Moonstone Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

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?

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 14 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.