Moonstone is one of the June birthstones, along with pearl and alexandrite. This gem-quality type of feldspar is beloved for its adularescence (a gemological term for the scattering of light), reflecting soft and glowy light reminiscent of moon beams. In white and pale colors, this stone can reflect a rainbow of colors and is most commonly cut in cabochon style. It’s a relative of labradorite and sunstone, and occasionally softly shaded labradorites are referred to as “rainbow moonstones.” This relatively fragile stone is found primarily in India and Sri Lanka, but also in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Tanzania, and even the United States.
Hindu myths say that moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams, and looking at a moonstone, you could easily believe it. It was very popular in the romantic designs of the Art Nouveau era, as well as in the New Age flower-child movement of the 1960s, but this soft and unusual gem has timeless potential.
Moonstone is especially beautiful when paired with stones to contrast its unique milky sheen. Diamonds, with their crisp sparkle, look even more stunning next to the soft glow of a moonstone. Onyx and moonstone form a classic black-and-white contrast. It’s also very striking to pair moonstone with complementary soft colors. Pale blue stones like aquamarines and cornflower sapphires look beautiful with the soft glow of a moonstone, and other pastel colors stand up beautifully with moonstones, each color shining without too much competition.
Moonstone is also a beautiful canvas for skilled carvings, like this example from the Smithsonian, here in Washington, DC.
Amazing moonstones in history
Princess Martha Louise of Norway loves her blue moonstone necklace and earring set, making them some of the most famous royal moonstones today.
This 7th century CE brooch from France features gold, filigree, moonstone, glass cabochons, garnets, mother-of-pearl, and moonstone. It’s a lovely early example of the soft appeal of moonstone jewelry. (Source- GIA)
The Iris Moonstone Necklace, part of the collection at the Smithsonian, here in Washington, DC, features a 35.64ct cat’s eye moonstone in the center, surrounded by 35 half-carat blue moonstones in blued-bronze and platinum. The poetic inscription on the back speaks to the mythic allure of this stone. (Source: Smithsonian Institute)
Moonstones at Secrete
This fantastic carved man-in-the-moon moonstone and diamond ring was part of Secrete Fine Jewelry’s DuPont Circle collection. Sold now, this fabulous artistic statement ring shows the bold impact that moonstone can have.
Secrete Fine Jewelry made this gorgeous multi-stone bracelet in our Bethesda store years ago. We love the way the smooth moonstone cabochons contrast with faceted gems like sapphire and diamond.
This avant garde wedding band in two tone gold features blue-gray bezel set moonstones. Made for a very cool young DC couple at Secrete, this piece is reminiscent of ancient moonstone myths.
Interested in celebrating a June birthday with moonstone, or simply in creating something that celebrates that soft lunar glow? Contact Secrete Fine Jewelry today to speak to a designer. Whether you’re seeking an Art Nouveau statement piece, some flower-child casual jewelry, or something mythic and classic, we’ll be happy to help you select just the right moonstone style for you.
