Moonstone and Gold Ring

This antique gold ring came to me having seen better days. The back of the bezel (where the stone is set) had been badly dented. I saw beauty and potential in the gorgeous solitaire moonstone cabochon, which is a lovely gumdrop size with the beautiful, slightly spooky color and phenomenon for which moonstone is famous.

Moonstone is one of the birthstones for the month of June. It is treasured as a gem for the “adularescence” which it displays. What is adularescence? This gemological term simply refers to the way in which moonstone scatters light (like moonlight behind a cloud!) The radiant gem was in perfect condition, but adding insult to injury, it had been glued into place rather than securely bezel set (a cardinal sin in the world of stone-setting.)

I had my talented goldsmith perform an extensive and necessary overhaul on this ring: first, safely and carefully removing the moonstone, then cleaning and rebuilding the setting where the gold had been damaged, and reinforcing the architecture of the ring so that the bezel can actually hold a gem as it’s designed to (rather than relying on glue!)

The decision to undertake the cost and time involved in this kind of restoration isn’t one I’m able to take as an antique dealer for every jewel that could use it, but I was seriously charmed by this ring, even before repairing it. Certain jewels have something clearly special about them: the elegance of their proportions, the simplicity of their design, in some cases, just a historical aura!

In these situations, I really believe it’s worth putting in more effort so that these jewels can become solid heirlooms for new owners who will treasure and care for them. This ring is now ready for a lifetime of wear, a beautiful jewel that can even be passed down to future generations.

More details:

Central moonstone cabochon in gold bezel setting measures 13.4mm tall and 10.4mm wide. Including gold frame, face of ring measures 18.0mm tall and 14.0mm wide. Setting rises 7.3mm off the finger. At back of ring, narrowest part of ring shank measures 1.6mm.

Ring size 7.25 / UK O 1/2. If needed, this ring may be sized either up or down a few sizes by your jeweler. 

Excellent condition

10k (stamped)

3.5 grams

This ring will be shipped in a luxe, custom-made velvet and grosgrain ribbon ring box. Shown in last image are a sample of the variety of colors and shapes; one will be selected for you.