From The Astral Plane | Gemstone Talismans by Richard Shaw Brown

“As sacred objects, precious gems function as efficient receivers and transformers of the astral wave energies that rain down on the earth from heavenly bodies in the sky” - Richard Shaw Brown

Richard Shaw Brown experienced his first taste of fame as the lead singer of psychedelic rock group ‘The Misunderstood’ which rose to critical acclaim in London during the late 1960s, but the group was forced to disband when Brown was drafted to the U.S. Army at the start of the Vietnam War. Fiercely opposing the war, he chose to leave America to study and practice Vedic religion (ancient Hinduism) in the holy pilgrimage town of Vrindavan in Northern India.

A chance occurrence saw him involved in a new ruby mine in Southern India, igniting his interest in gemstones and inspiring him to study the Sanskrit classics concerning gemology. With his career now consequently taking an altogether different path, Brown launched Astral Gemstone Talismans in 1975 to create astrological gemstone talismans (objects believed to bring the wearer good luck and fortune) using the finest quality stones, herbal bhasmas (sacred ash made of dried wood used in Hindu, Vedic and Agamic rituals), and planetary symbols all set in handcrafted solid gold or silver. In 1979 he returned to the U.S. to complete his formal training at the Gemological Institute of America.

The purity and complexity of the crystal structures within precious gems are believed to make them the most powerful transmitters of astral energy on earth. Each naturally occurring colour resonates with the frequency band of a particular planet. Depending on the desired healing effect, the wearer may select a gemstone to attract the required planetary energy. For the Sun - ruby, for Mars - red coral, for Mercury – emerald, and so on.

A single owner collection of 11 of Brown’s designs, consigned at our Valuation Day at Ovadia, Hatton Garden, in March of this year, along with a copy of the Astral Gemstone Talismans New Designs 2002 Book, sees examples of his finest work brought to the auction market.

Highlighted in the collection is a gold Navaratna pendant with an oval mixed cut red spinel rub set to the centre, surrounded by assorted gemstones including a brilliant cut diamond, split pearl, coral cabochon, sapphire, cat's eye chrysoberyl, yellow sapphire and tsavorite garnet applied with a white gold Neptune planetary symbol.

^{A gold Navaratna pendant, by Astral Gemstone Talismans, estimate £500-700}

The influence of ruby/red spinel, attracting the planetary energy of the Sun, is believed to bring nobility, dignity, power, leadership, and confidence to the wearer with Brown’s book stating the wearer will be “well-read, pious, strong, compassionate, and untroubled”.

In his career to date, Brown has published 12 books on Gemology and Jewellery Design in addition to over 240 articles, he has appeared on television 30 times, and given numerous talks on Planetary Gemology.

His designs will be available to view ahead of the sale by appointment at our London Gallery in Cecil Court from Monday 13 - Saturday 18 June, and at our Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms from Thursday 23 – Monday 27 June. Please check our online booking system for opening times and availability.

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