NOT SINCE THE 1920S, when top
jewelry houses like Tiff any and Lalique
created notable pieces around moon-
stone, has the gem been as popular as
it is today. Admired for its warmth and
inner glow, moonstone has captivated
a new generation of artists to design
red-carpet-worthy jewels that express
understated elegance.
Hollywood divas are fl ashing
moonstones set in 18K gold and plati-
num with diamonds at red carpet
events. Celebrity gem-savvy design-
ers like Lorraine Schwartz and Erica
Courtney use moonstones in many
high-end designs.
Stylists are keen on moonstone, says
Courtney, because it complements an
array of diff erent colors, allowing fi ckle
celebrities to change their minds about
what they’re wearing up until the
last minute without worrying if their
accessories still match. “Moonstone
has an ethereal feeling; it’s mystical,
glamorous, and goes with everything,”
the L.A. artist describes, adding that
because the gem is typically cabochon
cut it’s easy to wear.
MOVING COLOR
Moonstone takes on many colors. Its
base colors appear diff erent de-
pending on its light source and can
sometimes create a rainbow eff ect. Its
chameleon-like properties make it an
ideal complement to an array of gems
from beryls and tourmalines to opals
and pearls.
What gives moonstone its radiance
and adaptability is the gem’s occur-
rence of schiller — distinctive phan-
toms of fl ash caused by tiny albite
inclusions that refl ect and scatter light
mimicking the moon’s glow, hence
its name. The bigger the stone is, the
more you can see its natural adulares-
cence. But Courtney points out that
fi ne moonstones in larger sizes are
more diffi cult to come by.
“Moonstone has an ethereal feeling;
it’s mystical, glamorous, and goes
with everything.”
Erica Courtney
Moonstone Jewelry
Mandala Pendant and Double Drop Earrings
Blue moonstones, Paraiba tourmaline, diamonds, 18K yellow gold
PHOTO: ROBERT WELDON, © GIASEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 33