Moonstone: When Words Fail

It maybe as white as snow or as blue as the sky, but moonstone never fails to attract an eye. This is how the moonstone formed into captivating necklaces and pendants captures one’s attention with its transparent to translucent clarity in a variety of colors. Moonstone always has a white or blue sheen effect that is due to the reflection of light in a sole shimmering phenomenon known as adularescence. Adularescence is due to the interior makeup of scale structure of the moonstone. As light hits these scales it scatters forming a unique play of light. The name “moonstone” is derived from the visual gleam it displays, which appears unique every time the stone moves and it has a semblance in color to the moon.

Traditionally, the classical moonstones, almost transparent and with their bluish shimmer, come from Sri Lanka. However, they are also found in the USA, Brazil, Australia, Myanmar and Madagascar. Since bluish moonstones of good quality have become harder to find yet hightly sought after as necklace pendants, prices have risen sharply.

For a few years, there have also been some green, brown and orange specimens on the market, as well as some with a smoky and champagne like shade, and some black and some reddish ones, mainly originating from India. Some have a cat's eye effect or four-spoke stars as well as the typical undulating shimmer of light. But they too have the shimmer of light typical of the moonstone, as do the beads which are cut from suitable raw material for gemstone necklaces and pendants.

Moonstone a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into the modern and exquisite line of handmade necklace and pendant jewelry. It is said that if you give a necklace with a moonstone pendant to someone you love, during each full moon you will always have passion with each other.

Countless other mystical and magical connotations surrounds this gemstone. The moonstone is associated with the goddess Diana. Diana is the moon goddess after supplanting Luna, and was an emblem of chastity. She was praised in poetry for her strength, athletic grace, distinct beauty and hunting skills. In several cultures, like for example in India, moonstone is considered a sacred and magical gemstone. In India moonstone is also appreciated as a “dream stone,” as it is supposed to bring about sweet and beautiful dreams. In Arab countries women often wear Moonstone sewn into their garments, because there this gemstone is appreciated as a symbol of fertility. In addition, moonstone brings good fortune, assists in foretelling the future, enhances intuition, promotes inspiration, brings success in love as well as business, and offers protection on both land and at sea. Almost all the fortune you need is catered to with moonstone, an extremely precious gemstone.

Moonstone is often considered the perfect choice for jewelry designs that display luxurious and feminine temperament. Even a hundred years ago, moonstone was a very popular gemstone to set into jewelry such as an eye-catching necklaces and pendants. During the Art Nouveau period moonstone enhanced many necklace jewelry designs created by the famous French master goldsmith, René Lalique, and his contemporaries. Nowadays, these exceptional necklace and pendant creations can only be seen in museums or in collections. Regardless of the moonstone’s classical look this one-of-a-kind gemstone looks best when worn as a necklace or pendant part of formal evening jewelry and paired with black onyx, dark amethyst or black diamonds. It is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone accessory that works perfectly with any outfit especially when worn as a necklace that enhances the neck-line.

In general moonstone is said to stabilize the yin/yang, where there is peace, balance and harmony. Once you attached this ornament on your body it becomes alive and will open your spirit, aiding in love and interpersonal relationships. As the saying goes “These gems have life in them: their colors speak and say what words fail of.”