Moonstone Engagement Ring:The Definitive Buying Guide

Moonstone Engagement Ring

What is a moonstone? 

Moonstone is a gem from the feldspars’ family, they are formed from separate layers of minerals. Light is reflected in a particular form thru those thin layers. The effect is called adularescence, and it is the cause of the unique glow moonstone has.In this article we will walk you through the best tips to buy your moonstone engagement ring.

It comes in a wide range of colors, from colorless to peach, green, blue, and yellow. Clarity can go from transparent to opaque. It is found in many countries like Brazil, Australia, and India, being Sri Lanka the source of Blue moonstones, the rarest and highly valued. 

This unique stone is not only known for its beauty but also as a powerful gem in metaphysics. Healing, protection, and balancing attributes are some of the characteristics that civilizations had encountered in this gem.  

History of engagement ring

Engagement rings nowadays are a symbol of love and commitment. They represent the beginning of a new chapter in a couple’s history. This tradition was originated in ancient Egypt, where couples exchanged a ring that was worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which they believed had a vein directly connected to the heart. For Egyptians, the circle was a symbol of never-ending love. 

In Rome, an engagement ring was more a business and obedience contract than a romantic symbol. Families arranged marriages to preserve or increase their status and wealth. Back in that time, rings were made from bone, ivory, or copper. And they were a public display of ownership. 

The common use of engagement rings started with royalty. In 1477 Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring. But it was not until the 1950s that gold and diamonds were the standards for engagement rings. Around that time, diamonds became popular due to mines discovered in Africa that made them more affordable. 

Although diamonds have been the most popular choice for the past 70 years, before 1950 and in recent years, we have seen a change in that trend. More affordable and unique gems are being used for engagement rings. Some women prefer colorful stones or vintage rings from years before diamonds were the norm. 

Always remember that engagement rings in the present time are a symbol of love and a reflection of personality. There are no written rules as to the materials an engagement ring should have. You can get creative with unique designs and gems. 

Advantage and disadvantage of moonstone engagement ring. 

Engagement rings are pieces of jewelry made to be worn every day. They need to be durable and comfortable. Durability is one of the reasons most of them are made from diamonds. According to the Mohs hardness scale (used to identify the scratching resistance of a mineral), diamonds are on the top since no other mineral can cause a scratch. 

Moonstone falls in a position 6 on a scale of 1-10. This means it is a gem with medium resistance. If you choose this stone for an engagement ring, make sure the setting protects your stone. The best way to protect it is with a complete bezel. Prongs are not a smart idea for this stone, because it is soft and easy to be scratched. 

Another characteristic to look for on a stone is the resistance to household cleaners, abrasives, and temperature variations. Moonstone rates low on these categories. They can chip and change color with everyday wear. 

Moonstone is ideal when you are looking for a unique stone. Each stone has a particular color, and it can be cloudy or clear. You can choose a stone with a predominant purple or blue tone. And if your routine does not involve much handwork or harsh products, your ring should be safe. 

Moonstone engagement ring vs. Opal engagement ring 

Both stones are known for their unique appearance. Opal has rarer characteristics. For example, no opal will look like another, and they are truly unique. Opal comes in a wider variety of colors, orange, brown, white, and black. In comparison, Moonstone has variations between blue, purple, silver, and white. 

Depending on the quality and color of the Opal, the price can go above $10,000.00 per carat. Moonstone will be more affordable since it can be found around the world. The price will range from $10.00 to $1000.00, being colorless and blue adularescence the most expensive characteristics.

Overall, both gemstones are considered fragile and high maintenance. They are rare and unique too. Opal is widely known and will be easily recognizable. If you are looking for an uncommon stone, Moonstone will be the best choice. 

Understanding moonstone: 

Cut 

Moonstone can be transformed into many shapes. The most common is the cabochon. A method that cuts the gem into a convex and polished rounded surface. The back of the stone usually remains flat. This cut displays the color and adularescence of the stone flawlessly. 

Facets are also a possibility. Each cut will let light enter different portions of the gem, allowing a beautiful reflection and enhancing the brilliance while hiding any inclusion the stone might have. 

Color 

The most valued moonstones are colorless and display a bright blue adularescence. You should make sure the stone has no brown or yellow traces. Its value increases when the sheen concentrates on the top and can be appreciated from different viewing ranges. 

Clarity 

Moonstones can be found from clear to cloudy tones, and inclusions are part of the stone nature. They are a result of tension during its formation. High-quality gems will be nearly transparent and as free of inclusions as possible. When clarity is high, the display of color and shine will increase. 

Carat 

The size and weight of a moonstone will depend on the design you are looking for. Large stones are rarer, especially in blue tones. Regularly engagement rings are made from 1 to 5-carat stones, and they are easy to find. 

Treatment & enhancement

The most common treatment moonstone receive is color enhancement. Blue coating and dark coating on the back of a cabochon will make natural color and adularescence stand out. Although it is a common practice, you should not worry about affecting the value of your Moonstone. 

Type of moonstone engagement ring

There are many designs to choose from. Here are the most popular and safe settings for this stone. 

Protective bezel

This design is the most recommendable for fragile stones. It will be a simple but beautiful design. Looks beautiful with a thing band eighter yellow or white gold will be ideal, this is the perfect design if you want your Moonstone to have all the attention. 

Halo

The halo setting will complement your main stone. Moonstone looks beautiful with a halo of pave diamonds. You can choose a plain band or opt for a diamond-encrusted one. In both cases, you will have a unique center stone with the traditional brilliance of diamonds. 

Solitaire

A risky option due to the fragile nature of this stone. Still, many choose this setting to display the beauty of Moonstone fully. 

Where to buy a pre-engagement ring

Pre-engagement rings are also known as promise rings, they are a step before an engagement ring. Couples who are not planning on getting married soon but have a strong commitment to each other wear this ring. 

A moonstone ring can be ideal as a pre-engagement piece. Just make sure you purchase your ring at a safe place, whether it is online or at a physical store. Online stores like Amazon and Etsy offer affordable and beautiful options for these rings. 

Frequently asked questions: 

Is Moonstone good for an engagement ring? 

There are no written rules when it comes to engagement rings. An engagement ring should be the reflection of the personality of the person who wears it. When you choose Moonstone as your engagement ring main stone, make sure the setting secures and protects your stone from possible bumps. Bezel and halo settings are the best choices for this stone. 

You can pair your Moonstone with other gems to make it stand out even more. The uniqueness of Moonstone is incomparable, and it is ideal for an unconventional ring; keep in mind it is a fragile stone that needs care to last. 

How do I protect my Moonstone engagement ring? 

Moonstone is a soft stone that will easily scratch and lose the polish look. Other stones with a higher hardness like diamonds could damage your Moonstone. We advise you to always store your jewelry separately from other pieces. 

When it comes to cleaning your engagement ring, avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners. The best way to preserve your ring is by using non-abrasive cleaners, mild liquid soap, and warm water will clean it well. Make sure you always use soft materials to clean and dry your ring. 

Hight temperatures can also affect your ring; whenever you will contact abrasive and hot substances, take off your ring to avoid any damage. 

Are Moonstone rings durable? 

With proper care and a secure setting, a Moonstone ring can last for many generations. They are rated 6/10 on a hardness scale, which means they can easily be damaged. Abrasives and household cleaners can change the appearance of the stone. Overall, you can preserve your Moonstone if you invest enough time. 

Are moonstones expensive?

They are considered an affordable gem. The finest moonstones were found in Myanmar, as there were mined out. Those pieces are only available thru collectors. Sri Lanka is also known for having some of the most beautiful pieces with high clarity and blue color. Other than those two cases, you will find many budget friendly stones on the market. If you are more into the peach or green tones of Moonstone, they will be even more accessible. 

Conclusion

Now you know all there is to know about moonstones. They are beautiful and captivating gems, ideal for engagement rings and many other pieces of jewelry. If you are looking for a rare stone or if you are drawn to its magic and mysticism, Moonstone will be ideal for an engagement ring. Hope this information helps you to make the best choice and find the perfect engagement ring. 

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