The Art of Gemstone Carving as Religious Idols

The use of gemstones in jewelry has been a cherished tradition for centuries. However, their role in creating religious art is a rare practice. As we worked with stones and explored their natural beauty, one question repeatedly arose: How can these stones be transformed into meaningful works of art? This curiosity led us to create religious idols, paintings, stories, and temples with gemstones, merging craftsmanship with spirituality.

The Birth of Ratna Mandir

A significant milestone in our journey was the creation of Ratna Mandir. This project took shape while working on a Jain temple, where we envisioned a collection of 24 idols, each meticulously carved from gemstones. These idols were placed in 24 niches carved into a crystal mountain, measuring 14’7” by 13’1” weighing 1 ton, as the Ashtapad Maha Tirth in the Jain Center of America, New York.

Since then, work has continued to evolve. The carving of new idols didn't stop, and today, our collection of idols has grown to over 500 pieces, each one contributing to our ongoing exploration of gemstone carving.

The Meaning Behind Ratna Mandir

The name Ratna Mandir is derived from two Sanskrit words: Ratna, meaning gemstone, and Mandir, meaning temple. Together, they symbolize a temple made of gemstones, where each idol serves as a piece of divine art.

Looking Ahead: Temple Projects With An Art Gallery of Idols in India

Our journey is far from complete. We wish to expand our passion with plans for several other temple projects, along with an Art Gallery of Idols in India. The gallery will showcase not only the beauty of gemstone idols but also the cultural and spiritual significance of this art.

A Unique Project in the World

To the best of our knowledge, a project of this scale – making temples and carving religious idols from crystal and gemstones – does not exist anywhere else. This unique endeavor blends art, craftsmanship, and spirituality in a way that has never been done before.