Navratna ring

A late 19th century talismanic Navratna ring. Navratna is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘nine gems’ or ‘ratnas’. Navratna or planetary jewels had important cultural significance in many southern and south-eastern Asian cultures and were believed to have talismanic powers and provide benefits to health and well being. The stones were also believed to hold mystical powers, tied to astrology, mythology and intrinsically linked to the religions of of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.  The nine auspicious gems utilised represent the planets. They are : ruby – Sun, diamond – Venus, coral – Mars, emerald – Mercury, cat’s eye – Ketu, topaz or yellow sapphire – Jupiter, garnet – Rahu, pearl – Moon and blue sapphire – Saturn. This ring is high carat gold and has the traditional Mughal colours of vibrant  red, white and green enamel typical of Jaipur and Delhi work. The ring is size Q and 1/2 [US 8 and 1/4 ] and the hoop is 1/4 of an inch wide. Slight enamel loss on this rare ring.

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