Gemologist - Designer - Richard Shaw Brown

JEWELRY FASHION LEADER

Richard RIPPING!!!

Richard Shaw Brown, the founder of Astral Gemstone Talismans & the Planetary Gemologists Association, was born the only son of Col. Richard S. Brown, Sr. (USAF retired) and Elizabeth "Bette" Mae Brown (family photos). Richard experienced his first taste of fame as the lead singer and song writer of the innovative international rock group "The Misunderstood," which rose to stardom in London during the late Sixties.

Just as major musical success was assured, the American Army draft claimed lead singer, Rick Brown for the Vietnam War; and the group was forced to disband. Already a pacifist, he opposed the War and was a conscientious objector. So, Richard chose to leave America; bound to study and practice Vedic religion at the holy pilgrimage town of Vrindavan in Northern India.

The Misunderstood in London, 1966
L-R: Rick Brown (vocals), Rick Moe (drums), Glenn Ross Campbell (steel guitar), Tony Hill (guitar), and Steve Whiting (bass)

Currently available albums by the
Misunderstood
Recorded in London & Hollywood
1965-1966

Under the exalted guidance of Sat-Guru Paramahamsa Tridandi Swami Bhakti Hridaya Vana Maharaj he lived the ascetic life of a traditional monk for six and a half years, devoting himself entirely to religious practice and public service. During that time he became proficient in Sanskrit, Hindi & Bengali languages, studied under great saints such as Avadhuta Radha Charan Das Babaji, Namacharya Krishnadas Babaji, and Jagat-Guru Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He also helped build two schools in India and one school in Nepal - Ref. Richard Shaw Brown's Schools for Asia, and he was befriended by India's President V.V. Giri, India's Chief Justice, as well as other prominent Indian leaders, leading industrial giants such as Jai Dayal Dalmia, D. M. Kathau, Srimati Sumati Morarji, L.N. Birla, Hans Raj Gupta, and many top dignitaries, movie stars and VIPs.

Richard Brown as a monk in India
1968-1974

H.E. Sri V.V. Giri, President of India,
receives Richard Brown at Rastrapati Bhavan, India,1971

By a strange twist of fate he became involved in a new ruby mine located in Southern India. This experience sparked his interest in gems and inspired him to undertake an in-depth study of the ancient Sanskrit classics dealing with gemology. Combining technical knowledge of gems with the planetary aspects revealed in the ancient texts, Richard Brown began to develop his own unique system of designing auspicious Astral Gemstone Talismans.

In 1979, after 12 years in Asia, he returned to America to complete his formal training at the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.). He then moved to Thailand, where he has firmly established himself as an international authority on planetary gemology and cutting-edge jewelry designer. - Click the link if you want to view the talismans personally used by Richard himself.

Richard's Headquarters with the World's 1st Sri Navaratna Museum is located in Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Bangkok, the City of 9 Gems. Please click MUSEUM to view very rare natural sacred objects, including some items too sacred to physically exhibit.

Sri Shalagram Shila

Sri Venu Moti

Sri Navaratna 9 Gems Museum of Sacred Natural Wonders, Kindom of Thailand

Click to learn the complete science of Planetary Gemology

Winner of the 1996 Benjamin Franklin Award

Richard Shaw Brown is also the author of NINE books on astral gemstones and their powers, including the "Handbook of Planetary Gemology" and "Ancient Astrological Gemstones and Talismans." His first book on gems, "Sri Chinta-mani Astro Jewels," was published in 1975. Richard has also written four books on Vedic mysticism, viz., "Sri Bepin Sakhi Vilas," "Bhakti Culture," "A Devotee's Guide to Vraja-dham," and "Vraja Rasa Bindu." A large archives of spiritually related articles written by Richard may be seen by clicking MYSTIC ARTICLES. Richard's 9 "Planetary Gemology" books also include seven large Talisman design books.

He has lectured extensively throughout the world on topics of planetary gemology at conventions and seminars sponsored by gemological, cultural, as well as astrological, metaphysical and occult associations.

H.M. King Rama IX of Thailand's Srimad Bhagavatam Collection

To view some of Richard's photos please click the Button

Richard S. Brown is a permanent resident of Thailand where he lives with his wife Kanitha and their son Jiva.

A book based on Richard's life was written in 1988 by Asia-based American writer Daniel Reid

A motion picture about Richard's 60s band, The Misunderstood, is in pre-production.

Richard Brown is founder of the PGA (Planetary Gemologists Association) with the WWW's largest list of Planetary Gemology Service Providers. The PGA is now the World's leading Institute of Vedic Planetary Gemology. Richard is also a member of the Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously accepts an offering from Richard Shaw Brown at the Chitrlada Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. 1997

Click to meet Thailand's Great Statesman

Thai Royal Privy Counsel Chairman, Statesman and former Premiere H.E. General Prem Tinsulanonda receives Richard Shaw Brown and family at his residence in Bangkok. 1998