At first glance, the moonstone is an underwhelming gemstone – colourless in many cases, transparent to translucent. But there is something intriguing about the moonstone due to its opalescent or adularescent sheen which results in a blue or white sheen when the gemstone is moved. The effect has been likened to the moon being reflected in clear water and this is heightened when the gem is cut as a cabochon. Some moonstones display a cat’s eye effect as well.
Moonstones have been used in jewellery for hundreds of years but they were particularly popular gemstones in the Art Nouveau and Arts and Craft periods. They are still used a lot today though. I have included a mixture of antique and vintage pieces in this post.
What is interesting is that moonstones look good whether they are set in gold, white gold or silver as seen in the demi parure above and the earrings below.
There are 52 round moonstones claw set in the earring above along with approx 150 small diamonds. So much work!
navette jewellery 