At 32 carat this is the largest moonstone we hold, and size is the whole point of it. In the ratti measure Pakistani buyers use, it comes to 35.16 ratti — roughly five times the weight of the small ring stones most people start with. It is priced at Rs. 21,000, which works out at about Rs. 656 per carat.

What a 32 carat moonstone is actually for

A stone this heavy is not a daily ring stone. Set into a ring it will sit high and wide, catch on sleeves and take knocks that a 6–6.5 Mohs mineral does not forgive. Its natural homes are a pendant, where the weight hangs clear of everything, or a statement ring worn occasionally rather than every day. Several of our customers buy stones in this class for a chandrakant setting that is worn on particular days rather than continuously.

The sheen

Moonstone's glow is called adularescence. It is not a colour sitting in the stone but light scattering off microscopically thin layers of feldspar inside it, which is why it slides across the dome as you tilt the piece and vanishes when you hold it still at the wrong angle. On a dome this large the effect has room to travel, and the blue moves further here than it can on a four or five carat stone. This is the single best reason to buy a large moonstone rather than two small ones.

Origin and the per-carat rate

Recorded as a Ceylon stone. Ceylon has supplied the finest adularia moonstone for well over a century, and the name still carries weight in the trade. At Rs. 656 per carat this sits mid-range for our collection, where the rate runs from about Rs. 481 to Rs. 776 per carat. Large stones often command a premium per carat simply because big clean rough is rarer — this one does not, which is the quiet argument in its favour.

Care

Moonstone is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and has good cleavage, meaning a sharp knock in the wrong direction can split it rather than chip it. Keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners, from sudden heat and from household bleach. Warm water, a drop of plain soap and a soft cloth is the whole routine. Store it apart from harder stones so nothing scratches the polish.

Treatment has not been tested on this stone, and we record that plainly rather than calling it untreated. Dimensions and clarity are not recorded yet — ask us and we will measure it for you before you buy.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural moonstone with a weight of 32 Carat. Its price is Rs. 21,000 — roughly Rs. 656 for each carat. Origin: Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000413 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Above twelve carats you are into collector territory. Pieces this heavy are usually set as pendants or kept loose, and they are prized for the size of rough they came from. If you do set it, choose a bezel or a heavy claw to protect the edges.

On the Mohs scale moonstone rates 6 to 6.5. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy moonstone from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every moonstone for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Moonstone is usually untreated. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.