FYI
Moonstone: The Gemstone That Embodies Movement
Gail Bonaparte
Omi Prive
Platinum ring with faceted moonstone, Paraiba tourmaline,
spinel & diamond
MSRP $19,000
omiprive.com
626.331.4533
Diamonds sparkle. Rubies fluoresce. Alexandrites change color. But what gemstone truly captures the essence of movement? None other than moonstone. If any gem looks as though it tumbled from the cosmos, it’s moonstone. With its pillowy glow and ethereal presence, this gemstone feels like a cloud you could dive into—a dream wrapped in shimmer. Selling moonstone effectively starts with storytelling. The more your customers understand the gem, the more they’ll appreciate its magic and value.
EDUCATING YOUR TEAM AND CUSTOMERS
Retailers must ensure that staff are well-versed in gemstone education, particularly with unique and high-quality stones like moonstone. This empowers your team to guide customers through the beauty, rarity, and significance of each gem. Stock a variety of moonstones in different qualities—gem-grade and commercial—so there’s something for every budget and taste.
THE MISUNDERSTOOD POWER OF MOONSTONE
Moonstone is often misunderstood or even dismissed as a “sleepy” gem. But make no mistake: it is one of the hardestworking gemstones in the industry. Its signature glow, called adularescence, performs tirelessly shimmering back and forth with every movement, even under less-than-ideal lighting. Unlike many gems that rely on external light sources to dazzle, moonstone creates its own show with even the slightest motion. It’s no wonder it’s classified as a phenomena gemstone, one of three birthstones for June alongside pearl and alexandrite.
Amali
Carved moonstone and 18K gold necklace
MSRP $2,890
amalijewelry.com
781.789.8976
Orogami
Manali collection moonstone ring in
18K white gold
MSRP $4,700
orogami.com
917.714.5579
THE MAGIC OF ADULARESCENCE
What sets moonstone apart is its constant, soft, wavelike shimmer—like moonlight reflecting off gentle ocean swells. In high-quality stones, this adularescence appears to travel along the gem’s surface, offering an almost meditative visual experience. It’s a gemstone that moves with you, offering a sense of calm and focus not unlike that provided by spinner rings. The visual motion soothes, engages, and captivates—qualities perfect for both personal wear and thoughtful gift-giving.
A JEWELRY WARDROBE REFRESH
If a customer’s jewelry collection feels stale or predictable, moonstone is the perfect refresher. It adds imagination, style, and a conversation-starting glow to any ensemble. Particularly enchanting in bridal jewelry, moonstone captures and enhances reception lighting, making it a magical addition to weddings and special occasions. As fashion trends shift toward floaty, shimmery fabrics and pieces that emphasize movement, moonstone is the perfect complement. It transitions effortlessly from casual daywear to the office to evening elegance. Its colorless or softly tinted body means it pairs beautifully with any outfit, making it a versatile and stylish investment.
WHY IS MOONSTONE A PHENOMENA GEMSTONE?
In gemology, phenomena gemstones are those that exhibit unique optical effects when interactingwith light or inclusions. Moonstone’s shimmering adularescence is a result of its crystal structure: alternating layers of orthoclase and albite formed during cooling. As light passes between these layers, it scatters—creating that famous blue or white glow.
Thicker albite layers create a pearly sheen; thinner ones yield a soft, electric blue flash. This natural light performance is what classifies moonstone as a phenomena gemstone.
Oscar Heyman
Platinum moonstone, diamond, & sapphire ring
MSRP $96,000
oscarheyman.com
800.642.1912
DESIGNING WITH MOONSTONE
Moonstone’s versatility makes it a favorite for both contemporary and vintage-inspired designs. Its neutral tones pair well with diamonds, colored gems, or even colored diamonds, allowing designers to elevate a piece’s appearance without excessive cost. For clients on a tighter budget, consider introducing them to AADG© (Alternative and Affordable Dream Gemstones). These include opal, mother-of-pearl, milky chalcedony, labradorite, lavender quartz, or even light-blue cabochon sapphires rich in silky inclusions. These options mimic the soft glow of moonstone at a more accessible price point.
Martha Seely
Design Cocktail ring in platinum with moonstone , diamonds and tanzanite
MSRP $5,450
marthaseely.com
617.899.2162
WHERE IS MOONSTONE FOUND?
The finest moonstones are mined in Myanmar, known for their clarity and strong blue adularescence. Other important sources include India, Australia, Mexico, and Switzerland. Each origin offers its own distinct qualities in color and pattern.
Omi Prive Oval
Moonstone, sapphire & diamond platinum ring with black rhodium
MSRP $36,000
omiprive.com
626.331.4533
Omi Prive Oval
Omi Prive Pear rainbow moonstone, Alexandrite & diamond 18K rose gold earrings
MSRP $20,000
omiprive.com
626.331.4533
WHAT AFFECTS THE VALUE OF MOONSTONE?
Several key factors determine the beauty and value of moonstone:
Color & Adularescence: The most prized moonstones exhibit strong, centered blue adularescence on a colorless, semi-transparent body. Other body colors include peach, grey, and white.
Clarity: Most moonstones contain tiny, centipede-like fractures. While common, excessive, or large inclusions may lower value.
Cut & Shape: Moonstones are typically cut as cabochons to highlight their adularescence. High-domed cabochons, sugarloaf cuts, round beads, and briolettes are common. Faceted cuts, though less traditional, can reveal dazzling rainbow effects.
Carat Weight: Larger moonstones are rarer and therefore more valuable.
Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5, moonstone has two cleavage directions and can be fragile if not properly set. While suitable for daily wear, it’s best used in earrings, pendants, or brooches unless set in protective mountings.
DESIGNING WITH MOONSTONE
Moonstone’s versatility makes it a favorite for both contemporary and vintage-inspired designs. Its neutral tones pair well with diamonds, colored gems, or even colored diamonds, allowing designers to elevate a piece’s appearance without excessive cost. For clients on a tighter budget, consider introducing them to AADG© (Alternative and Affordable Dream Gemstones). These include opal, mother-of-pearl, milky chalcedony, labradorite, lavender quartz, or even light-blue cabochon sapphires rich in silky inclusions. These options mimic the soft glow of moonstone at a more accessible price point.
Martha Seely Design
Cocktail ring in platinum with moonstone , diamonds and tanzanite
MSRP $5,450
marthaseely.com
617.899.2162
Amali
Moonstone and 18K gold earrings
MSRP $2,980
amalijewelry.com
781.789.8976
FINAL THOUGHTS
Moonstone isn’t just a gemstone—it’s a mood, a motion, and a moment captured in crystal. It shifts the jewelry experience from static beauty to dynamic elegance. Whether you’re enhancing your inventory, refreshing a customer’s collection, or creating bridal showstoppers, moonstone offers an enchanting, ethereal touch unlike any other gem.
Equip your team to tell its story well—and let moonstone do the rest.
