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Angela Godden
19th January 2010 20:46

Moonstones

 

With my surname being Godden and often appearing as goddess on spell check, I'm going to write to you about a stone associated with goddesses, in particular moon goddesses.....moonstones!

So if you are thinking about a moonstone engagement ring then read on...

Resembling the moon or 'moonshine', the ancient Romans believed the stone was actually formed from moonlight. In the Orient, people believed Moonstones were actual rays of moonlight that had solidified, and that the shimmering light held within the stone was a good spirit that lived there. People in ancient India also thought along these lines, and the stone is still considered sacred in India today.

Amulets of Moonstone were frequently hung in fruit trees to ensure fruitful and abundant crops. In Asia and Europe the stone was associated with love and fidelity and was often worn when trying to attract a faithful lover. It was believed that if held in the mouth, Moonstone would help one make proper decisions. This versatile stone was also used in ancient times to cure insomnia.

Due to its association with water, Moonstone is said to be protective of those at sea. It is also protective of those that travel at night and especially during New Moon phases, and was once called the 'Traveller's Stone'. It was also thought to protect against insanity, epilepsy, and any adverse wanderings of the mind. The ancient Greeks called Moonstone 'Aphroselene' after the goddesses Aphrodite (love) and Selene (moon).

Moonstone is an opalescent stone with a blue or white sheen , this is sometimes called a 'schiller' , resembling moonshine. Moonstone's soft-looking, pearly sheen, referred to as Adularescence, is caused by light reflecting internally due to thin layered inclusions. The stones can be colourless, white or ivory, silvery-grey or bluish in colour. Some specimens have a 'layered' appearance while others are translucent, but all will have the distinguishing lustre that gives the stone its common name. Some will even have rainbow effects.

Moonstones' have a hardness of 6 on the MOHs' scale and although moonstone looks fabulous it must be handled with care as over periods of time it can become dull or when unnecessary knocks happen to the stone whilst wearing it, it can result in being damaged, possible chips or scratches. These can in most circumstances be polished out and will regain its original 'mystical' appearance.

Moonstone is the birthstone for June.

Some examples of our craftsmanship incorporating moonstone is shown below:

9ct white gold 1.17ct blue moonstone and diamond engagement ring

9ct white gold 1.17ct blue moonstone and diamond engagement ring.

This lovely twist engagement ring holds a beautiful 1.17ct 6.2mm round cabochon cut blue moonstone chosen for it's wonderful blue sheen, with a natural inclusion just at the side adding to the stones character. Within the 3mm wide tapering shank sits two invisibly set 1.5mm brilliant cut H SI diamonds totalling 0.02cts which compliment the blue and hints of lilac within the moonstone with flicks of sparkle. The ring measures just under 12mm wide at the front, but still looks delicate.

Shooting star moonstone silver wrap around dress ring

Shooting star moonstone silver wrap around dress ring.

Starlight Collection. This striking and contempory wrap around style dress ring has been inspired by a shooting star. This ring holds a ring holds a 4mm brilliant cut faceted moonstone in an all around setting.

Silver Fern pendant with 0.25cts moonstone on cable

Silver Fern pendant with 0.25cts moonstone on cable.

This stunning 8cm long sterling silver pendant is based on a single fern leaf with 4mm round 0.25cts cabochon cut fine moonstone to represent a water droplet. On 16 inch long cable necklet. There is a matching brooch available.

Synthetic moonstone and Swarovski crystal pendant

Synthetic moonstone and Swarovski crystal pendant.

This beautiful synthetic moonstone pendant is complimented by the graduating Swarovski crystals ranging from pink to a light purple picking up the changing colours in the synthetic moonstone.

Please continue to take a look on our jewellery website at other pieces made with moonstone set in it.....

Angela

Angela Godden
 

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  • Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design, North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Hertfordshire, SG4 7DP, England
    Phone: +44 (0)1462 790565 Fax: +44 (0)1462 790140 enquiries@hkjewellery.co.uk
  • Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design, 6/7 Green Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3JU, England.
    Phone: +44 (0)1223 461333 Fax: +44 (0)1223 365269 cambridge@hkjewellery.co.uk

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