Natural Navratan Stone in Pakistan

Being sourced, and built to order

We do not have a Navratan set listed yet, and diamond is not currently part of our range. We are sourcing the missing stones. Most of the others are available as natural loose stones in our collections, and we can put a set together for you. Send a message on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 with your budget, the weights your astrologer or family has suggested, and whether the set is for a ring, pendant or bracelet. We will send photos of matching stones for you to approve. You can also email cod@gemstore.pk or use our contact page.

What Navratan is

The word comes from Sanskrit: nava, nine, and ratna, gem. In Vedic astrology each of the nine stones is linked with one of the Navagraha, the nine celestial bodies: the Sun, the Moon, five planets and the two lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu. Wearing all nine together is traditionally believed to balance their influences. The set is worn as a ring, pendant, bracelet or armband, usually in gold. The same word described the nine celebrated courtiers of the Mughal emperor Akbar. For the background, see Navagraha stones: the nine planetary gemstones.

The nine stones

Diamond: we do not stock diamond. In some practice, colourless white sapphire or zircon is traditionally used as a substitute; ask your astrologer before choosing one. Gomed is hessonite, a variety of garnet; when you ask for Gomed we will offer hessonite only.

The traditional arrangement

One widely followed layout places ruby, the Sun, at the centre. Around it, starting at the top and moving clockwise, sit diamond, pearl, red coral, hessonite, blue sapphire, cat's eye, yellow sapphire and emerald. In a straight line, such as a bracelet, ruby is usually placed in the middle. Layouts vary between families and texts, so follow the one your family or astrologer uses. These are traditions, not rules with promised results.

Sizes and weights in ratti

Astrologers often give weights in ratti. The standard ratti used for gemstones in Pakistan is 0.91 carat, while the jeweller's sunari ratti is smaller, about 0.61 carat, so always confirm which one is meant. Our carat to ratti converter does the arithmetic. The centre ruby is often a little larger than the others, and the outer eight are usually chosen close in size so the set looks balanced.

How to tell a real Navratan from a fake

Many low-cost sets in the market use imitations for some or all stones. Common substitutes include:

• synthetic or glass-filled ruby, and synthetic blue and yellow sapphire;
• dyed or reconstituted coral, and plastic or shell beads in place of pearl;
• cubic zirconia in place of diamond;
• glass in place of emerald and hessonite;
• fibre-optic glass, sold as "cat's eye glass", in place of Lehsunia.

Ask for the identity and weight of each stone in writing. With loose stones you can inspect each one before setting, and independent lab testing can be arranged. See checking a gemstone before you buy and natural vs synthetic gemstones.

Treatments to know about

Each stone has its own usual treatments. Ruby and sapphire are commonly heated; emerald is usually oiled; coral may be waxed or dyed; pearls are often bleached or polished. Hessonite and cat's eye are frequently untreated. Any known treatment on a stone we offer is disclosed.

What drives value

The cost of a set depends mostly on the ruby, the two sapphires, the emerald and the diamond or its substitute, since these vary most in price. For each stone, colour, clarity, size and treatment status matter, as they would for a single stone. A good set is also consistent: stones of similar quality and balanced sizes look better than one fine stone among weak ones. The metal and setting add their own cost. See the gemstone price guide for each stone.

Care

A Navratan mixes hard and soft stones. Pearl and coral are soft and sensitive to perfume, sweat and chemicals, so put the jewellery on after perfume and remove it for washing. Clean the set with a soft, damp cloth only; do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Have the prongs checked from time to time, as nine small stones mean nine chances for one to loosen. Read how to care for gemstones.

Navratan in tradition

In Vedic astrology, Navratan is traditionally worn to harmonise all nine planetary influences at once, and some astrologers prefer it for people unsure which single stone suits them. Practice differs on metal, finger, day and ritual. These are beliefs and customs, not promised outcomes; speak to an astrologer or scholar you trust. For choosing a single stone, see which gemstone to wear.

When a stone is listed, you will be able to order it with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, open the parcel and inspect it before paying the rider, and return it within 7 days if it is not right for you. Orders are dispatched in 1 to 2 working days by insured, tracked courier. A certificate is available on request, and independent lab testing can be arranged.