Teardrop Moonstone Necklace

The Stone: Moonstone from the Feldspar Family

Moonstone is the gem variety of the mineral orthoclase, a potassium aluminum silicate from the feldspar group, also known as adularia. Its glow comes from ultra-thin alternating layers of orthoclase and albite inside the crystal, which scatter the light. Experts call this bluish white sheen adularescence. It glides across the surface as the stone moves in the light and, depending on the angle, looks strong one moment and very delicate the next. With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, moonstone is moderately hard and has perfect cleavage in two directions. The teardrop on this moonstone necklace shows a milky white, translucent body with a cool blue sheen.

Material and Craftsmanship of the Teardrop Moonstone Necklace

You can choose between 925 sterling silver and the warm tone of 14K gold-filled. 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 polished into a soft teardrop shape and drilled crosswise, so it sits directly on the fine box chain without a setting and stays centered as you wear it. Because moonstone shows its light from within, the drop has no facets, so the sheen can move freely across its curved surface. I select each stone individually and string it by hand. The teardrop measures about 13 to 14 mm (about 0.5 in), and you choose the chain length, with a spring ring clasp, when you order: 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in).

Meaning of the Stone

The Romans believed moonstone was solidified moonlight, and it owes its name to the soft glow that recalls the moon. By tradition, it stands for intuition and calm, and in Indian tradition it is considered a stone of good fortune. As the birthstone for June, the Teardrop Moonstone Necklace makes a very personal gift, and for yourself it is a piece that matches your month. Cut with six faces, you'll find the same stone in the Cylinder 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. Because it has perfect cleavage, it doesn't like hard knocks. Store the necklace dry and apart from harder pieces of jewelry, and its blue sheen and luster will stay beautiful for a long time.

The Romans believed moonstone was solidified moonlight. By tradition, it stands for intuition and calm, 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 13 to 14 mm (about 0.5 in)
- Pendant and chain are water-resistant
- June birthstone