Order of the Nine Gems
The Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems was established in 1861 by King Mongkut of the Kingdom of Siam. The order is bestowed upon the members of the Thai royal family and distinguished high-ranking officials who have given service to the kingdom and who are active Buddhist laypeople. In practice, it is the highest Thai order granted to Thai citizens, as the two higher orders are reserved for royalty or foreign heads of state. Members of the order are entitled to use the postnominals น.ร.
History
The order is based on the model of European orders of chivalry and merit. The nine gems are the Thai form of the original Hindu royal amulet known as the navaratna and in its original form consisted of a ring of gold bearing the nine gems awarded to a Thai general after he won an important military victory and is also part of the royal insignia given the Thai king at his coronation. This ring still is part of the insignia of the order and worn by the male members of the order. The nine precious stones of the royal amulet constitute an integral part of both the badge and the star of the order.The nine gems and the corresponding benefits that they bestow on their bearers are:
- Diamond—Power, wealth, success over enemies
- Ruby—Success and longevity
- Emerald—Strength and security
- Yellow Sapphire—Charm and love
- Garnet—Health and longevity
- Blue Sapphire—Love and wealth
- Pearl/Moonstone—Purity, happiness, and success over enemies
- Zircon/Topaz—Wealth and success in legal affairs
- Cat's Eye—Protection by spirits, and from fire
Insignia
The decoration consists of a single class. The insignia are:- Pendant of the Nine Gems, on a yellow sash with red, blue, and green trim, worn over the right shoulder to the left hip. For women, the Pendant of the Nine Gems is attached to a silk ribbon, worn on the front left shoulder.
- Star of the Nine Gems, to wear on the left breast.
- Gold Ring of the Nine Gems, for men, to wear on the right index finger.
- The Sovereign Grand Master of the Order is Knight but added the Chain of the Nine Gems sash above to wear over the right shoulder to the left hip above sash badge and the star is decorated with diamonds.
List of Sovereigns
| Years | Name |
| 1851–1868 | King Mongkut |
| 1868–1910 | King Chulalongkorn |
| 1910–1925 | King Vajiravudh |
| 1925–1935 | King Prajadhipok |
| 1935–1946 | King Ananda Mahidol |
| 1946–2016 | King Bhumibol Adulyadej |
| 2016–present | King Vajiralongkorn |