Cylinder Moonstone Necklace

The Stone: Moonstone from the Feldspar Family

Moonstone belongs to the feldspar group. Mineralogically, it is an orthoclase, a potassium aluminum silicate that is also called adularia. Inside, ultra-thin layers of orthoclase and albite alternate. When light hits these lamellae, it is scattered, creating the bluish white glow that experts call adularescence. Depending on the light and the viewing angle, it looks strong or very delicate. With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, the stone is moderately hard and has perfect cleavage in two directions. The cylinder on this moonstone necklace is clear to milky translucent and shows a cool blue sheen on its faces.

Material and Craftsmanship of the Cylinder Moonstone Necklace

You can choose between 925 sterling silver and a warm 14K gold-filled chain. 14K gold-filled is a real, thick layer of gold that is firmly bonded to a base metal. Unlike simple gold plating, which is only a wafer-thin surface layer and can wear off and fade over time, 14K gold-filled keeps its warm gold tone for years with good care. The moonstone is cut into a slim cylinder with a hexagonal cross-section, pointed at both ends, and drilled crosswise. That way, it sits directly on the box chain, whose square links interlock closely, with no setting and no bail. Light breaks a little differently on each of the six faces, so the blue sheen appears on an edge one moment and across a whole side the next. I string each necklace individually by hand. The cylinder measures about 10 mm (about 0.4 in), and you choose the length, with a spring ring clasp, when you order: 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in).

Meaning of the Stone

Moonstone owes its name to its soft light, which recalls a bright moon. By tradition, it stands for calm and new beginnings, and in Indian tradition it is considered a stone of good fortune. The slim cylinder with its clean edges makes it a modern, understated companion, for a June birthday as much as for yourself. Polished into a soft drop, you'll find the same stone in the Teardrop Moonstone Necklace. The June Birthstone collection shows every June piece, and the birthstone guide explains all twelve birthstones.

Caring for Your Moonstone Necklace

The pendant and chain are water-resistant and made for everyday wear. To make your necklace last as long as possible, you should still avoid prolonged contact with salt water and chlorinated water, as well as perfume, lotions, and harsh cleaning products. After swimming in the ocean or a pool, it's best to rinse the necklace with clean water and dry it carefully.

Don't clean the moonstone in an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam bath, and protect it from high heat and sudden changes in temperature. Keep its points and edges away from hard knocks, because moonstone has perfect cleavage. Store the necklace dry and apart from harder pieces of jewelry, and its blue sheen and luster will stay beautiful for a long time.

Moonstone owes its name to its soft light, which recalls a bright moon. By tradition, it stands for calm and new beginnings, and as the birthstone for June it makes a personal gift.

100% genuine moonstone
- 925 sterling silver or 14K gold-filled
- Fine box chain with spring ring clasp, your choice of 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in)
- Stone size: about 10 mm (about 0.4 in)
- Pendant and chain are water-resistant
- June birthstone