gemstones walk into Gemstone Universe or approach us online via our website.

Does the young crowd believe in gemology?
Oh yes! The younger generation is definitely quite inquisitive. But at the end of the day, it is grace and personal experience that establishes the faith for the young ones.
 
How does the whole process of gemstones emitting positive energy work? Could you elaborate?
Planetary gem therapy is all about using natural, unheated, treatment-free jyotish quality gemstones to harness the energy of planets that can aid us in our progress and growth. In strict terms, it follows the Grahaanukul Paddhati of prescribing gems. Each of the nine planets has a characteristic planetary energy and colour attributed to them. The shastras have outlined the nine maharatnas or precious gemstones that are reservoirs of energy of each planet and likewise the upratna or substitute gems too. At the very core of all existence is energy. All beings, all matter, that which is seen and that which is not — everything is energy. In addition, this energy is in perpetual motion. Whether you choose to consider self or look around you at objects, both  animate and inanimate, the gross (sthool) as well as the subtle (sookshma) is undergoing/ or is subject to energy transformation.

What are the five top-selling gemstones. Please elaborate on the benefits of each.
Blue sapphire, yellow sapphire, ruby, emerald and natural pearl are the top selling gemstones.

Blue sapphire helps during the trying Saturn phases. It is a fantastic gemstone for people working in the heavy machinery industry, petroleum sector etc. It’s for countering the ill-effects of Saturn. It’s used for gaining wealth, riddance from bad dreams and for excellent fate. It shows its +ve or -ve effect in 3 seconds, 3 minutes, 3 hours or 3 days. It should be worn with caution after proper consultation.

Yellow sapphire is for good fortune, clear thinking, focus, spiritual advancements, good luck, knowledge, academic success, and gain of an upright husband.

Ruby is excellent for rulers, leaders and those in positions of authority and people engaged in government work.

Emerald is good for jobs involving mental strength. It’s good for accountants, business managers, scientists, doctors, and public speakers.

Natural pearl is for benefitting from the energy of moon. It's good for gaining peace of mind, controlling anger and mood swings.
 
How has Bangalore responded to Gemstone Universe? Have you noticed any interesting trends?
The response has been very warm and encouraging. The people of Bangalore are very spiritually oriented. Besides the use of gems for planetary gem therapy, people have now started looking at gems as an investment option.

What cost factors are involved when people come to you for consultation?
An appointment for consultation can be scheduled with us, but a general horoscope analysis for gem recommendation is priced at Rs1,000.