+91-9310172512
+44-7831491778
+971-526686526
How to Buy Genuine Upratna Gemstones Online in India: Certification & Quality Guide
While purchasing a gemstone for Vedic astrology, most people prefer it to be natural, authentic and of good quality. But at times, the original planet gemstones may not be practically purchasable due to their availability, quality or price. In such cases, the alternative gemstones referred to as Upratna gemstones typically come into play as replacements for some original gemstones.
However, purchasing Genuine Upratna gemstones online involves far more than simply selecting a good-looking stone that is priced reasonably. There are many factors you must consider: its natural state, treatment, quality, certification, origin, and validity.
In this blog, we will explain how to buy genuine Upratna gemstones online in India and how to ascertain their value.
What are Upratna gemstones?
Upratna gemstones are considered secondary or substitute gemstones for the primary planetary gemstones used in Vedic astrology.
From the perspective of astrology, a zodiac sign or a planet’s primary gemstone is unique, but when it is hard to procure or is less effective due to price or unavailability issues, then the Upratna gemstones can be used.
However, simply because the Upratna-looking gemstone resembles some expensive gemstone, it should not be chosen.
9 planetary gemstones and their commonly considered upratnas
According to the traditions of gemstone astrology, the nine main planets are usually linked to nine basic gems. Furthermore, there exist a number of other gems, which are considered to be the substitutes or Upratnas of the main gems.
- Ruby (Manik) — Sun: It is known that Red Garnet and Red Spinel are often mentioned as substitutes for Ruby.
- Pearl (Moti) — Moon: Moonstone is traditionally considered a substitute for Pearl.
- Red Coral (Moonga) — Mars: Carnelian and Red Agate are often mentioned as substitutes for Red Coral.
- Emerald (Panna) — Mercury: Traditionally, Peridot and Green Onyx are considered to be substitutes for Emerald.
- Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) — Jupiter: Citrine and Yellow Topaz are the most commonly mentioned as substitutes for Yellow Sapphire.
- White Sapphire — Venus: White Zircon are considered to serve as alternatives to white sapphire.
- Blue Sapphire (Neelam) — Saturn: Common replacements for Blue Sapphire are Amethyst and Iolite.
- Hessonite (Gomed) — Rahu: Certain forms of Garnet could be considered as substitutes for Hessonite.
- Cat's Eye (Lehsunia) — Ketu: The substitute for Cat’s Eye is tiger eye.
Depending on the gemstone tradition and the Vedic astrologer, these relationships may differ. Thus, an Upratna may not be considered always equal to the main gemstone.
Identifying authentic upratna stones
Searching for genuine Upratna gemstones online should not just rely on descriptions such as “natural,” “pure,” “certified”, or “original”.
Depending only on the appearance may not necessarily give conclusive proof of the stone’s origin.
Determine the natural status
Before your purchase, it would be good to know in advance whether the gem is:
- Natural: Formed through natural geological processes.
- Synthetic: Made in a lab, but may have the same properties as a natural stone.
- Imitation: Made of another material that is made to look like the stone.
Before making your purchase, make sure to ask for proof and other documents related to the gem.
Importance of upratna certification
It is important to pay attention to the government laboratory report on the gemstone. The use of the certification helps to get official information that makes independent verification of the gemstone possible, instead of relying solely on the description provided by the seller.
Contents of the laboratory report
The report provided by the laboratory may contain the following information about the gemstone:
- Identification of the gemstone: The gemstone name provided by the laboratory.
- Natural or synthetic status: The stone is either natural or is laboratory-made.
- Treatment status: This section provides information about possible treatment.
- Carat weight: The weight of the gemstone.
- Measuring: The size of the stone.
- Colour: The colour of the stone.
- Origin: The place of origin.
Check the certification
Do not depend on the certification that is stated in the product description.
Ensure to confirm the laboratory name, report number, and gem details. If the laboratory has an interactive facility to check the report online, use that too.
Ensure you examine the report weight and dimensions against those in the actual Upratna being sold.
Upratna gemstones pricing in India - What drives pricing?
Upratna gemstones price in India is not constant. Pricing differs according to the type and characteristics of the stone. For example, two stones that belong to the same category and have the same carat might have completely different prices.
What influences the upratna cost?
- Colour quality
- Clarity and transparency
- Cut and finish
- Carat weight
- Natural or synthetic status
- Treatment
- Origin
- Rarity
- Certification
- Quality
While checking the prices online, do not choose the least expensive stone; first, analyze what you are getting for the price.
Natural vs Treated Upratnas: What is right for you?
Natural gemstones can also undergo treatment. The two terms cover different areas. "Natural" has to do with how the gemstone came into being, while "treated" relates to methods that were used to modify one or more of the gemstone’s attributes.
Treatment might mean processes such as:
- Heat treatment
- Filling
- Diffusion
- Dyeing
- Coating
- Increasing clarity
Considering that treatment does not necessarily mean that your stone is artificial, a treated gemstone can be a genuine one.
At the same time, treatment affects the stone’s appearance, value, durability, and care methods. Thus, before buying one, it is essential to learn the treatment specifics.
How to choose the right upratna for vedic astrology?
If you are considering an Upratna for astrological purposes, follow a simple selection process.
Step 1: Get an analysis of your horoscope.
Consult a reputed Vedic astrologer to find out which planetary gemstones suit you best.
Step 2: Find out the basic gemstone.
When we know which planetary gemstone suits you best, we also need to check whether an Upratna goes with this stone or not.
Step 3: Make sure the stone can be used as a substitute.
Keep in mind that not every gemstone that looks like the planetary gemstone mentioned above can actually be used as one
Step 4: Choose the right quality.
Once the gemstone family is chosen, you should opt for a natural stone of proper quality.
Step 5: Check the papers.
Look at the information about the natural origin of the stone, treatments, weight, dimensions and the laboratory test report if required.
The above-mentioned guidelines help make sure that one makes two different decisions regarding the astrological conformity and the buying of the gemstone.
How to buy upratna gemstones online?
Before processing your order, use this final purchase checklist.
- Verify the gemstone: Ensure that you are purchasing the Upratna gemstone you wish to buy.
- Confirm natural status: Check whether the gemstone is a natural one, a synthetic one or an imitation product.
- Confirm treatment: Check if treatment has been applied to the gemstone.
- Ask for lab report: If needed, ask for a laboratory report of the gemstone.
- Check the report: Verify the details of the laboratory and the report number.
- Match with specifications: Cross-check the reported weight and measurements with the actual stone.
- Check quality: Check the colour, clarity, cut, transparency and overall appearance of the gemstone.
- Look at the actual stone: Request photo images or a video of the gemstone you will be receiving.
- Compare prices: Compare gemstones based on quality and certificate rather than prices only.
- Check the seller: Check the vendor's information, return policy, customer service and after-sales support.
- Verify astrological effect: If buying gemstones for astrology purposes, confirm the correct gemstone or its substitute.
A simple rule for buying upratnas
An Upratna is recognised in traditional astrology as being a replacement for a primary planet gemstone instead of simply cheaper gemstones. Only when astrological criteria make it necessary, and the gemstone is available in suitable quality, will one of the primary gemstones be preferable.
Thus, it is necessary to consider the primary gemstone and its substitute when considering purchasing Upratnas and to determine the quality of the Upratna before making the final decision.
Get Expert Guidance before Buying an Upratna
In case you find it difficult to decide the appropriate planetary gemstone or Upratna for your horoscope, seeking professional guidance can help you make an informed choice.
If your intention is to purchase natural, certified Upratna gemstones, you can seek guidance from Pure Vedic Gems, who have been reputed gem experts since 1937, in identifying your best options.
Related collection
Explore Upratna Collection
Compare certified pieces, treatment disclosures, and lab certificates.
Buying guidance
Frequently Asked Questions about Upratna Gemstones Online in India
Are Upratnas essentially the same as primary gemstones?
No, In tradition, Upratnas are perceived as substitute or secondary gemstones for specific primary planetary gemstones.
Can I be satisfied with an Upratna since it is cheaper than a primary gemstone?
Price should not be the determining factor in choosing an Upratna for astrological purposes. Consult an astrologer regarding the original gemstone’s compatibility and whether the Upratna accordingly meets the originality conditions.
Can a natural Upratna be treated?
Yes, natural origin and treatment are different characteristics.
Are Upratna suitable for all?
No, When it comes to the use of gemstones for Vedic astrology, the suitability should usually be based on the horoscope of one and the planet for which the gemstone is being used.
Can I tell whether the Upratna is natural by looking at it?
No, Just by looking at it, one cannot determine if the gemstone is natural or has gone through treatments or if the gem is genuine or other such aspects. For that, one is required to have tests done.
Is a certified Upratna automatically high quality?
No, Gemstone certification is different from gemstone quality. The laboratory report will only mention the characteristics of the gem that are examined, but not the colour, clarity, cut or any other aspect of it.
Should I buy an Upratna online without seeing the actual stone?
For an important purchase, it is always better to check the actual piece first and go for photographs and documentation of the piece before finalising on it, rather than only focusing on images and descriptions on the internet.