Gem of the Week: Moonstone

Edwardian Moonstone and Rose Cut Diamond
Ring in Platinum and Gold
A. Brandt and Son

Whenever I hear, “moonstone,” I think of the 1868 novel, The Moonstone, by Wilkie Collins which was technically about a diamond. It was one of the novels that we filmed for Wishbone in the mid-1990’s. I have fond memories of that shoot. Just for fun, I’ve put a clip from that episode below.

However, an actual moonstone is a gemstone formed from sodium potassium aluminum silicate. The moonstone is so named because of the peculiar sheen with which it seems to radiate—really an optical trick cause by the reflection of light against internal planes of feldspar. The bluish-white color and opalescence of the moonstone also contribute to its lunar-like appearance.

Moonstone is usually cut in a cabochon to take full advantage of its moon-like presence. The stone was used in setting as well as strung beads and has been employed for centuries. Late Victorian and Edwardian jewelry often featured the moonstone. The effect of the moonstone’s inner radiance when set against the hard shine of gold and the sprarkle of rose-cut or mine-cut diamonds was particularly dramatic in candlelight and gaslight. Moonstones remain a popular gem today, often finding a place in settings which contain amethysts and multi-colored sapphires.