The moonstone gem was originally found in Sri Lanka. Now it is mined in Australia, India, Brazil, Canada and the United States, but it is becoming harder to find in recent years.
Moonstone Prices
Jewelry made from moonstone is typically inexpensive due to its abundance. You can find a beautiful stone for as low as $10 or as high as a few hundred dollars.
Rare stones or antiques can cost $1000 and upwards. Costs can also rise depending on what type of metal the stone is set in.
The highest priced moonstones are the white ones with pale blue shades inside. Rainbow moonstones also cost a bit more since they are not as common as the other colors.
The value of moonstones goes up with the size of the stone, its transparency, and its color intensity.
Buying Tips
The bigger the stone, the more color you will see reflected from the inside. If you buy a stone that is too small, it may look dull if you cannot see enough of the blue.
A pair of moonstone earrings can be especially beautiful because of the way they dangle freely. They will catch the light and reflect it so beautifully that you will surely be noticed.
And finally, beware of any imitation moonstones. If possible, avoid buying online unless you trust the seller. Seeing the stone in person is the best way to tell if the stone is genuine.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Moonstone
Color of the Moon
The basic characteristics of the moonstone are its luminescence, its underlying bluish tint and its incredible depth of color.
Moonstone jewelry
There are also some moonstones that have green, orange or pale champagne color beneath their transparent surface.
Some moonstones have been found sporting color in the shape of a cat’s eye or a four-pointed star.
People in ancient times believed they were actually seeing the moon within the stone because of the shimmering luminescent quality that is a unique feature of this gem.
Moonstone Folklore
There is a bit of folklore which claims that if a man gives his lover a moonstone necklace on the night of the full moon, the couple will experience intense passion for each other forever.
The moonstone is also believed to bring good fortune, enhance intuition, offer protection, and bring success in love and business matters.
Fortune tellers decorated their crystal balls with moonstone to aid them in predicting the future. It is believed that the moonstone gem regenerates its power when placed under the light of the full moon.
Moonstone in Rome, Greece and France
From ancient civilizations to our modern-day society, moonstone has been prized and sought after to be worn as jewelry.
The Romans revered the moonstone, believing it to be born from the rays of the moon’s light.
The Greeks believed that the moonstone represented the great lunar deities like Achelois, Phoebe, Artemis, Selene and Hecate, and worshiped the stone.
In the late 1800s, the moonstone became popular in France. Rene Lalique, a French goldsmith, made a large quantity of jewelry that featured the moonstone gem.
Indian Moonstone Legends
In India, the moonstone is thought to be a sacred, powerful gemstone. Moonstones there are called “dream stones” and are believed to bring the wearer beautiful visions during sleep.
The stone is believed to bring luck in love and is given as a traditional wedding gift. Moonstones are always displayed on a cloth that is yellow, which the Indians consider a sacred color.
The legend about how the moonstone came into existence begins with a battle fought between Lord Vishnu and Bali, the demon god. Lord Vishnu destroyed Bali and broke his body into pieces. The pieces then fell to Earth as various jewels. The moonstone was formed from a piece of Bali’s eye.
Moonstone in the Middle East
In the Middle East, many women wear moonstones discretely sewn into their garments because they believe the stone is a symbol of fertility. Amulets with moonstone are hung from trees to ensure an abundant crop.
Similar to Indians, the people in the Middle East also associate the moonstone with love matters. It is believed that a couple can predict the direction of their relationship if a moonstone is placed in their mouths at the time of the full moon.
The moonstone is also offered as a blessing to young couples. It is believed that the gem will provide fertility and help to create a large and healthy family.
Oriental Beliefs
In the Orient, it is believed that the moonstone gem is actually a ray of moonlight that has solidified and that a good spirit lives inside the gem. Emperors were buried with moonstone and other symbolic gems.
In this part of the world, each piece of clothing and each gem symbolize something. There are even guidelines on what should be worn each day of the week. On Mondays, for example, it is best to wear white fabrics and moonstone jewelry.
Style Considerations
This beautiful gemstone is like no other. Named after the moon for its luminescence, it is a polished stone that has such three-dimensional beauty and amazing light reflection that it looks like it has its own aura.
Moonstone pendant
The true beauty of a moonstone is not apparent to the naked eye until a master craftsman cuts the stone.
While different cuts are available, the most common cut is the cabochon, i.e. the stone has been shaped and polished, with no facets cut in it.
The different internal layers then reflect off of each other to create a stunning effect.
Faceted moonstones are also available. However, you should keep in mind that moonstones are soft compared to other stones and scratch easily.
It may be best to stick with a polished stone because if it gets scratched, it can easily be re-polished to hide the scratches.
