In the ancient teachings of the Garuda Purana, wisdom is attributed to those who understand both victory and defeat, recognizing their significance in the journey of life. When one acts with this awareness, the path undertaken becomes auspicious, leading surely to the intended goal. Success, it is said, belongs to those who inquire directly and are present at the moment, for standing before the question and seeking knowledge ensures favorable outcomes. There is no doubt: when the seeker is earnest and attentive, success arises. Step by step, whether moving or unmoving, one should proceed according to the circumstances, always mindful. When the words of the questioner are heard, they should be marked with the sound of a bell, signifying their importance. The elements are described in their places: fire above, water below, and wind across. Above is death, below is peace, and across, the wise are instructed to perform expulsion. Thus concludes the sixty-seventh chapter, which determines the auspicious and inauspicious results of the rise of planets, found in the Section on Conduct, the First Branch, in the Purva-khanda of the glorious Garuda Mahapurana. Now, the examination of gems is introduced. There was once an asura named Bala. The gods, seeking a boon, requested him to become a sacrificial victim in a ritual. Bound by his own word, Bala was slain like a sacrificial animal. Yet, owing to his pure nature and virtuous deeds, from him arose wondrous gems—gems belonging to the gods, yakshas, siddhas, and those who subsist on air. As these gems fell swiftly from the heavens, carried by flying vehicles, they landed in the great ocean, in rivers, on mountains, and even in forests. Among these treasures, some possess the power to destroy demons, poisons, wild beasts, and diseases, and to remove sin. Diamonds, pearls, rubies, padmaraga, and emeralds are counted among them, as are karketana, pulaka, rudhira, and crystal. The examination of these gems requires careful attention: first to their shape and color, then to their qualities, flaws, and effects. Gems that arise in families that are destroyed or on inauspicious days—even if purified—should be assessed by kings only after skilled experts and experienced gem-appraisers have examined them. The diamond, or vajra, is declared by the wise to possess great power. Wherever even a fragment of it falls upon the earth, it is found in regions such as Hemamāṭaṅga, Saurāṣṭra, Pauṇḍra, Kaliṅga, and Kośala. Diamonds from the Himalayas are coppery; those from the moon are moon-like; those from the banks of the bamboo are known as Sauvira stones; those resembling dark lotuses and clouds, as well as coppery ones, are from Saurashtra. A diamond should be extremely light in color and quality, with well-formed sides, evenly marked with lines, dots, and spots, and free from defects such as crow’s feet and other flaws. By the arrangement of colors in vajras, even the forms of the gods are described. Green, white, yellow, tawny, dark, and coppery—these colors are pleasing by nature. For a Brahmin, a diamond should be as pure as conch, lotus, or crystal; for a Kshatriya, it should resemble the color of a hare, brown, or the eye. Two vajra colors are prescribed by the wise for rulers of the earth, though not common to all people. When all colors are present, the one possessing all qualities is considered universal. By observing the lower and upper forms, one sees the mixture of colors. Yet a wise person should not select a diamond merely by the division of paths or forms. If even one tip is seen to be split or broken, or if the tip is cracked by fire or stained, it is considered mediocre. If any part shows a blood-like appearance, or is marked with red coloring, it is also flawed. The edges, sides, and facets of a diamond are said to be six, eight, or twelve. A vajra with six facets—pure, spotless, with sharp, clear edges, possessing color, light, well-sided, and free from defects—is especially esteemed. Thus, the ancient wisdom guides the examination and appreciation of gems, linking their qualities to auspiciousness and virtue.