The Subtle Distinctions: How to Tell a High-Quality Moonstone from a Common One (And Avoid Getting Mooned!)

That ethereal, mystical glow that seems to capture moonlight within a stone — it’s no wonder moonstone jewelry has captivated hearts for centuries. But here’s the cosmic truth: not all moonstones are created equal. Some possess that magical, floating blue adularescence that makes you gasp, while others look more like a cloudy day than a moonlit night. If you’re ready to become a moonstone connoisseur (and avoid paying premium prices for common stones that have all the charm of a foggy bathroom mirror), you’ve landed in the right place. Consider this your celestial roadmap to distinguishing the extraordinary from the ordinary.

At Robinson’s Jewelers, we believe every jewelry lover should feel confident when selecting their next treasure. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic allure of moonstone in engagement rings or the delicate beauty of moonstone pendants, understanding these subtle distinctions will transform how you shop for this enchanting gem.

The Magic Behind the Glow: Understanding Adularescence

Let’s start with the star of the show: adularescence. No, it’s not a fancy word for “expensive” — it’s that floating, billowy light that appears to glide across the stone’s surface when you tilt it. Think of it as the gemological version of the Northern Lights trapped in a rock. This phenomenon occurs due to the stone’s internal structure, where alternating layers of feldspar minerals scatter light, creating that magical glow.

High-quality moonstones display a strong, blue-whitish adularescence that seems to float just beneath the surface. Common moonstones? They might have a weak, scattered effect or worse — no glow at all. It’s like the difference between a full moon on a clear night and trying to find the moon through thick city smog.

Color Me Captivated: The Spectrum of Moonstone Hues

While we often picture moonstones as milky white, they actually come in a surprising array of colors — from peach and gray to rainbow and even black. But here’s the insider secret: the body color matters less than the quality of the adularescence. A nearly transparent stone with vibrant blue adularescence will always be more valuable than a deeply colored stone with weak glow.

The most prized moonstones are those with a colorless or semi-transparent body and that signature blue sheen. At Robinson’s, our collection from designers like Oscar Heyman often features these premium specimens, perfectly set to showcase their otherworldly beauty.

Clarity: When Clear Becomes Cloudy

Unlike diamonds where flawless clarity reigns supreme, moonstones play by different rules. Some internal characteristics (inclusions) are expected and can even enhance the stone’s character. However, the key is transparency versus cloudiness.

High-quality moonstones maintain a certain transparency that allows light to penetrate and create that beautiful glow. Common moonstones often appear overly cloudy or milky, which actually diminishes the adularescence. It’s the difference between looking through clean glass versus frosted glass — one lets the magic through, the other obscures it.

The Cut That Makes the Stone

Here’s where many common moonstones fail the test. Moonstones are typically cut en cabochon (that smooth, domed shape without facets) to best display their adularescence. But not all cabochons are created equal!

A well-cut moonstone has a symmetrical dome with the perfect height — too flat and the glow disappears, too tall and it looks awkward in settings. The best cuts position the adularescence right in the center of the dome, creating that perfect floating effect. When you browse our moonstone rings, notice how the finest pieces from brands like Sofer Jewelry feature stones cut to maximize this effect.

Size Matters (But Not How You Think)

In the moonstone universe, larger stones are rarer and command higher prices — but only if they maintain quality across their size. A large, common moonstone might be affordable, but it often lacks the vibrant adularescence of a smaller, high-quality stone.

The sweet spot? Look for stones where the size complements the adularescence rather than overwhelms it. In our moonstone collection, you’ll find everything from delicate stud earrings with premium smaller stones to statement cocktail rings featuring larger, high-quality specimens.

The Setting Tells the Story

How a moonstone is set can reveal much about its quality. High-quality moonstones are typically set in ways that protect the stone while allowing maximum light exposure. Common moonstones might be set in closed-back settings that hide imperfections or deep coloration.

At Robinson’s, our master jewelers and trusted brands like Charles Krypell understand that the setting should enhance, not hide, the stone’s natural beauty. Whether it’s a simple bezel setting or an elaborate halo design, the focus remains on showcasing that magical glow.

Real World Examples: See the Difference

Let’s get practical. Imagine comparing two moonstone pendants side by side. The high-quality one seems to capture light within itself, glowing with a soft blue light that moves as you do. The common one looks pretty but static — more like white quartz than magical moonstone.

Or consider moonstone bracelets. A strand of high-quality moonstones will create a symphony of moving light with each gesture, while common stones will appear more uniformly milky without that dynamic play of light.

Caring for Your Celestial Treasure

Once you’ve invested in a quality moonstone, proper care ensures it maintains its magical appearance. Moonstones are relatively soft (6-6.5 on the Mohs scale), so they deserve a little TLC. Store them separately from harder gems, clean them with mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.

Think of it this way: that beautiful adularescence took millions of years to form — a little careful maintenance is the least we can do!

Your Moonstone Mission

Now that you’re armed with lunar knowledge, you can shop for moonstone jewelry with confidence. Remember that the magic lies in that floating blue glow, the stone’s transparency, and the quality of the cut. Whether you’re adding to your estate jewelry collection or selecting the perfect anniversary gift, these distinctions will guide you toward pieces that truly capture moonlight in a stone.

Ready to explore the cosmos of fine moonstone jewelry? Visit Robinson’s Jewelers to experience these celestial beauties in person. Our experts are always here to help you find that perfect piece that doesn’t just look like the moon — it captures its very soul.