Diamond (Heera)

About this Diamond (Heera)

A single diamond of 0.50 carats, described by the supplier as natural and untreated. Diamond is crystallised carbon and the hardest natural material used in jewellery, which is why it holds a polish so well and why it can scratch every other gem. In Hindi and in Jyotish it is called Heera, and Sanskrit texts use the name Vajra, the word also used for the thunderbolt of Indra.

Classical Jyotish associates Venus (Shukra) with marriage and partnership, the arts, beauty, vehicles and comforts, and diamond is Venus's gem in the navaratna. A diamond for astrological wear is traditionally set in platinum, white gold or silver and worn on the middle or ring finger, according to lineage, and is first put on on a Friday morning, often with a Shukra mantra. Some traditions set a minimum size for an astrological diamond while others do not; ask the astrologer advising you which view they follow.

This listing is for the loose diamond; a ring or pendant setting is not included. Hardness means a diamond resists scratching, but it can still chip if struck on a thin edge, so discuss with your jeweller a setting that guards the girdle. Give the jeweller the carat weight and ask for it on the receipt, so you can confirm the same stone after setting.

Venus is a functional benefic for some ascendants and not for others, and diamond is considered a strong stone in Jyotish practice. Have an astrologer review your chart before wearing it as a remedy.

Astrological significance

Venus is the karaka of marriage, the arts and comforts in Jyotish, and diamond is its primary gem. Astrologers usually consider a Venus gemstone when Venus rules the ascendant or a trine and is well placed, and weigh the running dasha before advising. Because diamond is regarded as a strong stone, many astrologers recommend it only after a careful chart reading. No ascendants are recorded for this listing.

Care & first wear

Clean with warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a soft toothbrush, paying attention to the back of the stone where oil and lotion collect; rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. Diamonds attract grease, so regular cleaning keeps them bright. Store separately, as a diamond will scratch other gems and metals.