Quick answer: many astrologers accept a gemstone locket (pendant) as an alternative to a ring, provided the stone is the correct, natural gemstone of the right weight and is set with an open back so it touches the skin, usually worn on a chain long enough to sit near the heart. A locket is often chosen when a ring is impractical for work, when the stone is large, or when someone already wears several rings. Traditionally, silver is preferred for stones of the Moon and Venus (Moti, Diamond and its substitutes, White Sapphire, Opal) and is widely accepted for many others, while gold is traditional for Jupiter and the Sun (Pukhraj, Manik). Always follow your own astrologer. At GemKrishna every gemstone comes with a lab report, and we set it in 925 silver, gold or panchdhatu to your design.
Astrological guidance is a matter of tradition and belief, and practitioners differ. A lab report identifies the stone; it does not certify astrological effects.
Locket or ring: what changes?
| Ring | Locket / pendant | |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional placement | Specific finger linked to the planet | Near the heart, on a chain |
| Skin contact | Easy with an open-back setting | Needs an open back and the right chain length |
| Practicality | Can get knocked; must be removed for some work | Protected under clothing; suits manual work |
| Large stones | Can look bulky | Comfortable |
| Sizing | Needs the ring size | No sizing worries |
Which metal for which stone?
Traditional associations commonly followed in India (your astrologer may advise differently):
| Stone | Planet | Commonly advised metal |
|---|---|---|
| Moti (Pearl) | Moon | Silver |
| Diamond, White Sapphire, Opal | Venus | Silver, platinum or white gold |
| Pukhraj (Yellow Sapphire) | Jupiter | Gold (silver or panchdhatu also used) |
| Manik (Ruby) | Sun | Gold or copper (silver also used) |
| Panna (Emerald) | Mercury | Gold or silver |
| Moonga (Red Coral) | Mars | Copper, gold or silver |
| Neelam (Blue Sapphire) | Saturn | Silver or panchdhatu |
| Gomed (Hessonite) | Rahu | Silver or panchdhatu |
| Lehsunia (Cat's Eye) | Ketu | Silver or panchdhatu |
Our detailed stone guides go deeper: Pukhraj, Neelam, Panna, Manik, Moti, and which gemstone should I wear.
The setting: why open back matters
- Open back: the underside of the stone is visible through the setting and can touch the skin. This is what most astrologers ask for.
- Bezel vs prongs: a bezel (a metal rim) protects softer stones such as Moti, Moonga and Panna; prongs show more of the stone and suit hard sapphires and rubies.
- Size of the locket: the silver frame should be in proportion. Too heavy a frame for a small stone looks unbalanced and costs more silver.
- Bail and chain: choose a bail big enough for a sturdy chain, and a 20–24 inch chain so the locket sits near the heart. See our silver chain guide.
Carat, ratti and the weight your astrologer gives you
Astrologers in India often prescribe weight in ratti, while labs and sellers use carats. Conversion conventions differ between traders, so use our free ratti to carat calculator and confirm the convention with your astrologer. A common way astrologers suggest a weight is by body weight; see how many carats should you wear.
What to check on the lab report
- Identity: for example "Natural Yellow Sapphire", not just "yellow stone".
- Treatment: heated, oiled, glass-filled, dyed, or no indication of treatment. GemKrishna states any treatment in the product title as well as the report.
- Weight in carats and dimensions that match your stone.
- Photo and report number that you can verify online. See how to verify a lab report online.
A lab report is not a valuation, and it does not prove astrological effect. It proves what the stone is. Read a lab report is not a valuation.
Ready gemstone lockets at GemKrishna
Browse gemstone lockets, for example the 925 silver Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) locket and the 925 silver Ruby (Manik) locket. Check each product title and its lab report for the stone's identity, weight and any treatment.
Having a locket made for you
- Choose the stone. Use our Gemstone Selector, or our expert selection service: tell us the stone, weight range, budget, setting, metal, treatment preference and lab, pay a ₹500 advance (adjusted against the stone), and we show you stones until you are satisfied. You can also send us your own stone.
- Choose the metal: 925 silver, gold or panchdhatu, and any plating.
- Choose the design: plain open-back bezel, a deity motif, a Navratna arrangement, or send a photo of what you want.
- We make it with our own karigars. Custom silver takes 6–7 days. Hallmarking can be added to silver for ₹249.
- Energisation: every piece is cleansed and energised free before dispatch.
Every gemstone we sell carries a lab report (mainly from GJSPC; IGI, GRS, IIGJ, GSI or GIA on request), and our authenticity guarantee refunds everything, including making charges, if the stone is shown not to be what we stated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear my gemstone as a pendant instead of a ring?
Many astrologers accept a pendant if the stone is natural, of the right weight, set with an open back to touch the skin, and worn near the heart. Ask your own astrologer.
Is silver good for a Rashi Ratna locket?
Silver is traditionally preferred for Moti and Venus stones and is widely used for many others. For Pukhraj and Manik, gold is traditional, though silver is also used.
Should the gemstone touch the skin?
Traditionally yes, which is why open-back settings are used for astrological rings and lockets.
Can GemKrishna set my own gemstone in silver?
Yes. You can send your own stone or buy a lab-reported stone from GemKrishna, and we set it in 925 silver, gold or panchdhatu to your design.
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