Buying a moonstone ring?
A big decision! You want the perfect piece, but where do you start? The moonstone jewelry market has been expanding at 11.5% annually, which means there are more styles, settings, and quality levels to consider than ever before. It’s tough to know what to look for.
And if you make the wrong choice… it’s a waste of money and disappointment.
Here’s the good news.
By learning just a few things about moonstone rings you can narrow down your choices and find the right one. So sit back, and read on to learn:
- How to identify quality in moonstone rings
- The best ring settings for moonstones
- Different styles of rings to choose from
- How to care for your moonstone ring
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Why are Moonstone Rings So Popular?
Moonstone rings have become more and more popular in recent years. There’s one simple reason for that…
They are just stunning.
Moonstone’s unique shimmer (called adularescence) gives it a glow that is otherworldly. This is what sets it apart from more traditional jewelry. It’s also why millennials and Gen Z are buying unique moonstone rings at a fast clip. Moonstone rings are their way of expressing their individual style.
When a well-cut moonstone is at its best, it’s like nothing else out there. With the moonstone rings collection growing more every year, the choices are better than ever.
Moonstone Quality 101
The secret to buying a quality moonstone ring is right there in the name. The stone itself is the most important factor to consider.
Not all moonstones are created equal, and the right knowledge can help you avoid buyer’s remorse.
Blue Sheen is King
Moonstones come in all different colors. But if you want quality you want blue. A vibrant, sky-blue sheen that shimmers and glows. This is called adularescence. If a moonstone has it, the price goes way up.
When shopping for a ring, look for:
- A centered, strong blue flash
- Glow that is consistent all over the stone
- Very few inclusions or cloudy areas
- Good transparency
The best quality moonstone comes from Sri Lanka. They have the deep blue sheen that collectors are looking for. Indian moonstone is usually more cloudy.
Rainbow Moonstone vs. White Moonstone
There are a few different types of moonstone, which means more variety to choose from.
White Moonstone: The traditional type with a silver-blue sheen. The first thing most people think of when they think of a moonstone ring is.
Rainbow Moonstone: A unique flash of multiple colors. Blues, purples, even yellows.
Peach Moonstone: As the name implies, a peach color that is soft and warm.
Choose the one you like best.
Ring Settings
One thing that trips up many first-time buyers…
Ring settings are just as important as the stone. You can’t put a beautiful moonstone in a cheap or ill-fitting setting and expect it to work.
Protective Settings Are a Must
Moonstone is a relatively soft gemstone (6-6.5 on the Mohs scale). That means it can get scratched or damaged more easily. Rings you wear every day need a setting that will protect the stone.
Settings that give maximum protection:
- Bezel settings with no exposed edges
- Halo settings with a border
- Raised prong settings
- Flush settings with the gemstone lying flat in the band
The right setting will keep your ring looking its best for decades.
Metal Matters
Metal choices are more than just personal preference. The right one can make your moonstone ring pop.
Sterling Silver: By far the most popular choice. The cool tone of the silver is perfect with moonstone.
Yellow Gold: A warm, vintage look with boho charm.
Rose Gold: Rose gold and peach moonstone are a natural pairing.
White Gold or Platinum: If you want a modern and luxurious look.
Choose the metal that works best with your other jewelry and your personal style.
Ring Styles
Style is a big deal…
With the moonstone jewelry market expected to reach $6.8 billion by 2032, there needs to be a lot of new styles coming to market every year. And there are. In spades. Designers are churning out new looks left and right.
Classic Solitaire Rings
You can’t go wrong with a traditional solitaire ring with a single stone and simple setting. If you’re on the fence between two or three styles, go with the classic solitaire.
Vintage-Inspired
Moonstone has been around for ages. Rings inspired by the Art Deco era have ornate metalwork, geometric shapes, and antique finishes.
Minimalist
Thin bands, geometric shapes, and an emphasis on clean lines is the look of modern minimalist rings. If you want something current and a bit off-beat, this is it.
Bohemian and Nature-Inspired
Leaf motifs, clusters of smaller stones, and raw metal finishes are just some of the nature-inspired details you can find in bohemian rings.
Size and Proportion
A mistake I see often…
Shopping for a ring without any idea of how it will look on their hand.
Size and proportion matter. Larger hands look great with bolder, more ornate rings. Smaller hands usually look better with simpler designs.
Plus, think about what you do for a living. Are you on your feet all day? Do you use your hands? All these factors go into choosing the right piece for you.
Caring for your Moonstone Ring
One final piece of advice if you want your ring to stay looking like new…
Proper care is important with any jewelry. But with a moonstone ring it’s critical. As we mentioned, moonstone is relatively soft. So extra care is required.
Take off your ring for cleaning, exercising, or manual work. Store it separately from other jewelry and keep it away from harsh chemicals. Clean gently with a mild soap and water.
Get your ring checked by a jeweler once a year. A professional can make sure the setting is still good, clean in areas you can’t reach, and tighten any loose parts. This preventative care can save you heartache down the road.
Making your final decision
- Ok, decision time. You’ve learned the three things to look for in a quality moonstone ring:
- Quality (look for good adularescence and few or no inclusions)
- Setting (protective and matches the style of the rest of your jewelry)
- Your personal connection with the ring (does it speak to you)
Trust your instincts and go with the ring that makes you smile when you look at it.
Bringing it all together
Moonstone rings are a beautiful and unique choice for jewelry. But finding the right one takes a little know-how.
Learn about quality factors, setting styles, and proper care. This will make your decision a lot easier.
Moonstone rings are so popular right now because they offer something that more traditional jewelry doesn’t.
They have a unique, other-worldly beauty that catches the eye. Your moonstone ring will be a cherished treasure you’ll be proud to wear for years to come.
So set your priorities, do your homework, and go get the ring you deserve.
Buying a Moonstone Ring Checklist
- Do your homework on quality factors and style preferences.
- Look for a strong blue sheen with consistent adularescence.
- Choose a setting that will protect your moonstone.
- Match metal and style to your personal taste and other jewelry.
- Get your ring professionally cleaned and checked once a year.
- Trust your instincts and choose a ring that makes you happy.
Buying a new moonstone ring? Take a deep breath, you’re not alone! The choices out there are overwhelming. But by following these simple steps and doing your homework, you can find the perfect piece of jewelry that will be a true treasure.
How long have you been collecting Moonstone rings?
It’s certainly a lot easier to find a great new piece than it used to be. A lot of growth in the market for good reason. These rings have a unique ethereal beauty that is just stunning.
