Stone age? Well, it still continues!

NEW DELHI: Ruby for beauty, Gomeda for career or Pokhraj for prosperity! Important part of astrology not only have continued to hold influence on people but gaining popularity with more and more takers wanting to wear them for good fortune or ward off the evil.
    
The market of gemstones in India has increased manifold, considered to have powers to effect changes in life and take those who wear on path to success.
    
According to Gem and Jewelery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India has increased its Gem and Jewelry industry by 22.27 per cent. Stones like Ruby, Gomeda, Pearl and Blue Saphire (Neelam) are in great demand.
    
Gemstones are very powerful in removing mental disturbance and protecting those who wear them for negative effect of stars in life. Stones are recommended after careful study of Horoscope, says a well known astrologer.
    
"Everyday we are visited by 30-35 people of all age group in our office. We check their 'Kundlis'(horoscope), and recommend stones. Usually stones are given if there is any 'dosh' (wrong influence) in Kundli, but it is also used to help achieve success," says Tanya, a staff member at the swanky office of the astrologer in the capital.
    
Varun Poddar, of Poddar Jewelery at Chandni chowk, says that sale of gemstones is on the rise. Customers regularly enquire and buy stones, he says.
    
"We deal in all kinds of stones prices ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 20,000 for one precious stone. Stones are mostly brought from Jaipur. Ruby and Blue Saphire (Neelam) are in great demand," Poddar says.
    
Gemstones for long have been believed to play a role in human lives and recommended by of astrologers and every stone has different function and structure. But, mainly gemstones are believed to destroy ill effect of stars and grant success.
    
Sanjeev Kaboo, an executive of Toyo Ltd in Mumbai, is very happy and successful on Thursday. Stones have changed his life drastically and brought vibrant changes in his professional and personal life.
    
"I was not able to find a good job for 3 years. My confidence was dented, and I was frustrated. After wearing Gomeda and Pokhraj stones (recommended by astrologer), I have got very good job with handsome remuneration, and I have witnessed prosperity in short duration," Kaboo says.
     
But there are some people who feel astrology is nothing but faith. "You will find believers of astrology or stones in India only. I don't rely on stones and believe hard work and dedication is the only way to get success in life," says Sunil Godinha, an executive of an advertising company.