We are entering a new era of engagement rings. While the diamond still shines most brightly, many people are choosing alternatives that fit with their character. And since gemstones are one of the options people seek, moonstone engagement rings make a fantastic choice.
The moonstone is a vibrant combination of rainbow hues, similar in appearance to the opal. As part of the feldspar family, the moonstone has a mysterious feminine allure. Because of its lore of good luck and romantic desire, lovers have given moonstone as a gift for centuries. Itâs also one of the birthstones of June.
Modern times is not the first time moonstone has been given appreciation. Moonstone has been around as long as Western civilization. The stone even dates back to ancient jewelry of the Orient. The Greeks and Romans believed the stone was moonbeams in rock format, a gift from the lunar deities.Â
Moonstone is part of the feldspar family, a group of gems containing the desirable adularescence quality. Adularescence is the magical look a moonstone gives as light billows across the surface of the stone. Think of how clouds billow across the sky. Light does the same thing on a moonstone. The stone appears to change colors as the light reacts with the stone at different angles.Â
âDuring formation, orthoclase and albite separate into alternating layers. When light falls between these thin layers it is scattered producing the phenomenon called adularescence.â Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Why you should trust us
Mike Fried has written hundreds of articles and helped answer more than 30,000 emails from our readers. This has given him a unique perspective on what information truly helps our readers in their quest for finding the perfect diamond engagement ring or piece of jewelry.
Mike is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.
To read more about our process for secret shopping and reviewing companies and additional details about how we operate, check out this article.
The moonstone can vary in hue between pearly white, pink, blue and even gray. Many stones have the illusion of an inner light or translucence, giving a mythical sentiment.Â
The healing properties of this attractive stone have been in belief systems for centuries. Helping insomnia, menstrual cramping, and a manâs attunement with his lover are a few of the said remedies of the moonstone. Some believers âchargeâ their moonstones by setting the stone under a full moon.Â
Fun fact: Florida chose moonstone as the official state gem even though it is not found anywhere in the state. Their reason was to commemorate their part in the Apollo 11 moon landing.Â
Moonstone engagement rings are found in many different settings and styles.Â
A bezel setting is a lovely way to secure the stone to a setting.
Securing the stone with prongs is another gorgeous option for a moonstone engagement ring.Â
Moonstone engagement rings have allure when set with any metal. We particularly enjoy the contrast with rose gold and yellow gold. Add a halo of diamonds or a diamond band and youâve found a truly glamorous piece.Â
Moonstone engagement rings have grown hugely in popularity over the last few years, with people drawn to this stoneâs gorgeous, unique appearance. According to an article published in National Jeweler, interest in moonstone started to grow around 2011, with most stones available today sourced from India, Sri Lanka and Madagascar.
While there are as many different options of engagement ring as there are different couples, moonstone can be a perfect fit for an engagement ring. For a couple who wants a more unconventional style, or a unique take on the classic diamond, moonstone is a great option.
Keep in mind that Moonstones are not as hard as diamonds. While diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, moonstones sit around 6.0 to 6.5. A softer stone presents its own challenges.Â
Pros:
Cons:
There are a lot of variables when considering the best engagement ring for you. We are always here to help. Contact us and weâll provide individual support to find the perfect engagement ring for your budget and style.Â
Consider the style of the soon-to-be wearer of the ring when choosing an engagement ring. Do they have traditional taste? A diamond engagement ring would be more appropriate. If they enjoy a more bohemian style, a moonstone engagement ring may be perfect. They will be wearing this ring the rest of their lives. Itâs best for them to feel comfortable.Â
We have a lot of great tips for helping you choose a ring your partner will love.
If youâve decided to buy a moonstone engagement ring, youâll want to know a few characteristics to look for and to avoid.
The color of a moonstone is a personal choice. There is no correct color or wrong color. Let your style guide your preference for blue, yellow, peach, pink or a different color.
The most popular moonstone is a colorless stone with a blue sheen (blue adularescence). If the blue sheen is visible from all angles of the stone, all the more valuable it becomes.
Youâll want a moonstone that is transparent or translucent. Some moonstones are opaque which takes away some of the magical movement we love in this stone.Â
The biggest flaw (inclusion) to look for as you choose your stone are tiny cracks. The jewelry world refers to them as centipedes. While these centipedes can help determine if the moonstone is real (rather than fabricated), large ones can negotiate the integrity of a stone.Â
Moonstones are cut to have facets or smoothed to have a dome shape. Both appearances are stunning. The smooth dome cut, called cabochon, highlights the sheen on the stone. A cut containing facets is a lovely way to hide inclusions and add depth and texture.Â
Since moonstones arenât a rare gem, they come in many sizes. Most popularly, moonstones featured in jewelry are less than 5 carats.Â
Wanting the best places to buy a moonstone ring? We have a few suggestions.
The sparkling halo of this petite Cabochon Moonstone ring from Blue Nile is a gorgeous accent to the luster of this round-cut white moonstone. The 14K yellow gold setting takes the glamor up a notch for an elegant appeal.
This spectacular gray Moonstone Cabochon ring from Blue Nile has a true depth of distinction. The soft sheen of the gray moonstone pairs perfectly with the brilliance of the diamond side stones. The 14K yellow gold setting balances the entire look.Â
The pure moonstone combined with the narrow yellow gold band come together in true luxury for little money in this rainbow Moonstone Engagement Ring from Amazon. This piece is in the lower price point for moonstone engagement rings.Â
A dainty ring, the white gold brings forth the magical color of the moonstone. Combined with two diamond side-stones, this Moonstone ring from Amazon is quaint and beautiful.Â
Weâd love to answer some of the common quandaries about moonstone!
14K and 18K white gold, yellow gold and rose gold are always our recommendation for engagement ring settings. They are durable and contain enough gold alloy (mixture) to have a gorgeous sheen.Â
Yellow gold will bring out the glamor and elegance of the moonstone.
White gold will bring out the mystical color and sheen of the stone. Â
Yes, there are many different colors of moonstone. They are white, gray, pink, peach, yellow, and more. People love the sheen of the stone which can take on its own color and movement.Â
A moonstone engagement ring will cost around $500 USD but can vary in price. For a quality appearance, expect to spend at least $100 USD. Some moonstone engagement rings cost thousands.Â
The sensitive nature of the stone means itâs best to remove it when cleaning, moving heavy objects, or working out. Your moonstone ring will be safe in a felt bag or its original case.Â
If a scratch does appear on your moonstone, a jeweler can usually bring back the smoothness with a polishing.Â
At home, you can clean your ring by soaking it a few minutes in warm, soapy water. Rinse, pat dry, and wear again.Â
It is easy to know if your moonstone is real if you know what to look for. A real moonstone is going to have a layered structure inside, often visible to the eye. There may be slight inclusions or tiny cracks that shout, âIâm real!â As mentioned earlier, ensure these cracks donât threaten the integrity of the stone.Â
The quickest way to figure out the authenticity of your stone is the heat test. Natural stones heat up gradually. If you hold the stone in your hand, itâs likely to stay cool. If the âstoneâ heats up quickly, itâs safe to say it is a glass imitation.Â
Moonstones are a great choice as an engagement ring. While they are less durable than diamonds, their soft luster is great for a non-conventional style.Â
If youâre concerned about the durability of a moonstone, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds also make great stones for a ring worn everyday. There are a lot of charming non-traditional engagement rings out there, many of which are more durable than moonstone.Â
Like with any other major purchase, itâs important to choose an engagement ring carefully. You want quality without spending more than you should. If you need help selecting a moonstone engagement ring, or figuring out if itâs the best option for you, contact us. Weâll help you find the perfect match for your style and budget.Â
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
A diamonds' price is determined primarily by the 4 Cs of the diamond. On the wholesale level, diamond prices are first based on a diamond shape and s
Over the last ten years I have secret shopped thousands of engagement ring retailers (usually with Annie, or another one of our diamond consultants).
1ct round cut petite side-stone diamond ring in yellow gold from Blue Nile A wide range of 1 carat diamonds exist both in online markets and local
Please enter your email address to receive your personal one-time use unique coupon code for 25% off engagement rings:
Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF