Where To Start
A detailed planetary analysis is the first step. In India, the proper method of determining the right gem is to do a lifetime chart for the person, based on his or her birth information. For finding out your present planetary position, we need your time of birth, date of birth, and the place of birth. With this information, we will find out the present planetary positions and your birth star and advise you the right kind of gem to be worn for this period. The proper stone is then prescribed.

It is necessary that the gem must remain in direct contact with the body. So, when getting the ring made from a jeweller, make sure that the design is such that the stone touches the skin when you wear the ring. Also, its surface must be open to receive the rays. The rays should be able to pass through the gemstone, into your body, and no metal should block their path. The stone must be worn in a ring or a bracelet, but never as a pendant as pendants swing and lessen the power of the stone.

Choosing A Genuine Gem
When choosing a gemstone, consult a good gemologist and buy gems from a recognised gemstone mart. Only experience will help you distinguish the fake from the real. It is said that you can check the gemstone by carefully feeling and touching the gem: most of the gems are hard, the duplicate ones are waxy if they are squeezed between the fingers. However, the correct scientific method is to rely on the specific gravity test and the refractive index test. Artificial and fake gems serve no purpose except ornamentation and will not create the desired results of the original gem.

A Word of Caution
Remember, a gem is only a means to end and not the end of sorrows, obstructions, etc. Do not believe anyone who says that all your problems will come to an end after you start wearing a lucky gem. Just as astrology is the torchlight to truth, and not the truth in itself (which is for you to seek with your own effort), gems can be a valuable aid to life, but not the ultimate solution.

The Hidden Magic of Gems
In Indian tradition, the sacred gems relating to the nine planets are called The Nine Gems, or "navratna". Each of these gems has a traditional role to play in either strengthening or counteracting the power of its ruling planet. This article by Uma Shankar Shukla concludes by examining the Nine Gems.

Yellow Sapphire or Topaz/Pushkaraj (for Jupiter).
This is one of the most widely used gems to help achieve better financial status. The wearer may expect wealth, good health, name, honour and fame if the Gem suits him or her.

It is also believed that if there are obstructions in finding a suitable match for a girl, she gets married early by wearing a Yellow Sapphire. This is normally light yellow in colour.

Topaz or Pushkaraj is a cold gem. It improves vision, gives life security, protects ones from poverty, removes adversity, misfortune and melancholy.

In diseases, Topaz cures diarrhea, gastritis, ulcer, rheumatism, jaundice, insomnia, heart troubles, impotency, gout, arthritis, pain in knee joints, etc. Topaz should be worn in gold, on 1st finger of right hand on Thursday. The weight should be of 7 or 13 grams.

Physical properties
Sapphires, are simply crystallized alumina (Al2O3) and in their pure form are devoid of colour.

Sapphires are found in various colours which include pink, blue, green, yellow, orange and white. In India, Yellow Sapphire is known as Pukhraj and Blue Sapphire is known as Neelam. It has a specific gravity of 3.99, mean refractive index (RI) 1.765 and Hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale.

Occurrence
Sapphires are found in India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Thailand, Australia, U.S.A, U.K., Nepal, Mexico, Zambia and Nigeria. In India, Sapphires are found in Jammu. These are considered to be the best in the world. Few sapphires are also found in Orissa but they are not of very high quality.

Identification
Natural Sapphires carry within them clear signs of slow crystallization. Some of the external elements sometimes remain preserved in the Gem, which helps its identification. Like all other precious gems it should have inclusions, which should be visible to the naked eye or under magnification. Otherwise, it is a piece of glass or a synthetic substance.

The inclusions are generally like 'feathers' or are like finger print impressions. Liquid inclusions looking like lace are also sometimes visible. Synthetic Sapphires are very common in the market and many traders in order to earn fast money sell them as originals. These are very clear and under magnification show bubble like inclusions. Sometimes feather like inclusions have also seen but they shine abnormally under light.

Blue Sapphire or Neelam (for Saturn)
Neelam removes evil effects of Saturn. It is said that this stone has the magical power to elevate its user to a higher status from all sides. Some astrologers believe that Blue Sapphire or Neelam is so powerful if used properly that it can alleviate even long-term misfortune. However there is a caution. Sometimes this stone may react adversely. It is advisable to first test it for a week before final wearing. It could give you everything you could desire - health, wealth, longevity, happiness. It also restores lost wealth and property.

This is normally faint or dark blue in colour. Sapphire or Neelam is a very cold gem. They may be yellow also. It brings wealth, name and fame. Also gives good stamina, longevity and security in life. Can improve fertility in a barren woman. Best suited for joy, love and happiness. It cures fainting, fits, virility, mental disorder, deafness and baldness.

It should be used on 2nd finger of right hand in gold or panch dhatu on Saturday and the weight is 5 or 7 grams.