THERE are more than 150 varieties of precious gemstones in the world but only 25 are widely known and traded.

De Beer’s, the world’s biggest diamond house, is also the owner of the Millenium Star, a 203 carat, D-flawless gem, reputedly the most famous diamond in existence.

Of these 25, Myanmar people appreciate nine types above all others: rubies, emeralds, diamonds, cat’s eyes, pyropes, topaz, sapphires, pearls and corals.
Many believe that wearing a ring studded with all nine gems, called a nawarat (nine gems) ring, will bring the owner glory, graciousness and health, and will keep danger and hardship at bay.

Like many people around the world, Myanmar people have a variety of beliefs about wearing precious gemstones.

“Rubies for glory, emeralds for peace and tranquility, diamonds for prestige and cat’s eyes for charm,” goes one well-known saying.

Many of these beliefs are based on the birth day of the wearer. Following are some of the more common ones.

Sapphires are lucky for Saturday-borns and must be worn on the index finger of the right hand.

White sapphires should be worn in April, light green in May and purple in June, while sapphires of dark blue colour are highly recommended for September.
Sunday-borns are counseled to wear red ruby rings, particularly in July when they bring good luck and freedom from anxiety and crises. They should be worn on the ring finger of the right hand.

Emeralds are recommended for Wednesday-borns, who should wear them around the middle finger of the right hand.

Pyropes are also lucky for Wednesday-borns, who can wear them to defend against danger, hardship and anxiety. They will find good luck if they wear purple pyropes in the month of February.

Pyrope rings should always be worn on the left hand, and wearing different forms of jewellery embedded with the stone – such as bracelets, necklaces and earrings – is widely believed to bring health and energy.

Diamonds are the lucky stone for Friday-borns, while pearls should be the first choice of Monday-borns. For those born on Thursday, topaz is the stone that will bring good luck, while Tuesday-borns can always rely on coral for good fortune.