Moonstone and Pearls – The perfect pairing

Moonstone and Pearls – The perfect pairing

Those born in June have two birthstones: moonstone and pearls.

Moonstone

Moonstone is a variety of the feldspar group mineral orthoclase, with a pearly and opalescent schiller. During formation, orthoclase and albite separate into alternating thin layers. When light falls between these, it is scattered or diffracted, creating a sheen. This phenomenon is called adularescence.

Moonstones were named by the Roman historian Pliny who claimed the stone changed in appearance with the phases of the moon. While this is not correct, the Ancient Romans did believe that moonstone was born from solidified rays of the moon; and the Romans and Greeks associated the stone with their lunar deities. It was used in Roman jewellery for nearly two thousand years and even longer in the East. Moonstone is considered sacred in India with a special significance for lovers, and is a traditional wedding gift. The stones are often displayed on a yellow cloth – a sacred colour – and is believed to bring good fortune.

The moonstone became extremely popular during the Art Nouveau period. Frenchman René Jules Lalique, best known as a glassmaker, studied to be a goldsmith in Paris and went on to create a large quantity of jewellery using the moonstone.

Pearls

For centuries, pearls have been used as an adornment, and were one of the favourite gem materials of the Roman Empire. Later in Tudor England, the 1500s were known as the ‘pearl age’. Pearls signified refinement and culture.

Pearls are unique in that they are the only gems from living sea creatures which require no cutting or polishing. Commercial culturing of saltwater pearls began during the early 1900s. Today, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the market.

The largest pearl in the world is believed to be eight centimetres long and five centimetres in width, weighing almost 130 grams. Shah Jahan of India gave this pearl, called the Pearl of Asia, to his favourite wife, Mumtaz, for whom he also built the Taj Mahal. Now that’s what we’d call romantic.

A match made in heaven

The soft lustre of the pearl and the lustrous sheen of moonstone bring out the best in each other. Scarab handcrafts beautiful pieces that combine pearls and moonstone. And if you should have older, more dated pieces, consider popping into the studio to discuss updating your jewellery with Janine and her team.