Blog
Every important detail about gemstones and rudraksha — astrological significance, the correct way to wear them, how to tell genuine from fake, and buying advice, all in one place.
Navratna Gemstones
The nine traditional gemstones of Vedic astrology — Ruby, Pearl, Coral, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Hessonite, and Cat's Eye. Astrological significance, who should wear each one, genuine identification, and the correct way to wear them — explained in detail here.
Ruby (Manik): The Radiant Gemstone of the Sun — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
Who should wear a ruby gemstone, how to identify a genuine ruby, and the correct method of wearing it — complete information in one place.
Pearl (Moti): The Moon's Cooling Gemstone — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
Who should wear a pearl gemstone, how to identify a genuine pearl, and the correct method of wearing it — complete information in one place.
Coral (Moonga): The Vibrant Gemstone of Mars — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
Who should wear coral, how to identify genuine coral, and the correct method of wearing it — complete information in one place.
Emerald (Panna): Mercury's Gemstone of Intellect — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
Who should wear emerald, how to identify a genuine emerald, and the correct method of wearing it — complete information in one place.
Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj): Jupiter's Auspicious Gemstone — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
Who should wear yellow sapphire, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct method of wearing it — complete information in one place.
Diamond (Heera): Venus's Magnificent Gemstone — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
Who should wear a diamond, how to identify a genuine diamond, and the correct method of wearing it — complete information in one place.
Blue Sapphire (Neelam): Saturn's Fastest-Acting Gemstone — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
Who should wear blue sapphire, why a trial period is essential, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct method of wearing it.
Hessonite (Gomed): Rahu's Mysterious Gemstone — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
Why hessonite is associated with the planet Rahu, on what basis it's suggested, genuine identification, and how to wear it — complete information in one place.
Cat's Eye (Lehsunia): Ketu's Mysterious Gemstone — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
Why cat's eye gemstone is associated with the planet Ketu, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct method of wearing it — complete information in one place.
Rudraksha
From 1 mukhi to 14 mukhi — every rudraksha has its own deity association, significance, and suitability. Here you'll find complete information on genuine identification, how to wear, and precautions for every mukhi, whether you're wearing rudraksha for the first time or looking for a specific one.
1 Mukhi Rudraksha: The Rarest and Most Powerful Rudraksha — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It
Why 1 mukhi rudraksha is considered so rare, its significance, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct way to wear it — a complete guide in one place.
2 Mukhi Rudraksha: A Symbol of the Union of Shiva and Shakti — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It
Why 2 mukhi rudraksha is considered a symbol of the union of Shiva and Shakti, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct way to wear it — a complete guide in one place.
3 Mukhi Rudraksha: The Rudraksha of Agni Dev — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It
Why 3 mukhi rudraksha is considered linked to Agni Dev, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct way to wear it — a complete guide in one place.
4 Mukhi Rudraksha: The Rudraksha of Lord Brahma — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It for Knowledge and Focus
Why 4 mukhi rudraksha is considered linked to Lord Brahma, its significance for students, genuine identification, and how to wear it — a complete guide in one place.
5 Mukhi Rudraksha: The Most Popular and Widely Available Rudraksha — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It
5 mukhi rudraksha is the most common, easily available, and affordable rudraksha. Learn its astrological significance, genuine identification, and the correct way to wear it.
6 Mukhi Rudraksha: A Symbol of Willpower and Discipline — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It
6 mukhi rudraksha is considered the representative rudraksha of Lord Kartikeya. Learn its significance, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct way to wear it.
7 Mukhi Rudraksha: A Symbol of Prosperity and Maa Mahalakshmi's Blessing — Significance and Identification
7 mukhi rudraksha is linked to Maa Mahalakshmi. Learn its astrological significance, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct way to wear it.
8 Mukhi Rudraksha: The Rudraksha Representing Lord Ganesha — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It
8 mukhi rudraksha is considered the representative of Lord Ganesha. Learn its significance, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct way to wear it.
9 Mukhi Rudraksha: A Symbol of Maa Durga's Power — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It
9 mukhi rudraksha is linked to Maa Durga's Navadurga power. Learn its astrological significance, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct way to wear it.
10 Mukhi Rudraksha: Lord Vishnu's Shield of Protection — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It
10 mukhi rudraksha is considered the representative of Lord Vishnu. Learn its significance, how to identify a genuine one, and the correct way to wear it.
11 Mukhi Rudraksha: A Symbol of Ekadash Rudra and Hanuman — Significance, Identification and How to Wear It
The astrological significance of 11 mukhi rudraksha, who should wear it, how to identify a genuine one, precautions, and the correct way to wear it — get the complete picture here in simple terms.
12 Mukhi Rudraksha: A Symbol of Surya Dev — The Rudraksha Linked to Leadership, Radiance and Confidence
The astrological significance of 12 mukhi rudraksha, who should wear it, how to identify a genuine one, precautions, and the correct way to wear it — get the complete picture here in simple language.
13 Mukhi Rudraksha: A Symbol of Indra Dev — The Rudraksha Linked to Charisma, Prosperity and Fulfilling Desires
The astrological significance of 13 mukhi rudraksha, who should wear it, how to identify a genuine one, precautions, and the correct way to wear it — complete, simple information in one place.
14 Mukhi Rudraksha (Dev Mani): The Rarest Rudraksha — A Symbol of Lord Shiva's Bhairava Form
The astrological significance of 14 mukhi rudraksha — also known as Dev Mani — how to avoid fakes, genuine identification, and the correct way to wear it. Read the complete guide to the rarest rudraksha here.
Other Precious Gemstones
Beyond the navratna, many other gemstones are popular across India and the world — some are used in modern astrology, while others are prized purely for their beauty and rarity. Each gemstone's page clearly states its real traditional/modern significance.
White Sapphire: Diamond's Affordable Substitute Gem — Benefits, Identification and How to Wear It
When white sapphire is worn as a substitute gem for diamond, how to identify genuine white sapphire, and the correct method of wearing it.
Spinel (Red Spinel): The Gemstone Mistaken for Ruby for Centuries — Identification and Buying Guide
What spinel is, how it differs from ruby (manik), why it was historically mistaken for ruby, and complete information on identifying and buying genuine spinel.
Moonstone: The Gemstone with a Moonlight-Like Glow — Identification, Significance and Buying Guide
What moonstone (chandrakant mani) is, how its moonlight-like shimmer (adularescence) forms, its connection to the moon, and how to identify genuine moonstone.
Garnet (Red Garnet): A Deep Red, Energetic Gemstone — Identification, Significance and Buying Guide
What red garnet is, how it differs from hessonite (gomed), its historical and modern significance, and complete information on identifying genuine garnet.
Aquamarine: The Sea-Blue Gemstone from Emerald's Family — Identification, Significance and Buying Guide
Aquamarine is a member of the same beryl family as emerald (panna). Learn about its astrological and modern significance, how to identify a genuine stone, and the precautions needed when buying.
Tourmaline: Identification, Significance and Buying Guide for the World's Most Colourful Gemstone
Tourmaline is one of the most colour-diverse gemstones in the world. Learn about the special qualities of watermelon tourmaline, how to identify a genuine stone, the factors affecting price, and the precautions needed when buying.
Zircon: A Genuine Gemstone with Diamond-Like Brilliance — How It Differs from Cubic Zirconia, Identification and Buying Guide
What's the difference between natural zircon and synthetic cubic zirconia? Learn how to identify genuine zircon, its astrological significance, and the precautions to take when buying.
Pink Sapphire: The Beautiful Cousin of Blue and Yellow Sapphire — Identification and Buying Guide
What pink sapphire actually is, how it's related to blue sapphire and yellow sapphire, how to identify a genuine stone, and what to watch for when buying.
Opal: The Unique Colour-Changing Stone — Science, Significance and Buying Guide
What the rainbow-like 'play-of-colour' seen in opal actually is, why opinions on its astrological significance are divided, and how to identify a genuine opal — complete information.
Peridot: The Green Gemstone from Earth's Depths and Meteorites — Identification and Buying Guide
How peridot is found in Earth's mantle and in meteorites, why its astrological significance is limited, and how to identify genuine peridot — complete information.
Blue Topaz: An Affordable and Beautiful Blue Gemstone — Identification, Treatment and Buying Guide
What blue topaz is, why its name is often confused with yellow sapphire (pukhraj), how it gets its blue colour, and what to keep in mind when buying genuine blue topaz — complete information.
Tanzanite: The Rare Blue-Violet Gemstone Found in Only One Place on Earth
The story of tanzanite's discovery, its rarity as a gemstone found in only one place on Earth, its blue-violet colour property, and complete information on identifying and buying genuine tanzanite.
Alexandrite: The World's Rarest Gemstone — Green by Day, Red by Night
The real science behind alexandrite's colour change, the story of its discovery, its rarity, and complete information on identifying and buying a genuine stone.
Guides
Answers to practical questions about buying and wearing gemstones or rudraksha — how to identify genuine vs fake, what's the correct method and timing, and how to avoid common mistakes. Worth checking before visiting any individual gemstone/rudraksha page.
Brokerage Guide
How Our Brokerage Process Works: The Complete Journey from Start to Finish
Free GemStone Broker's complete brokerage process — from enquiry to a finalized deal — explained step by step in simple language.
Why Comparing Multiple Quotations Matters: The Risk of Relying on a Single Dealer
Why talking to just one dealer doesn't give you a real sense of fair pricing, and how comparing multiple quotations leads to a better buying decision — the full reasoning.
How We Verify Dealers: The Process to Join Our Network
The steps a dealer must go through before joining our network — registration, phone verification, and the full manual review process.
How We Verify Gemstone Certificates: Our Check Before Sending a Quotation
How we run an initial check on the certificate accompanying a dealer's quotation before it's sent to you — our own layer of diligence.
Why Buy Through a Broker Instead of a Single Dealer: Understanding the Difference
What's the difference between walking straight into one jeweller's shop and buying through a brokerage service — the full picture on comparison, pressure, transparency, and cost.
What Happens After You Send an Enquiry: Timeline, Quotations, and Every Scenario Explained
What actually happens after you fill in the form or make a call — how long it takes, how quotations reach you, and what happens if there's no match or you don't like a quotation.
How We Match Buyers with Dealers
Learn how Free GemStone Broker picks the right dealer for a buyer's requirement — based on expertise, budget, location, and certification track record.
How Our Consultation Process Works
A detailed look at Free GemStone Broker's consultation process — the first call, clarifying questions, and a personal approach for every buyer.
Transparency in Gemstone Buying
Learn how Free GemStone Broker's identity-hidden quotation process is itself a transparency mechanism — no hidden fees and no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Brokerage Service
The most common questions about Free GemStone Broker's service — answers about fees, our no-obligation policy, jeweller identity, and buying rudraksha, all in one place.
Buying Guide
How to Identify a Genuine Gemstone: The Right Method, Common Mistakes and Avoiding Fraud
How to identify a genuine navratna gemstone, why home tests fall short, why lab certification matters, and how to avoid fraud — a complete buying guide.
How to Buy a Certified Gemstone: The Complete Buying Process, Step by Step
What to keep in mind before, during, and after buying a certified gemstone — learn the complete step-by-step buying process here.
Natural vs Synthetic Gemstones: How to Understand the Difference
What is the difference between natural and synthetic, i.e. lab-created, gemstones, how synthetic gemstones are made, and why it's important to know the difference when buying — complete information here.
Treated vs Untreated Gemstones: What You Need to Know About Treatments
What gemstone treatments like heat treatment, oiling, irradiation, and fracture-filling are, which ones are common and accepted, and why you should ask about treatment information when buying — learn here.
How to Avoid Fraud When Buying Gemstones Online
Fake websites, WhatsApp scams, fraudulent payment gateways, and fake reviews — learn the common digital fraud methods used when buying gemstones online, and how to avoid them.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying a Gemstone
What questions you should ask a seller before buying a gemstone — a complete list of essential questions about natural-versus-synthetic, treatment, certificate, return policy, and origin.
Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Gemstones
Buying without a certificate, assuming price equals quality, deciding in a hurry — the most common mistakes people make when buying gemstones, and how to avoid them.
How to Choose the Right Gemstone for Your Budget
Why you shouldn't compromise on certification when buying a gemstone on a limited budget, what to look at besides carat weight, and which gemstones you can consider as affordable alternatives — learn here.
Comparison
Ruby vs Red Spinel: The Difference, Identification and Which One to Buy
Ruby and spinel are both deep red and were frequently confused with each other throughout history — learn the real difference between the two, how to identify them, and which one suits which purpose.
Emerald vs Green Tourmaline: The Difference, Identification and Which One to Buy
Emerald and green tourmaline are both beautiful green gemstones, but there's a big difference between them in mineral composition, clarity, and astrological status — learn which one suits which purpose.
Diamond vs White Sapphire: The Difference, Identification and Which One to Buy
Diamond and white sapphire are both brilliant, nearly colourless gemstones often seen as substitutes for one another — learn the real difference between their brilliance, hardness, and astrological role.
Yellow Sapphire vs Yellow Topaz: The Difference, Identification and Which One to Buy
Yellow sapphire and yellow topaz are both yellow gemstones and are often confused with each other because of the similarity in name — learn the real difference between them and the truth about their astrological status.
Natural vs Lab-grown Diamond: The Difference, Identification and Which One to Buy
Natural diamond and lab-grown diamond are chemically almost identical, but there's a big difference between them in formation process, price, and astrological status — learn the complete truth.
Blue Sapphire vs Tanzanite: The Difference, Identification and Which One to Buy
Blue sapphire and tanzanite are both striking deep-blue gemstones, but there's a big difference between them in hardness, origin, and astrological status — learn the real difference between the two.
Pearl vs Moonstone: The Difference, Identification and Which One to Buy
Pearl and moonstone are both often associated with the moon, but one is an organic gemstone and the other a mineral — learn the real difference between their composition, durability, and astrological status.
Cat's Eye vs Tiger's Eye: The Difference, Identification and Which One to Buy
Cat's eye and tiger's eye both show a similar shining band (chatoyancy), and unsuspecting buyers often mistake them for the same gemstone — learn the real difference between the two and how to avoid being deceived.
Certification Guide
GIA vs IGI vs GRS: Which Gemological Lab Can You Trust for What
What's the difference between GIA, IGI and GRS — the three leading international gemological labs — and which lab is known for which kind of certification. Complete information.
Trusted Gemological Laboratories: Which Labs Besides GIA, IGI and GRS Can You Rely On
Learn about international gemological labs like AGL, Gübelin and SSEF, and understand the certification facilities at India's gem-trade hubs such as Jaipur, Mumbai and Surat.
Understanding a Gemstone Report: What Every Detail on the Certificate Means
How to read and understand every detail printed on a gemological report — report number, identification, weight, color, clarity and treatment — plus how to verify that a certificate is genuine.
Origin Guide
Burmese Ruby: The Origin Guide to the World's Most Prestigious Ruby
Why rubies from Myanmar's Mogok Valley are considered the most premium in the world — the 'pigeon blood' color, history, identification, and what to keep in mind when buying.
Colombian Emerald: The Origin Guide to the World's Most Premium Emerald
Why emeralds from Colombia's Muzo and Chivor mines have been considered the finest for 500 years — complete information on their color, jardin, and unique geological origin.
Zambian Emerald: The Origin Guide to the Modern Era's Largest Emerald Source
Zambia's Kagem mine is one of the largest emerald mines in the world — complete information on its bluish-green color, clean clarity, and price.
Brazilian Emerald: The Origin Guide to a Diverse and Accessible Emerald Source
Emerald from Brazil's Bahia, Minas Gerais and Goiás states — information on its wide quality range, affordable pricing, and Brazil's extensive gemstone reserves.
Kashmir Sapphire: The Origin Guide to the World's Rarest and Most Premium Sapphire
Why sapphires from Kashmir's Padder Valley are considered the most premium in the world — the 'cornflower blue' color, the 1881 discovery, rarity, and how to identify genuine origin.
Sri Lankan Sapphire: The Origin Guide to a Centuries-Old Mining Tradition and the Padparadscha
Why Sri Lanka (Ceylon) holds a distinct place in the world of sapphire — the history of Ratnapura, the diversity of colors, the padparadscha sapphire, and how it differs from Kashmir.
Australian Opal: The Origin Guide to Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge and the 'Play-of-Color'
Why Australia is the source of most of the world's precious opal — the story of Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge, the rarity of black opal, and the science behind opal's play-of-color.
Tanzanian Tanzanite: The Origin Guide to a Gemstone Found in Only One Place on Earth
The geological story of Merelani Hills — tanzanite's only source in the world — the 1967 discovery, Tiffany's naming of the gemstone, and why it's a genuinely limited resource.
Care Guide
How to Clean Ruby: The Right Method and Mistakes to Avoid
Ruby is a hard gemstone, but a few precautions are essential when cleaning it — especially for treated rubies. Learn the right cleaning method and common mistakes to avoid.
How to Clean Emerald: The Right Method and Mistakes to Avoid
Emerald is fairly hard, but its natural fractures and oiling treatment make it one of the most delicate gemstones. Learn the safe cleaning method and why you should avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
How to Store Gemstones: The Right Method and Essential Precautions
Storing gemstones together the wrong way can cause scratches, moisture damage, and sun damage. Learn practical ways to store gemstones safely.
Can Gemstones Break? Understanding the Difference Between Hardness and Toughness
Even hard gemstones can break, chip, or fracture — because hardness and toughness are two different properties. Understand the real reason through the examples of topaz and emerald.
Price Guide
What Determines a Gemstone's Price: The Complete Picture in One Place
Understand, in simple terms, the 5 main factors that determine any gemstone's price — origin, carat, clarity and cut, treatment, and certification.
Rudraksha Price Guide: Which Factors Determine the Price
Understand, in simple terms, the main factors that determine a rudraksha's price — rarity of the mukhi (face count), certification, size and quality, and origin.
Wearing Guide
The Correct Method and Rules for Wearing Gemstones: A Complete Guide from Purification to Auspicious Timing
What to keep in mind before wearing a gemstone, the method of purification, choosing the right metal and finger, the right auspicious timing, and precautions around wearing multiple gemstones together.
Rules and Precautions for Wearing Rudraksha: Complete Guide from Purification to Care
Purification before wearing a rudraksha, choosing the right thread, care, and how many mukhi (faces) you can wear together — learn the traditional rules of wearing rudraksha in detail.