How do I care for antique moonstone jewellery?

Moonstone is a softer gemstone, measuring around six on the Mohs hardness scale, so it requires gentle handling to avoid scratches. Clean pieces using warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding harsh ultrasonic cleaners and chemical dips. Store items separately in lined boxes or soft pouches to prevent harder gems like diamonds from rubbing against the moonstone surface.

How can I tell an Edwardian moonstone piece from a Victorian one?

Victorian pieces often utilise heavier yellow gold settings, intricate seed pearl clusters, and robust clasp mechanisms. The designs tend toward romantic symbolism, incorporating hearts, lovers' knots, and substantial framing. Edwardian and Arts and Crafts pieces frequently favour sterling silver, lighter platinum, or rose gold. They highlight hand-wrought metalwork, whiplash lines, and open-backed bezel settings that let light pass directly through the stone.

What is adularescence in antique moonstones?

Adularescence is the milky, bluish light that appears to billow from beneath the surface of the stone when it is rotated under a light source. It is caused by the intergrowth of different feldspar minerals scattering light rays. Top-tier antique moonstones display a bright, centered blue sheen that moves freely across the cabochon dome.

Can I wear an antique moonstone ring every day?

Wearing an antique moonstone ring daily requires mindfulness because the stone can scratch or fracture under sharp impacts. Choosing pieces with protective bezel settings helps shield the girdle of the stone from knocks. For heavy daily wear, pendants, earrings, and brooches face significantly less physical impact than rings worn on the hands.