Moonstone, a captivating gemstone celebrated for its ethereal glow and association with new beginnings, holds a unique place in the world of jewelry and gemstone lore. Primarily recognized as the birthstone for June, this semi-precious gem is increasingly popular in contemporary designs, particularly in delicate bracelets and beaded jewelry. This article will explore the characteristics of moonstone, its historical and cultural significance, its physical properties, and practical advice for its care, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Moonstone’s history is interwoven with mythology and belief. The provided sources highlight its symbolism of “new beginnings,” a concept deeply rooted in its cultural associations. While a detailed historical timeline is absent from the provided materials, the gem’s modern marketing emphasizes its connection to fresh starts and positive transitions. The name itself evokes the moon’s gentle radiance, suggesting a long-held association with lunar cycles and feminine energy.
The sources do not detail ancient Roman or Greek beliefs surrounding moonstone, nor do they elaborate on its use in historical jewelry or royal collections. However, the emphasis on its symbolic meaning suggests a consistent appreciation for its perceived metaphysical properties throughout time.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not offer information regarding the geological formation of moonstone, its chemical composition, or the specific geological conditions required for its creation. Similarly, no mining locations are mentioned. The materials focus solely on the finished product – bracelets featuring moonstone – and do not delve into the gem’s origins.
Gemological Properties
The available sources provide limited gemological data. Moonstone is identified as a “semi-precious” stone, indicating it is less rare and generally less expensive than precious gems like diamonds, rubies, or sapphires. It is described as a natural stone, meaning each gem exhibits unique variations in shape, finish, and color.
Specifically, the sources mention a bead size of 2mm for moonstone used in bracelets. The bracelets are crafted from 9k solid gold, 10k solid gold, and 14k solid gold, with moonstone as a featured component. The bracelet circumference is adjustable, ranging from 15-22cm (Medium) or 18-25cm (Large).
The sources do not provide information on moonstone’s hardness, refractive index, specific gravity, or other standard gemological properties.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As previously mentioned, the primary symbolic association highlighted in the sources is “new beginnings.” This suggests moonstone is often chosen as a gift or worn by individuals embarking on a new phase of life, seeking positive change, or desiring emotional clarity. The sources do not elaborate on other potential metaphysical beliefs or healing properties associated with the stone.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of moonstone jewelry requires gentle care. The sources recommend removing bracelets before showering, swimming, or engaging in workouts to avoid exposure to water. To restore shine, the sources suggest using the polishing cloth provided with the jewelry or a mild solution of soap and warm water, followed by drying with a microfiber cloth. Proper storage is also advised, recommending the original jewelry box or an airtight bag to protect the stone from scratches and damage.
Bracelet Styles and Sizing
The provided materials focus on bracelets featuring moonstone. Astrid & Miyu offers bracelets in 9k gold with moonstone beads. A size guide is included, providing wrist measurements in both centimeters and inches for determining the appropriate bracelet size:
| Size | Wrist (cm) | Wrist (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small / Junior | 12 - 16.5 | 4.7 - 6.5 |
| Small | 16.5 - 18 | 6.5 - 7.0 |
| Medium | 18 - 19.5 | 7.0 - 7.6 |
| Large | 19.5 - 21.5 | 7.6 - 8.5 |
| Extra Large | 21.5+ | 8.5+ |
The sources also mention the possibility of adding charms to the bracelets, with instructions provided on how to securely attach them to the beads.
Purchasing and Delivery
Astrid & Miyu offers standard and express delivery options. Standard delivery is free and takes 3-5 working days, while express delivery is free on orders over €120 or costs €10 and takes 2-3 working days. Orders must be placed by 2pm Monday-Friday to qualify for same-day processing. Duties and taxes are included in all orders. A 28-day return policy is in place for unwanted items, excluding personalized products.
Conclusion
Moonstone, as presented in the available sources, is a delicate and symbolically rich gemstone. Its association with new beginnings and its gentle aesthetic make it a popular choice for contemporary jewelry, particularly bracelets. While the provided materials offer limited technical gemological information, they emphasize the importance of proper care and the enduring appeal of this captivating gem. The focus on adjustable sizing and easy charm attachment highlights the modern approach to jewelry design, catering to individual preferences and styles.