:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/moonstone-engagement-rings_Saks_temple_st_clair_V2-24fc3e1d94cc435daae107eba28bb7f7-1-1fb32cde91c940e19a969ed274a4b220.jpeg)
Brides / Bailey Mariner
Gemstone engagement rings are becoming more and more popular. If you’re thinking about one, it's time to consider a shimmering moonstone. Moonstone is hardly a modern fixation, however. Romans believed the stone was formed from moonbeams and associated moonstone with lunar deities as did the Greeks. Hindu mythology thought moonstone was made from the moon’s ethereal light, while in India, moonstone is considered a sacred and magical “dream stone” that can bring beautiful dreams at night. Basically, moonstone equates to good juju—what better vibe than that to associate with your engagement ring?
What Is Moonstone?
Moonstone is a gemstone composed of feldspar minerals that has an iridescent sheen. Known for having calming and balancing energies, moonstone has been used to treat insomnia, ward off nightmares, and promote vivid dreams.
Since moonstone engagement rings aren't as common as other engagement ring styles, it's important to do your background work on this stone to see if it's right for you. To help with that, we spoke to Anna Bario and Page Neal, jewelers makers and the creators of Bario Neal.
Read on to get the inside scoop on moonstone engagement rings.
Pros and Cons of Moonstone Engagement Rings
Moonstone engagement rings are perfect for the bride looking for a nontraditional, one-of-a-kind look. One of the best parts about this style is that it's perfectly suited to every aesthetic and budget. You'll find moonstone engagement rings that are statement-making with diamond accents and unique detailing, but you will also find many that are simple and delicate looking.
Another plus is that you'll find many eco-friendly engagement ring options with this particular stone. Several jewelers that carry moonstone engagement rings source the gemstone ethically, and many also place an emphasis on using environmentally conscious materials in their pieces.
One drawback to a moonstone engagement ring is that it isn't the most durable stone, meaning it's more prone to scratches and potential damage than a stronger stone like a diamond. "Moonstone is not necessarily known for its durability—on the Mohs scale, it ranks 6-6.5 on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the hardest), which means a knife or a penny can scratch it," says Bario. Still, as long as you treat your moonstone engagement ring with extra care to prevent scratching and chipping, it will remain stunning for years to come.
What to Look for in a Moonstone Engagement Ring
- What metals and settings look best with moonstone? "Fourteen-karat rose gold looks pretty magical, but these beauties really glow in any metal and setting," states Neal. Moonstone is gorgeous in multi-stone rings or as clusters. A diamond halo, trillion side stones, or set onto a pavé band makes for an increasingly glamorous effect.
- Are there variations of color in moonstones? The gem comes in a range of colors—yellow, gray, green, blue, peach, and pink—determined by the thickness of the stone. The thinner the moonstone, the more light that is scattered to create its alluring iridescence, making it more valuable. Transparent blue moonstone is the rarest and most esteemed while a thicker moonstone appears almost white but is much more affordable.
- How much do moonstone engagement rings usually cost? "Traditionally, the cost of moonstone depends upon certain factors—the more transparent and colorless the body and the more blue the adularescence (or light which appears to float below its surface), the higher the moonstone value," explains Neal.
- Where should I shop for this type of ring? Moonstone engagement rings are not a mainstream option, so searching for this ring at a traditional jeweler may pose a challenge. Custom jewelers, such as Bario Neal, are more likely to work with a variety of different stones. Other fine jewelers that are known for their unique pieces, like Luna Skye and Catbird, are also great places to start your search.
How to Care for a Moonstone Engagement Ring
"It is best to have your jewelry professionally cleaned by Bario Neal or another jeweler," according to Bario. While going to a proper jewelry cleaner is the best option, sometimes that may not be feasible. For those times you can't make it over to a professional, you can easily clean your moonstone engagement ring at home. "For a simple cleaning at home, we recommend mixing dish soap in warm water, soaking your ring or other jewelry for five minutes, and using a soft-bristled baby toothbrush to gently clean behind stones or settings," adds Bario. "Air-dry and then finish with a polishing cloth. We do not recommend chemical jewelry cleaners."
Where you store your moonstone engagement ring is also important to keep in mind. Since this is a softer stone, make sure you keep the ring away from any other jewelry pieces that can cause your ring to scratch or chip. The easiest solution is to keep your ring in its original box after taking it off.
Check out 25 of our favorite moonstone engagement rings in a range of cuts and settings. At the very least, we recommend treating yourself to one for the good vibes.
Bario Neal Green Tourmaline Cluster Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CUST_Green_Tourmaline_Cluster_Ring_Thompson_14R_1-2-e015d0cdd297423e95ded1c988e0d89b.jpg)
COURTESY OF BARIO NEAL
Cluster rings are a great way to subtly incorporate moonstone into your engagement ring. This custom piece from Bario Neal features one moonstone cabochon clustered together with green tourmaline, a champagne diamond, a blue-green sapphire, and more.
Melanie Auld Teardrop Stacking Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__04__09__5acb82f544f4b371784577c8_Teardrop20Stacking20Ring2C2024952C20Melanie20Auld20available20at20Revolve-5057820d6c9f43cebf62d64bd24747ba.jpg)
Courtesy of Revolve
This unconventional teardrop ring in 14k gold vermeil holds a pink-tinted moonstone. It is complete with a micro pavé cubic zirconia band.
Price at time of publish: $95
Astley Clarke "Mini Stilla" Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Astley-Clarke-Mini-Stilla-Moonstone-Ring-in-Yellow-Gold-Vermeil-Yellow-Gold-Vermeil-45000YWTR-344a81c59ad344c48df2ec2595b93583.jpeg)
COURTESY OF ASTLEY CLARKE
For a subtle style, look no further than this gold-plated sterling silver ring from Astley Clarke. It features a mini white moonstone in a bezel setting.
Price at time of publish: $105
Monica Vinader Siren Stacking Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MonicaVinaderSirenStackingRing-0b7c5bbbaebd47378b727b2a21b15bd1.jpeg)
Monica Vinader
This dainty ring from Monica Vinader features natural moonstone in a bezel setting. The band is made from recycled gold-plated vermeil.
Price at time of publish: $115
AnaKrolljewelry Gray Moonstone Stack Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/il_1588xN.1588356548_856j-fbe12651fb75472aae30b131dd763849.jpg)
Courtesy of Ana Krolli Jewelry
Moonstone doesn't just have to be a lighter stone. This moonstone is a mystifying gray color. It is complemented by a set of 14k rose gold stackable bands.
Price at time of publish: $444
Grace Lee Crown Bezel Moonstone Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/G1166M_CrownBezelMoonstoneRing_YGcopy_2048x2048-0de19734f2904df7954a202a8fb8f39e.jpeg)
COURTESY OF GRACE LEE
This rose-cut moonstone looks like something only seen in fairy tales. The made-to-order ring comes in either yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold. Each metal brings out different hues in this unique stone.
Price at time of publish: $385
WWAKE Nestled Moonstone and Diamond Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wwake-nestled-moonstone-and-diamond-ring-4a0033101d224f3aad1f2785be2df1a8.jpg)
wwake
This iridescent moonstone is held in an unconventional arc-shaped band and is flanked by two petite diamonds.
Price at time of publish: $968
Luna Skye Solitaire Moonstone Eternity Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__04__09__5acb82f044f4b371784577b8_14kt20Gold20and20Diamond20Solitaire20Moonstone20Eternity20Ring2C202422C1002C20Luna20Skye-86bf110d1a2045a69d5d74594835ffde.jpg)
Courtesy of Luna Skye
This solitaire moonstone is set in a 14k rose gold diamond eternity band. The all-natural moonstone used in this piece means that each ring will differ slightly in stone color, making for a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Price at time of publish: $2,500
Temple St. Clair Classic Oval Royal Blue Moonstone Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/moonstone-engagement-rings_Saks_temple_st_clair_V2-24fc3e1d94cc435daae107eba28bb7f7-1-1fb32cde91c940e19a969ed274a4b220.jpeg)
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
This classic oval ring is a vision of elegance. The moonstone is set in a diamond trio frame, crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Price at time of publish: $3,700
Luna Skye Gold and Diamond Moonstone Hex Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Single_Band_MoonStone_Hex-Ring_RG-e24390dd9c344a8daf7be40ba4e20e53.jpeg)
COURTESY OF LUNA SKYE
This hexagon-cut moonstone ring sparkles in a diamond halo setting and 14k gold pavé band.
Price at time of publish: $1,325
Charlie and Marcelle Moonstone Sapphire Muse Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2021-10-15at4.02.40PM-a7843b5e227d40bda3b46bbd8a35f771.jpg)
COURTESY OF LOVE AUDREY ROSE
It's impossible not to be enchanted by this rainbow moonstone ring from Charlie and Marcelle. The moonstone is flanked by two trillion-cut white sapphires on a 14k gold band.
Price at time of publish: $825
Moon Magic Raw Crystal Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PIC-WR-350_1_1fb2a99b-f093-45fe-a192-55c34ff9851d_1290x-205748d6ded34537a439e2cd4ef99a5a.jpeg)
COURTESY OF MOON MAGIC
This rainbow moonstone crystal ring sits on a sterling silver band. The raw cut of the moonstone gives this ring a natural and earthy aesthetic.
Price at time of publish: $70
Sirciam Shimmering Moonstone Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Moonstone-diamond-ring__60340.1491944926.1280.1280_1024x1024-8fbac50316db466db604f8614a72c99c.jpg)
COURTESY OF LOVE AUDREY ROSE
An inverted moonstone is held in the center of this hammered rose gold band. The center moonstone is sprinkled with diamonds along the bezel, and all stones are ethically sourced.
Price at time of publish: $1,195
Anna Sheffield Bea Three-Stone Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bea-three-stone-11x7-rg-gms_1800x-7e3f51aa1c804484a581741ac44181eb.jpeg)
COURTESY OF ANNA SHEFFIELD
This moody dark gray moonstone is offset by the blush hue of this ring's 14k recycled rose gold band. Two white diamond trillion side stones flank the center moonstone.
Price at time of publish: $5,500
Angara Moonstone Twist Rope Split-Shank Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SR1833MS-YG-AAA-8-526617e8788649d886814dd00d5d77ee.jpeg)
COURTESY OF ANGARA
This rounded moonstone is held in a four-prong setting with twisted rope detailing. The ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Price at time of publish: $779
Azura Clarity Moonstone Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WhatsAppImage2021-06-25at1.34.35PM1-96e42c79e2f7443e87e31efa1b7bfa05.jpg)
COURTESY OF AZURA JEWELRY
This rainbow moonstone is accented with white topaz and held on a band of either yellow gold vermeil or 10k solid yellow gold.
Price at time of publish: $105
Meet the Expert
Anna Bario and Page Neal launched Bario Neal, a woman-owned, sustainable jewelry line, in 2008. It has become an industry leader in ethical sourcing and progressive manufacturing.