STARS AND STONES

Jewellery studded with stones that derive from planetary movements have long dressed the wrists of men and women in Indian culture. Now, as the trend goes phases, RADHIKA SOMAIA charts its path

- RADHIKA SOMAIA

For some, the otherworldliness of astrology seems far-fetched, but for many, it’s their solace in the unknown. Jewellery boxes around the world have been collecting pieces inspired by the heavenly bodies for years. And while the lure of whimsical zodiac pendants and birthstone rings remain, there’s a celestial keepsake that embodies our spirit more precisely than any other piece of jewellery. Jyotish jewellery, or quite literally astrology jewellery, is bespoke jewellery designed based on individual Vedic astrology that determines how our lives align with the movement of the cosmos.

“Jyotihśāstra has been a part of Indian history for millenia,” says Samarth Kasliwal of Gem Palace, one of India’s oldest fine jewellery houses. “Multigenerational families used to come to get their jyotish jewellery made with us—gemstones, from emeralds to rubies, were set in silver and gold to touch the skin and guide their lives.” Today, in a world of relentless unrest, this age-old tradition is being redefined by an ascent of spiritual seekers around the world. Astrologer Shradha Salla tells us, “We are ruled by three things: destiny, karma and free will.” Out of the three, free will is what lies in our hands and, for the metaphysical mind, there’s nothing more empowering than marrying an astrological chart with the jewels that adorn our body.