I was born at the end of May. Had my birthday fallen just a few days later, I would have the pleasure of claiming one of my favorite gems—moonstone—as my birthstone.
June, a month rich with options, actually has three birthstones: moonstone, alexandrite, and arguably the most notable of the three, pearl. Pearl gets a lot of press these days, and with good reason—more people are embracing it, it’s breaking gender boundaries, and it’s looking better and more varied than ever.
Moonstone, on the other hand, never seems to get the glory it deserves. It doesn’t glitter or sparkle, that’s true; instead, it gives off an air of mysticism that could have onlookers feeling like they’re gazing into another dimension (maybe being transported isn’t everyone’s thing?).
But the stone’s mystical vibe is part of what makes it so exciting, like wearing a powerful amulet of protection, love, or strength. Given consumers’ sticky enthusiasm for talismanic jewelry, moonstone is a gem to wear, no question.
Design also matters. In the hands of the right creator, a moonstone jewel can take someone from indifferent to enthusiastic. You can always tell a designer who respects moonstone, because they give it the home it deserves—it takes a special eye to know precisely what to do with this luminous gem.
Below, some of the most magical examples.
Ring in platinum with 3.34 ct. moonstone center, 1.42 cts. t.w. moonstones, and 0.35 ct. t.w. tapered baguette diamonds, $8,150; Nicole MeraBlossom ring in 14k yellow gold with moonstone and diamonds, $6,750; Jacquie AicheDouble Wave Crush earrings in 18k yellow gold with 19.45 cts. t.w. moonstone and 1.1 cts. t.w. diamonds, $11,550; Pamela FromanGrandfather clover pendant in 14k yellow gold with moonstone, $7,860; RetrouvaíBubble ring in 14k yellow gold with moonstone, $2,900; Ashley ZhangFull Moon earrings in 14k rose gold with moonstone and multicolor sapphires, $4,045; Jolly BijouHeritage pendant in 18k rose gold with 6.4 ct. moonstone, 1.27 ct. ruby, 1.01 cts. t.w. diamonds, and plique-à-jour enamel, price on request; Lord JewelryQueen Triple Goddess ring in 14k yellow gold with oval and trillion moonstones and 0.09 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,750; Logan HollowellInfinity earrings in sterling silver with blue enamel and rainbow moonstone, $1,000; NakardBig Love Bug pendant in 14k yellow gold with rainbow moonstone, veined turquoise, and 0.03 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,650; Mason and BooksChubby ring in 18k rose gold with moonstone and repurposed ebony, $16,800; Emily P. WheelerGala chandelier earrings in 18k white gold with 13 cts. t.w. moonstone and 10.5 cts. t.w. diamonds, $38,000; Mindi MondPendant in 18k yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver with moonstone and 0.03 ct. diamond, $585; Karin JacobsonTrefoil ring in 18k yellow gold with moonstone and aquamarine, $3,100; Janie Kruse GarnettEarring in 14k yellow gold with moonstone and white sapphire, $125; Aurelie GiCrownwork Pillow Top pendant in 18k yellow gold with 2.2 ct. moonstone, $3,190; Ray GriffithsCastle Roads ring in 18k yellow gold with moonstone, $8,500; Emily Weld CollinsChunky Nomad ring in 14k yellow gold with 5.8 ct. moonstone and 0.4 ct. t.w. diamonds, $5,000; Claudia MaeOcean Shades ring in 18k white gold with moonstone, sapphire, and diamonds, $5,800; Alanina
Top: Necklace in 14k yellow gold with 3 ct. rainbow moonstone and 0.2 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,800; Sig Ward
