Ever since Kristen Stewart’s character Bella wore a gold moonstone ring in the Twilight series, moonstone jewelry has enjoyed renewed pop culture significance. In interviews after the series wrapped, Stewart told reporters that Bella’s moonstone ring had become part of her personal jewelry collection. The film even inspired its own line of official moonstone jewelry.
You don’t need to be a fan of the Twilight saga, though, to appreciate the beauty and mystery of moonstones. The birthstone of those born under the sign of Cancer (June 22 – July 22), moonstones’ have been revered through the ages for their opalescent gleam and healing soothing properties.
According to Hindu mythology, moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams. That lovely romantic notion probably stems from moonstones’ internal composition, which GIA, the global nonprofit institute devoted to gemological research, explains, scatters the light that strikes it, creating an effect “reminiscent of the full moon shining through a veil of thin, high clouds.”
That charming notion plus the ancient belief that moonstones have protective, healing properties have long made the stones the darling of gemologists, jewelers and consumers alike!
What is Moonstone Jewelry?
This precious gem is composed of sodium, potassium, aluminium and silicate. The minerals present in moonstone form layers, which help produce an iridescent quality, even in an unpolished state. Moonstone is native to many regions, including North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
In addition to their beauty, moonstones have found quite a following among people who covet the stones for their healing properties. Some also feel moonstones give off a restorative energy.
Whether or not you believe in moonstone’s higher power, it’s hard to deny how pretty moonstone jewelry is.
Fair Trade Gold Plated Earrings with Moonstone, $22.99
The History of Moonstone Jewelry
People have been coveting moonstones accessories since the height of Roman civilization. But it’s believed that the fascination with moonstones goes back even further in Eastern Asia. For the ancient Greeks and Romans, moonstones were connected with the Gods. In Hindu mythology, the belief that moonstones are formed by solidified moonbeams, have long made them a popular gift to give at an Indian wedding. In some cultures, moonstones symbolize sacred love.
Sri Lanka and India are the largest exporters of moonstone, while Myanmar produces the best quality gems. The most valuable moonstone is transparent and is nearly devoid of color. Another marker of moonstone quality is the opalescent sheen found on the best moonstones.
Benefits of Wearing Moonstones
Moonstone is considered a healing gem. It’s believed to promote a restorative energy and ward off nightmares, insomnia even sleepwalking. It’s also thought to help women achieve hormonal balance, improve digestive and menstrual health, and combat obesity.
Moonstones have long been believed to have protective properties for women, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. It’s also known as the ‘traveler’s stone,” good for anyone to take along on their travels, day and night.
How to Wear Moonstone Jewelry
Most moonstones found in jewelry today are polished—though they are equally beautiful in their untouched state.
Though moonstones work in any setting, their MOHS Hardness rating of 6 – 6.5 means they are among the more delicate stones. That’s why you’ll want to exercise caution when wearing a moonstone ring and consider taking it off when working with your hands around the house or playing sports.
According to Brides, moonstones are becoming increasingly popular as the feature stone in engagement rings— and not just with bohemian brides! Now they can be found in gold and platinum engagement rings — though a simple sterling silver setting is still an elegant complement to moonstones’ ethereal lunar qualities. At the 2018 Met Gala, Ashley Olson wore a moonstone necklace as a headpiece along with her vintage Paco Rabanne gown.
