I began experimenting with Nick's navaratna jewelry in June of 1997. The first time I neglected to wear it, I was involved in a four-car automobile accident. Now, I wouldn't consider driving anywhere without it.

Some would argue that the investment in an ayurvedic astrological bangle is self-indulgent. My response is that the average American spends far more over a lifetime on insurance premiums which do nothing in the way of averting disaster.

- James Gates, Tucson, Arizona

Within minutes of putting on my "loaner" bangle, I felt a strongly stabilizing and energizing effect on my entire psyche and physical body. A few weeks later, when I purchased the nine gem bangle with stones that were put on it especially (according to my horoscope) for me, this same effect was very much intensified, especially the bangle's energizing effect on the physical body (bigger coral and ruby) and increased mental clarity (a bigger emerald).

About four months later, I started to feel intuitively that my bangle was missing something. I consulted with my Vedic Astrologer, who highly suggested a very large pearl to replace the smaller pearl I already had, and a diamond crystal to replace the quartz crystal. (Pearl is for the Moon, and Diamond is for Venus, and they are both very weak in my natal chart). The effect the new, larger pearl had on me was very distinct, and I felt it right away. My happiness, contentment, and ability to relate to people got a huge boost. A deep calmness entered into me, and a new self-assuredness.

Although I happen to feel the effects of the gems immediately, I've noticed that the influence that they generate continues to work more and more deeply with time. I had my white Topaz replaced with a much larger one, and the effect did strengthen my Venus somewhat (significant ongoing bladder irritation disappeared immediately as soon as I put it on, and did not return), but it was not strong enough to affect my severe menstrual pain (initially, the stones in the original bangle I purchased reduced this menstrual pain by 50%, but after about four months it returned full-force).

I was finally able to get a large diamond crystal (4 carats plus) about ten months after purchasing the bangle. Within one month of wearing the diamond, the pain became completely bearable with the addition of a small amount of simple pain medicine. Before this, daily yoga postures, herbs, chiropractic adjustments, daily aerobic exercise, all practiced consistently over a long period of time, barely made a dent in the severe pain, which incapacitated me for days at a time, so I was taking strong painkillers around the clock. The diamond also caused a huge emotional clearing; my entire energy flow was very noticeably less obstructed.

I am extremely happy with my bangle, and I appreciate the blessing of it's karma mitigating influence every day of my life.

Evermost Sincerely Yours,

- Joan Schwartz, Encinitas, California

November 18, 1997

Dear Nick,

The following is my experience with my Astrological Bangle which I have worn since March 1997.

Upon moving to Ashland, Oregon from L.A. in spring of 1994, I have suffered from several cases of Poison Oak. I could get it in any season, and it always seemed to progress systemically, meaning it would start on my wrist or forearm (which would contact my dogs, who I am sure carried the oil on their fur) and inevitably erupt on various other parts of my body. I received my bangle in March of 1997, not specifically to combat Poison Oak, yet enjoyed six months Oak-free.

When I wore my Bangle, I noticed a small rash would appear at my biceps from time to time. I dealt with this by moving my bangle to different places on my arm, and sometimes not sleeping with it. The rash seemed to come and go from time to time, and I wondered if it was caused by an allergy to silver. Eventually we decided to have parts of the Bangle gold plated and switch to 22K gold for the spring links. During the three to four in weeks in October 1997 while the bangle was being converted to gold and I was without it, I contracted an especially violent outbreak of Poison Oak. I got the bangle back at the end of the outbreak, when the swelling was going down, but it seemed that from the moment I had the Bangle back, the disappearance of the Poison Oak was rapid. Initially, the small rash at my biceps reappeared, but by moving the bangle around I could avoid it.

I also had what I consider to be a symbolic dream the night my newly Golden Bangle arrived. I must say, I don't spend much time thinking about the Bangle, it seems to me as natural as my clothes, so I don't think this dream was a venting of sub-conscious thoughts. In my dream, I was lying naked on a mountain side, the air was cool and crisp, (not sun bathing weather), yet I was lying on my back consciously receiving the rays of the sun. Since this dream, I refer to my Bangle as Maha Surya…the Great Sun.

Update: January 2, 1998: No rashes, no poison oak.

- Suzee Grilley, Ashland, Oregon

Last year I was going through a very difficult time astrologically. I knew that Saturn and a number of other things on my chart were causing challenges. In fact, I was going through a very challenging period when I first heard about the bangle. The moment I found out somebody was actually making navaratnas and that he had worked out how to make them so inexpensively for what they are, I wanted one.

After selecting the stones from an extensive selection it was only a few hours before I was able to get the bangle on. The same day I put it on, I felt that the torrent of negative aspects that were raging around my life had been turned down to just vapors. And things have smoothed out considerably since then.

Recently, I've upgraded my bangle by getting a couple of other stones that I couldn't afford at the time. And based on past experience feel confident that things are going to get even better.

I'm very grateful to Nick who spends so many months each year traveling to the mining and gem cutting areas of the world, tracing down these unenhanced stones. And the continued research and creativity aiming for effective results for the sensitive budget. To Bruce, Charlie and Nick: Thank you very much for this wonderful service.

- Carrol Garbett, Salt lake City, Utah

Hi Nick, Charlie and Bruce,

I returned from India a few days ago, had an absolutely wonderful time. I wanted to share with you something. I took my bangle off during my visit as I didn't want to draw any attention to it. My trip was great and when I returned and put my bangle back on, I felt as if my body missed my bangle and had a feeling of peace and could feel my body reacting to my bangle in just hours. It was a positive reaction and my mind was so much clearer. Just wanted to share with you. Hope you guys are keeping well.

P. Davis, Long Beach, CA

For twenty years I have been somewhat haunted by the fact that I couldn't figure out what I should be doing with my life. I have tried many occupations, but none of them were a good fit. Since I have had my Navaratna, I feel as if I have been given a glimpse into my mission. I have returned to college and am working in a totally different field. It feels so good to finally be on the right track.

- Becky West, Mason, Ohio

Dear Nick,

Thankyou! we are both enjoying our bangles. I am really pleased with how dramatic the changes have been for me energetically. I am off the deathbed feeling to running on a cross trainer for an hour twice a day...
Nice change. Thank you for all your care and kindness. We enjoyed all the treats you sent us as well . We are even envisioning a second bangle some time in the future. Thankyou.... blessings to you and your family.

Oceanna, CA

Since I have been wearing my bangle for the past year and a half, I have noticed improvements in my confidence, sense of direction/purpose, business decision-making, and peace. A big step for me was the realization that how other people react to me is not my problem; this was difficult for me to comprehend prior to wearing the bangle.

I have worn this bangle continuously for these 18 months - except when I went in for surgery to have a 38cm rod removed from my femur. To my astonishment, 24 hours after surgery I was home walking about as if I did not have surgery the prior day. I attribute my speedy recovery to the Gurus and the ability for me to receive extra aid with the bangle. Whenever I am facing a difficult time in this life, I step outside of myself and realize that the navratna has softened the situation.I look forward to the day when more people understand the properties of the nine-gem bangles and are wearing them.

- Jackie Rybacki, Encinitas, California

My 12 year old son suffers from severe migraines and a neurological disorder. He is also a very spiritual boy. I purchased an astrological bangle for him in the hope of helping him spiritually and physically to deal with his life challenges.

Over the year that he has been wearing it his health condition has improved steadily. He still experiences some problems, but they are greatly reduced in number and certainly in severity. Most important to me, my son (who is now 13) reports that he feels the bangle is helping him in his general health. I have explained to him that the bangle works on subtle spiritual ways and that we do not expect miraculous cures from it, but he does feel it helps him to focus and to feel better.

- Sara Brecht, Calabasas, CA

I am writing to talk about the effects of the bangle that Charlie and Nick made for me had on my well-being and my health. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestine) four years ago, to the point where I was nearly terminal. The Crohn’s was creating tumors and growth cysts, I was bleeding and losing weight.

I met Nick through a vedic astrologer named Ernst Wilhelm. Ernst indicated that he thought a gem bangle would probably be able to help me. It did. Within a matter of days I mellowed out, calmed down, and the side effects of a lot of my astrological problems seemed to ease. They didn’t go away, but there was a great decrease in the side effects, and I was able to tolerate a lot of what was going on much more easily.

I am very thankful that I have it. My energy has improved, and though not everything is in perfect health yet, I feel very strongly that as an aid, it has been an exceptional investment. I was told that summer would be a very difficult time astrologically. The bangle helped greatly reduce the effects of what could have been a life-threatening situation.

When I get done taking care of the payments with Nick and I am improved and able to return to work, I will be increasing the amount of gemstones on my arm so that I have a complete compliment. Just to mention how bad things were before I got the gems and how they helped turn things around, I had reached a stage where I was so sick that I wanted to leave my body. The bangle immediately made me feel much more grounded. As I continue to improve, I’ll be adding more gems and putting myself back into a stronger balance, so I can be more in tune, and enjoy my work with helping many chronically and terminally ill people. Thanks Nick, thanks Charlie and I’ll see you soon.

- Scott Robinson, Encinitas, CA

From the very first night , I have been aware of profound changes in myself, particularly on a spiritual and emotional level . I had a tremendous meditation the day after I got the bangle. It was like an emotional clearing house , a real turning point . I was able to release a lot of the knots that were obstructing my understanding and devotional relationship .

I was so surprised by the intensity that I thought was due to the blessings of the Encinitas environment, which was spectacular, but now that a month has passed, I know that the power of the bangle is REAL . I would liken it to my spiritual honeymoon , when I first read the Autobiography of a Yogi so many years ago.

My concentration has deepened immensely. I really feel that the bangle is magnetizing me , particularly in combination with heliotropic techniques. I have practiced energizing , healing, visualizing, and meditation in the Sun for many years , and the bangle seems to intensify this solar process .

Emotionally, I feel much more centered, calmer , and more on an even keel . I have had time to go through a few of my own cycles, and they have been less intense . Truly this instrument adjusts the pattern . I did not quite understand what you meant when you spoke of karma as how one reacts , but I do now . I feel like I have the freedom to choose my reactions to situations , more than I did before . Obviously, the sum total of each of our choices , has brought us to this point in time and space , but instead of feeling trapped by my own character and responsibilities, I feel more able to accept and reject situations. This type of freedom is true freedom .

A. Richard, Arizona

We have a client in Hawaii who has body-surfed daily for years. One day, while he was out in particularly aggressive surf, the bangle was yanked off his arm. We received the following letter from him one month later:

"Friends, Namaste.

It's a miracle; the bangle was found today (actually yesterday since it's now after midnight...but I'm too excited to sleep). It was found by a man snorkeling in the water where I lost it. If you knew the kind of surf we had the week I lost it, you wouldn't think it would be possible that it would EVER work its way to the surface again. The beach is a world famous beach and since this is Maui's busy season it is packed everyday. The amazing thing is that the man who found it was sitting near a friend of mine whom two German tourist girls always sit near.

The snorkel guy showed them the bangle he'd just found and asked them if they knew what it was worth. My friend saw what was going on and walked over and told him he knew who the bangle belonged to. He told him he'd get a reward, which he will.

And so will my friend for being there for me. About the friend: I clean the beach once or twice a week, picking up litter. About two weeks ago I picked up his watch, which he didn't realize he had dropped in the sand, and gave it to him. He was very grateful since he'd had the thing for something like 24 years. Later on he thanked me again. I replied that I hoped he'd return the favor. He knew I was referring to the missing bangle and said that he hoped he would. I am very blown away by the whole chain of events, and very grateful.

Jai Guru, Warren

P.S.--Anyone want to buy an almost new underwater metal detector?

P.S. for Nick and Charlie--The bangle was intact. Perfect as ever.

Dear Nick:

I wear the navaratna bangle since three days, and its effect in my person is simply fantastic. Since the first moment I adviced how grew the level of physical and psychic energy, and jointly appeared an inner placidity state. The sensation I feel is like this: all my nervous system has being adjusted and softened, but at the same time its level of available energy has being increased. So, I sleep much beter, and my capacity of work is bigger too. I am really admired. And also thankfull for your help.

The level of concentration has beeb enhanced. So, the wearing of the bangle has enhanced the interior work and the meditation. This improvement is a fortune of an incalculable value for me.

The navaratna bangle also begins to work as a true shield against a problem that threaten to begin soon. The navaratna has counteracted the problem like a shield in the field of energies. Maybe you have also some similar experience that rightly can be called wonderful.

Thanks in all sincerity.

Alfredo

Nick,

I have had my share of trials and misplaced my 9 gem bracelet for about 3 weeks. This writing is in testimony to the effectiveness of the bracelet. I found it this morning in a jacket pocket and within a short period of time my whole mentality changed, mood and concentration improved immensely. After wearing it a few yrs I sometimes doubting if I need to but after this recent experience I will really cherish it's vallue. You are providing a very useful service and I hope it is appreciated as it should be.

Carol Winters
Kalispell, MT

Nick and Rich,

Just want to say thanks for the bangle and have seen the difference even in just a couple of days. I just e-mailed a bunch of SRF friends and sent them your site. Hope people get smart and get what you offer. I did want this thing 20 years ago as a monk, but then I guess the time wasn't right for me and Nick was just starting at the time. Thanks again.

Ben Garcia

Hi Nick,

I suffered the loss of my 18 year old son, a loss that is profound on every level. I found myself searching for meaning in this world and I began to search for answers about what it means to be human on this
planet. I began to invest vigorously in my spiritual growth by searching for answers in prayer, church and in books. After reading Autobiography of a Yogi, I felt a real sense of excitement about understanding this life and the questions we must all deal with. “How do I know God?” “What is my purpose in this life?” “What happens after we die?” I read about the benefits of wearing gems in Autobiography of a Yogi and I was excited to find Astrogems provides a gemstone bangle. After receiving my Vedic horoscope from Astrogems, I purchased 4 gems to start my bangle. I have added gemstones over the months and I have felt that from the beginning the bangle has provided me with a positive tool on my spiritual journey. I believe I receive benefit from wearing this bangle because I am more focused on pursuing the things in life that support me spiritually. Since wearing the bangle, I have begun pursuing yoga, taking the teacher-training courses; I have begun to meditate; and I continue my reading. Most importantly, my bangle is a visual daily reminder of what is important to me: not the material objects so valued in our culture, but the development of the inner life. I would highly recommend the Astrogems bangle to those wanting to support their spiritual growth in this life.

Thanks,
Christalyn

Ever since I've been wearing my bangle, my life has been much smoother and I've accomplished much more than I ever thought I was capable of.

LA Jones - nidan SKA & International touring Blues guitarist

Dear Nick,

I have been wearing my navaratna bracelet for about 2 years now. Things have improved during that time on a spiritual level, and on a material level, as well. The bangle is beautifully made with fine
workmanship. Thinking back, it was a real pleasure dealing with your staff - I remember requesting something more expensive, and was told that if I did it the less expensive way, I'd get "more bang for my
buck". I thought that was very unusual, and refreshing. I know I'll wear this for the rest of my life, and feel very fortunate to have it - wish everyone could wear one. Thank you,

Marilyn, Connecticut

Hi,Just to let you know that i would not be without my gem bangle, it is one of the best pieces of jewellery that i have bought it is more than that.Thankyou Fiona......

I would like to report the great and incredible benefits I had since I started wearing the bangle about 6 months ago. At first an emotional release occurred, which lasted for a couple of days. After talking with Nick who suggested to continue wearing, and I am so grateful he did, slowly my energy starting to improve. I can now say without any hesitation it is one of the best things which happened in my life. First of all my energy is great , and always "high", in the sense that is always light and positive. My guidance has reached impressing levels: I am finding solutions for all matters not only for myself but also for people that I know. My business feeling has been really good, which brought some very interesting and new achievements. Being an artist, I find it also helping and empowering my artistic performance at very high levels in comparison to before.(my last performance was a big success). Last but not least I feel my "Aura" is bigger and stronger, which gives confidence in all kind of relationships with people and matters. It allows a better understanding of people and human interaction.I deeply appreciate and thank the work of Astrogems for bringing to the world this science and allowing miracles to happen, sincerely ...

Pablo Enciso

Hi Nick,

I wanted to always rave about my bangle (s) i don't even know where to start but i will just write and u can edit it as u need. I constantly wear my bangles whether i am asleep or awake and it is for me a very
fortifying and comforting feeling. I feel insured and protected at almost every level. I have noticed that when things go wrong i seem to glide through without much effort and i have seem to have it easier
then everyone else around me.

The most important thing the bangle does for me and this is going to sound odd is when nothing happens. I feel that is when the bangle is at its best because what has been avoided is what is not known and felt by me.

In a very soothing and comforting way I feel very clear headed. I feel like a soothing medicine is applied to my arm and i am being fed a constant dose of energy through my skin. Through a lot of little
incidents and close calls I am convinced the bangle is the best thing that could have happened to me.

It is like I am in a protective bubble and although stuff happens the duration of it is short and the effects are minimal. I have at least 10 incidents where i clearly felt that the navratna was in overdrive on my behalf but the most important thing i can say is that it just FEELS right down to the very core of my being I feel fed and nurtured by the navratana. Its like a support system that never quits.

The quality of my life has definitely improved in every single aspect since i started wearing my navratna bangle and it seems to be getting better and better every day.

Thanks Nick for doing this for all of us. You don't know how grateful I am for the work and the website you have done. You are truly awesome and totally out of this world. The Navratna is fantastic I have never seen or felt anything like it ever in my whole life.

I can write on and on for hours and never quit raving. Everyone should have one. I love mine and i hope that i never ever have to be without it. Its truly one awesome power piece. I just cannot be without it even for a minute.

Love and Thanks,
Archna

Dear Nick,

Just wanted to thank you for the quick job you did on my navaratna bangle. I absolutely love the way it looks and feels! It even looks better than what I had imagined from your web-site - I love the OM links. I get a lot of compliments from both men and women. (FYI ONLY - Men think it is sexy - especially when I tell them I never take it off!) I believe they are drawn to it because it is so unusual. My stress has been alleviated and I was finally able to end a toxic relationship that has been difficult to terminate. I intuitively feel that I have been freed from some repetitive karmic lesson that I have been attracting over and over! I am calmer, happier and best of all got a promotion at work and am making more money! I have tried
wearing similar gems in earrings and other jewelry but it really makes a difference to have the gems touching my skin. I want to upgrade my white topaz for an uncut diamond soon!

Best wishes for the New Year!
S. Phillips
Bonita Springs, FL

Rich,

You can show this e-mail to Nick if you like but I got a new job with almost twice as much remuneration to what I was earning before! If you rewind back a few days to when I was cajoling you to exchange my
earlier gemstones for a large emerald and a diamond (or diamond substitute) you will realize that I was coming from some understanding of Vedic Astrology and a powerful intuition. My ascendant is Virgo and
for me emerald and diamond are the two best gemstones. Definitely this new offer was in the pipeline from sometime but three or four days after wearing my bangle I finally got the offer on paper. Thank you
guys at Astrogems for an absolutely auspicious bangle! Also thanks for your flexibility and understanding. I guess it's the Encinitas air which is blessed by the great Paramhansa Yogananda that sets you guys
apart!

Regards,
Sumit

Good Morning Rich!

I just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know how happy I am with my new bangle you made me!

At first when received, I immediately realized that my attempt to be diligent in measuring my arm failed miserably, the bangle was much too big and I wondered how on earth my friend and I could have been so off when we tried on three different days to measure correctly and took the average. My girlfriend and I laughed and she said it's a good thing we aren't carpenters!

I immediately took it to a jeweler friend of mine that is located right next door to my office and had them remove one of the links for me, which she did no problem within minutes, and then the bangle fit perfectly.

I was a little taken aback by the effects I felt over then next few weeks and experimented with the bangle to see if I could feel a difference when it was on or off (my girlfriend borrowed it and did this as well, and experienced a significant difference as I did).

I immediately noticed a complete cease in my general aches and pains when walking around my house. I have tiled floors throughout my house, and have felt my joints complaining on more than one occasion when walking barefoot on account of the unforgiving hard surface. I had always just lived with the achy back, joints and neck not really associating it with anything in particular - until now!

The result I am most excited about is in my meditations. Before, when I finished my meditations I had a difficult time just "sitting in the silence"; in fact I usually skipped this part and didn't even try. But the very same evening after receiving the bangle, I immediately felt a significant difference after finishing my meditation. The intenseness and ability to go deep for literally hours is something I have never
experienced Nor thought I could ever accomplish! Now, I very much look forward to sitting in the silence after my meditations due to me literally being able to feel the benefits wash over me like a cosmic wave that never stops. The difference was so significant, that I had my girlfriend try it for 24 hours to see what she had to say about it.

When she tried it, she said that she noticed her eyes that had always been tired and weak (we both work in front of computers all day) suddenly felt rejuvenated and swore that the headache she had from it went away within minutes. She too, said her meditations were much deeper than usual but the most significant effect she had was a general feeling of calmness and relaxation (She became very interested in getting her own bangle).

I just thought you might be interested and would like to know. Thank you again for offering your service, and I hope business is better than ever for you. :) I am very happy!

Sincerely,
Kassidy

Hi Nick,

My Name is Chris Howe, I use astrological jewellery for both emotional and physical problems which I have probably brought upon myself during my 38 years in this lifetime, A friend introduced me to the 9 gem bangle a year or so ago, Nick asked me to complete a questionnaire to evaluate which Aries of
my life the natural energy would be channelled towards, Like most people they ranged from physical to emotional, and from relationships which went wrong to indigestion, Nick and his team put together a bangle for me costing some $7000.00 which seemed a high price to pay, but after a year with the
bangle I would not be without it, life seems happier, relationships work, indigestion is at a minimum and I fee calm, It could be all coincidence but I don't Believe in that, which gives me one option here, that is to highly recommend the astrological jewellery that Nick makes. I think of the bangle as an investment in my next 50 years, an investment in my mind, my body and hopefully more......

Chris Howe