What Is Navratna? The Nine Gems, Their Planets & Who Can Wear Them

Navratna is one of the oldest and most enduring ideas in Indian jewellery — nine gemstones, worn together, representing the nine celestial bodies of Vedic astrology. Unlike a single-stone rashi ratan chosen for one planet, navratna is designed to honour all nine at once. Here is what that means in practice.

What does navratna mean?

The word is a Sanskrit compound: nava (nine) and ratna (gem). Navratna jewellery carries deep significance not only in Hinduism but also in Jain, Buddhist and Sikh traditions, and versions of it appear across South and Southeast Asia.

The nine gems correspond to the navgrah — the nine planets or celestial influences of Vedic astrology. Wearing all nine is traditionally understood as seeking balance across every planetary influence, rather than strengthening just one.

Which gemstone belongs to which planet?

Why does the arrangement matter?

In a traditional navratna setting the ruby sits at the centre, representing the Sun, with the remaining eight stones arranged around it in a prescribed clockwise order. This is not decorative — the layout mirrors the Sun at the centre with the other influences in orbit around it. A well-made navratna piece follows this order rather than placing stones at random.

Who can wear a navratna ring?

This is where navratna differs importantly from single-stone astrological jewellery.

A single gemstone — a blue sapphire, say — is traditionally prescribed only after a chart reading, because an individual stone strengthens one specific planet and is considered capable of doing harm if it is the wrong one. Blue sapphire in particular is treated with real caution.

Navratna is different. Because it includes all nine stones in balance, it is traditionally regarded as safe for anyone to wear, without needing a personalised chart. This is precisely why navratna became so popular: it is the one astrological piece that does not require a consultation.

That said, if you are wearing it for a specific astrological purpose rather than for its beauty and symbolism, speaking to an astrologer is still the traditional route.

Which finger should a navratna ring be worn on?

For general wear, most people choose the index or middle finger of the right hand. If you are wearing it under astrological guidance, the finger will usually be specified for you. Our guide to which finger to wear a ring on covers the wider symbolism of each finger.

Traditionally the stones should touch the skin — which is why many navratna settings leave the backs of the stones open.

Why is navratna set in silver?

Silver is a traditional and practical choice. It is a neutral, cooling metal that does not compete with nine coloured stones, and 925 sterling silver is durable enough to hold multiple settings securely while remaining hypoallergenic for daily wear. It also makes navratna far more accessible than a gold setting.

The Navratna Nine Gems Ring is a lightweight everyday take in 925 silver, while our Navratna Ring is the more substantial traditional design. For the same symbolism worn on the wrist, there is also the Navratna Bracelet and the Navratna Kada.

How do you care for a navratna piece?

Nine different stones means nine different hardnesses, so treat the piece gently.

• Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemical dips — softer stones like pearl and coral will be damaged.
• Clean with a soft dry cloth, and only a barely damp cloth with mild soap if needed.
• Remove before swimming, cleaning with chemicals, or applying perfume.
• Check the settings every few months — multi-stone pieces have more prongs to loosen.
• Store it separately so harder stones cannot scratch softer ones.

Frequently asked questions

What are the nine stones in navratna? Ruby, pearl, red coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, hessonite and cat's eye.

Can anyone wear navratna? Traditionally yes — because it balances all nine planetary influences together, it is considered safe without a personalised chart reading.

Is navratna the same as rashi ratan? No. A rashi ratan is a single birth stone chosen for your chart; navratna combines all nine.

Which hand should you wear a navratna ring on? The right hand is most common for general wear.

Do the stones have to be real? For astrological purposes, tradition calls for natural stones. Many modern navratna pieces use colour-matched stones for the look and symbolism at an accessible price — check the product description so you know which you are buying.

Browse spiritual silver jewellery at House of Binti, or read about rudraksha meaning and how to wear it.