About PGA

• The “Graha-anukul ratna-visheshajna parishad” or Planetary Gemologists Association (PGA) is a necessary regulatory and research group established to help unite all genuine Planetary Gemologists around the world. The PGA was founded in 1999 by Richard S Brown, together with stalwarts, both past and present, including Dr. Satya Vrat Shastri, Dr. A. K. Bhattacharya, Dr. Mahan Vir Tulli, Pt. Vidyadhar Shukla, Smt. Gayatri Devi Vasudev, Pt. Chakrapani Ullal, Dr. Mangal Raj Joshi, Pt. Sanjay Rath, Smt. Nanda A. Arambewela. Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya, and others.

Purpose of the Planetary Gemologists Association is four fold:

1. To bring order and positive worldwide attention to the ancient science of Planetary Gemology, one of the 64 Asian arts that incorporate Vedic (sidereal) astrology, Ayurveda, and elite mineralogy.
2. To establish high standards of professionalism and expertise as requirements for membership, which will serve as a guarantee of integrity and excellence to the public.
3. To maintain a forum for deliberation into the subtle mysteries of “Planetary Gemology,” and to present these findings and conclusions by publishing an annual online Journal named the “Journal of the Planetary Gemologists Association.”
4. To evolve into an Internet based Institute of Planetary Gemology that provides bona fide information leading to a final exam for qualification as a PGA (Planetary Gem Advisor).

NOTE: A PG (Planetary Gemologist) is a qualified PGA who is also a certified Gemologist. PG and PGA Diplomas will be awarded to successful applicants

• In April 2002 PGA members voted to establish 6 PGA codes of professional ethics, which are incumbent on all PGA Members. These 6 codes are:

1. PGA Members shall not sell nor promote the use of synthetic gemstones to any customers who are purchasing gems for jyotish prescription.
2. PGA Members shall not sell nor promote the use of very flawed gems to customers purchasing for jyotish prescription.
3. PGA Members shall always be open and honest as to the possible treatments or enhancements of any gems they sell for jyotish prescription.
4. PGA Members shall not recommend gems to clients, which are astrologically harmful to the client for jyotish gem prescription.
5. PGA Members shall not violate any copyrighted material or design, text or graphic, with out lawful consent of the copyright holder.
6. PGA Members may not represent themselves as official spokespersons of the PGA without PGA President Pandit Vidyadhar Shukul’s written authorization; Likewise, no one may represent himself or herself as a PG (Planetary Gemologist) or a PGA (Planetary Gem Advisor) without official certification by the Planetary Gemologists Association.

• In April 2005 it was unanimously decided by the PGA ruling committee that all new member applicants must take the PGA test, and pass, to be accepted as members. Successful applicants will then also be awarded the PGA diploma, as well as PGA membership certificate. A successful PGA who is also an independently ‘certified’ GEMOLOGIST will be awarded the rare “PG” or PLANETARY GEMOLOGIST Degree.
• Current President is Pt. Vidyadhar Shukul Brahman, Chief Hindu Priest of Thailand
• Original Secretary: Richard S. Brown: 1999 – 2013
• Current Secretary: Guruji Shrii Arnav: Medhi 2014 –

The PGA Ruling Committee consists of 11 members (minimum) current list of PGA Ruling Committee is found here: https://www.p-g-a.org/ruling-committee.html

A Complete List of PGA Honorary Patrons may be found here: https://www.p-g-a.org/patrons.html

A Complete List of PG & PGA Graduates may be found here: https://p-g-a.org/graduates.html

A Complete List of PGA Founders & Members may be found here https://www.p-g-a.org/members-complete.html

• PGA has published 6 full color journals to date.
• The Sanskrit name for the PGA – “Graha-anukul ratnavisheshajna parishad” – was composed by honorary Patron Prof. Dr. Satya Vrat Shastri
• PGA Official Definition of Planetary Gemology:

GEM: A natural pearl, coral, shell, seed, tooth, or mineral that is valued for its durability, rarity, portability, beauty, perfection or astrological metaphysical influence.

GEMOLOGY: The study of naturally occurring gems.

PLANETARY GEMOLOGY: (Ratna-vijnana or Ratna-paravidya) Ancient Vedic science of the relationship between 9 categories of GEMS and 9 categories of PLANETS recognized as most important in sidereal astrology and Ayurveda. Based on the “Navaratna” philosophy of Vedic birthstones.

PLANETARY GEMOLOGIST (PG): A practitioner who is both a Certified Gemologist as well as being a Planetary Gem Advisor (PGA) qualified to determine gem choosing based on Jyotish (Vedic Astrology).