Faceted Moonstone Sterling Silver Jewelry
From LoveToKnow Jewelry
Faceted moonstone sterling silver jewelry's cool beauty and fascinating shimmer makes it a desirable addition to any woman’s jewelry box.
About Moonstone Jewelry
While moonstone is perhaps a lesser known gem, it has been around for a long time and featured prominently in jewelry of the art nouveau period, around the turn of the 20th century. Moonstone sterling silver jewelry is known for the stone's unique sparkle, which changes in the light when the jewelry is moved. This quality is due to the crystal structure of the moonstone, which scatters the light that falls on it, resulting in an attractive shimmer. The cutting of the stone is crucial in achieving this distinctive effect, especially with faceted stones. Moonstone jewelry sometimes features stones carved with images of the moon or people.
Faceted Moonstone Jewelry Sources and Colors
Moonstones traditionally hail from Sri Lanka, but are also found in India, Madagascar, Myanmar, Brazil and the United States. Moonstone belongs to the feldspar mineral family. Blue moonstone jewelry is most highly desired, but it can also be pink, green, peach, black, brown, white or gray. Rainbow moonstone appears white or transparent with flashes of color in the light. Shiny sterling silver perfectly offsets the cool tones and beauty of the stone.
Properties Attributed to Moonstone
Another interesting detail about moonstone is the number of mystical properties that have been attributed to it throughout history. Over the years many have believed that different gems can bestow different benefits on the wearer, and moonstone in particular has been touted as a woman’s stone. Some believe that moonstone jewelry can make a woman more fertile, while others recommend moonstone for improving dreams. It has been said that wearing moonstone jewelry aids in decreasing stress and increasing intuition. It is also believed that moonstone can help men to more easily access their emotional and creative sides.
Where to Buy Faceted Moonstone Sterling Silver Jewelry
Moonstone is most often sold in its smooth, rounded cabochon form rather than faceted, but faceted moonstone sterling silver jewelry is also available.
- Exotic India Art: Wow! Where other online stores might only have a few choices of faceted moonstone jewelry, this shop carries several pages of eye-catching designs. Some sterling silver jewelry designs pair faceted moonstone with other semi precious gem stones like amethyst or quartz. There are bracelets, rings, pendants, necklaces and earrings as well as strings of faceted moonstone beads for those who like to design and create their own jewelry.
- LJV Designs: This site carries beautiful moonstone jewelry in pretty colors like peach and gray. Take a look at the necklace with moonstones carved into the shape of leaves, which is just one of the unique designs you’ll find at this website.
- Ebay: This well known auction site is another place to go for faceted moonstone sterling silver jewelry as well as loose faceted moonstone beads that can be turned into jewelry. Don’t forget to check the eBay stores section for more faceted moonstone jewelry.
Caring for Silver Moonstone Jewelry
With a hardness level of around 6 on the Mohs scale, where diamond, the hardest gem, is a 10, faceted moonstone jewelry is delicate and must be handled carefully to avoid scratches and damage, which can dull the interesting play of light on the stone. Moonstone jewelry should be stored in such a way that it will not come in contact with other jewelry, which can chip and scratch the stone. Avoid exposing moonstone to heat and harsh chemicals found in cleaning supplies, swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Finally, a mild detergent and soft cloth should be all you need to keep your silver moonstone jewelry clean and looking good!
Learn More
Comments
Laura, yes that is exactly the same as mine! My mother purchased a necklace and earrings. She also had the earrings made into necklaces for my sister and I. I was able to find another one via the internet after much searching. Good luck.
-- Contributed by: CarolJanet & Carol I also have a blue moonstone w/a pagoda carving on the back, showing thru to the front. Does that describe yours? It was purchased in Chicago at the Palmer House in the 50's. I have been searching for another but have never been able to locate anything like it. My grandmother purchased it as a pair of earrings & had it made into 2 necklaces for my sister & myself. She has lost hers & I would love to replace it for her someday. Doubtful that will happen.
-- Contributed by: LauraJanet, I also have a pagoda pendant that my mother purchased in 1955 in Japan. I have a co-worker who has one also. Her's is of a similar time frame. Have you found any more information?
-- Contributed by: Carol
This page has been accessed 3,702 times. This page was last modified 02:04, 19 November 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Visit us on facebook