Moonstone is the captivating birthstone of June that has been used as jewelry for centuries. It is a type of feldspar mineral that can be found in several countries, including India, Madagascar, and the United States. Its unique shimmering effect and association with the moon and femininity have made it popular among various cultures to be worn as moonstone jewelry.
History of Moonstone
Moonstone has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks and Romans both associated moonstone with their respective lunar deities and believed it was formed from the rays of the moon and was related to Diana, the goddess of the moon, hunting, and fertility.
Pliny, the Roman natural historian, named the gemstone, describing its shimmery appearance that seemed to shift with the phases of the moon.
Moonstone continued to be used for its beauty and mystical properties throughout the ages, from Art Nouveau jewelry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries to the hippie movement of the 1960s and the New Age movement of the 1990s.
Moonstone Jewelry
Moonstone has been used as jewelry for centuries. Moonstone jewelry was popular in ancient Rome and India as it was believed to bring good fortune and protect the wearer from harm. Today, moonstone remains a popular gemstone for its unique beauty and associations with feminine energy and new beginnings.
Meaning of Moonstone
Moonstone is also known as the ‘stone of new beginnings.’ It helps enhance intuition, provide inspiration, and balance emotions. It is also believed to be a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development. Moonstone is often associated with femininity and the divine feminine energy. It is a popular belief that it helps women connect with their inner goddesses and tap into their intuition and creative powers. Wearing a moonstone also helps bring calm and balanced energy while relieving sleeplessness.
Characteristics of Moonstone
The rise of moonstone jewelry can be associated with its unique shimmering effect. When light hits the stone at just the right angle, it creates a beautiful blue or white glow that seems to float beneath the stone’s surface. This effect is known as adularescence and gives moonstone its otherworldly appearance.
Colors and Adularescence
Moonstone is available in various colors, from colorless to white, grey, green, yellow, and orange to brown. However, the value of the moonstone is not determined by its color but by its glowing sheen or the adularescence.
The color of the moonstone is caused by impurities, usually due to the presence of iron content mixed with the base during the crystal’s formation under heat and pressure.
The most prized moonstones feature a colorless body with a semi-transparent to nearly transparent appearance and a vivid blue sheen. The value of the moonstone also depends on the thickness of the alternating layers of orthoclase and albite, which determines the intensity of the sheen. Moonstones with silver adularescence are also highly regarded as they resemble the look of the moon.
Fashion Trends for Moonstone Jewelry
Moonstone jewelry is a versatile and elegant choice for both casual and formal occasions. It can be worn in a variety of styles, making it a great addition to any jewelry collection. Here are some fashion trends for wearing your prized moonstone jewelry:
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Layering
Moonstone necklaces and bracelets look beautiful when layered with other jewelry pieces. They can be worn with delicate chains, statement necklaces, or other gemstone bracelets for a stylish look.
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Boho-chic
Moonstone’s natural and earthy feel makes it a perfect fit for boho-chic fashion. It can be paired with flowy dresses, fringed vests, and other bohemian-inspired pieces for a relaxed, young, and carefree look.
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Bridal Jewelry
Moonstone is a popular choice for bridal jewelry because of its association with new beginnings and divine feminine energy. It can be worn as earrings, bracelets, or a simple necklace with a moonstone pendant to add a touch of ethereal beauty to any bridal outfit.
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Mixed Metals
Moonstone looks beautiful when paired with other metals such as gold, rose gold, or silver. Moonstone jewelry has been a popular trend in recent years, and using a silver chain for a cute moonstone pendant can create a classic, sophisticated accessory.
Moonstone as a Gift
Moonstone jewelry is also popular as a gift for loved ones, particularly for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings. It is a thoughtful gift that you can give to your girl-friends as a way to commemorate your feminine connection and friendship.
When choosing moonstone jewelry as a gift, consider the recipient’s personal style to choose a piece that reflects their personality. Moonstone jewelry can be found in a range of styles, from delicate and minimalist to bold and statement-making, so there is something for everyone.
How to Care for Moonstone
Caring for your moonstone jewelry is important to ensure its longevity and maintain its natural beauty. Moonstone can be a fragile gemstone, so handling it carefully and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures is important.
To clean moonstone jewelry at home:
- Use mild dishwashing soap and warm water.
- Create a soapy solution, carefully place the gemstone in the liquid and soak it for around 10-15 minutes.
- Take out the stone and use a soft toothbrush to remove visible dirt.
- Rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
To protect moonstone jewelry, store it in an individual cloth bag or fabric-lined box to prevent it from coming into contact with harder gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your moonstone jewelry remains beautiful for years.
Conclusion
Moonstone jewelry is a beautiful and versatile choice for anyone looking to add a touch of mystique and femininity to their jewelry collection. Its unique shimmering effect and association with the moon and divine feminine energy make it a popular choice for women. Whether worn as a statement piece or a subtle accent, moonstone jewelry is a meaningful and beautiful way to celebrate new beginnings, promote personal growth, and connect with one’s inner goddess.
