A 6.95 carat Ceylon moonstone — 7.64 ratti — at Rs. 3,750. That works out at about Rs. 540 per carat, and across the twenty stones in this collection — where rates run from roughly Rs. 481 to Rs. 776 per carat — only one stone is keener. For anyone buying material to work with rather than a finished piece, that matters more than it does to a retail buyer.

Buying stones to make jewellery with

If you are setting stones yourself or commissioning in small runs, the per-carat rate is the number that decides whether a design is viable. At Rs. 540 per carat this sits near the bottom of our range while still being a genuine seven-carat cabochon, which makes it a sensible candidate for a prototype or a one-off commission where you do not want to risk an expensive stone on a first attempt.

What a setter should know about moonstone

It is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, softer than quartz, and it has good cleavage — it will part along an internal plane rather than chip if it is stressed wrongly. Set it cold wherever possible. Keep the burnisher away from the girdle, cut the seat to the dome's actual curve rather than forcing it, and favour a bezel over claws. Never steam it, never put it in the ultrasonic with the rest of the day's work, and do not leave it near a torch.

The sheen

The blue glow is adularescence: light scattering between feldspar layers thinner than a wavelength of light. It is angle-dependent, so orient the stone in the setting deliberately — turn the cabochon until the sheen runs across the finger rather than along it, and mark the position before you set it. This is the step most often skipped, and it is the difference between a stone that glows in wear and one that looks grey.

Origin and care

Recorded as a Ceylon stone. Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Treatment has not been tested on this piece, which we record plainly rather than describing it as untreated. Dimensions and clarity are not recorded yet — ask us and we will measure it for you.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural moonstone with a weight of 6.95 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 540 for each carat. Origin: Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000419 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.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

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.