How was a nauratan amulet made, and how could it be used in a necklace?
A nauratan amulet is a traditional form of Hindu jewelry characterized by its use of nine specific gemstones, which correspond to the navagraha (the nine celestial bodies in Indian astrology).12
Construction and Use
The amulet is crafted by fastening nine precious or semiprecious stones onto a gold plaque. These stones are selected based on their astrological associations with the navagraha deities, which are believed to influence a person's life and fate. The specific gems typically include:21
- Ruby (Sun)
- Pearl (Moon)
- Red coral (Mars)
- Emerald (Mercury)
- Yellow sapphire or topaz (Jupiter)
- Diamond (Venus)
- Blue sapphire (Saturn)
- Hessonite or zircon (Rahu)
- Cat’s eye (Ketu)1
Regarding its use in a necklace, a series of these individual nauratan plaques could be linked together to form a complete necklace. This practice reflects the broader historical tradition of Indian jewelry, where necklaces were often worn in multiples and various lengths, sometimes incorporating amulets of different shapes to serve both decorative and symbolic purposes.2