Press Release

Expert to Present on Ancient Astrological Gems and Talismans

GIA’s next Gemstone Gathering is Aug. 27 in Bangkok

BANGKOK – Aug. 19, 2014 – Gems have held symbolic significance in many cultures for centuries. Richard S. Brown, a leading expert in planetary gemology, will discuss ancient astrological gems and talismans during GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) next Gemstone Gathering in Bangkok on Aug. 27.
 
Ratna-para-vidya or planetary gemology is an ancient Vedic belief system and practice based on the relationship between nine categories of gems and nine planets recognized as most important in Vedic astrology. Brown will discuss planetary gemology, based on the "Navaratna" or “Nine Gems” philosophy of Vedic birthstones.
 
Brown, a GIA graduate and founder of Astral Gemstone Talismans and the Planetary Gemologists Association, has more than 30 years of experience studying gems in relation to astrology. While living at a north Indian monastery, he encountered Sanskrit translations that related fine gems and astrology, and has spent the years since studying the topic. Brown is the author of 13 books and more than 240 articles and has appeared in numerous television segments in Thailand.
 
GIA’s Gemstone Gathering, a free event, begins at 6 p.m. on Aug. 27 in the “Crowne Room 1-3” on the 21st floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lumpini Park in Bangkok.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
 
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.