A 7.8 carat orange moonstone from Africa — 8.57 ratti — at Rs. 3,750. That is about Rs. 481 per carat, and it is the keenest rate in our entire moonstone collection, where the range runs from Rs. 481 to Rs. 776 per carat.

The best value here, and why we say so

We publish the per-carat rate on every moonstone listing precisely so that claims like this can be checked rather than taken on trust. Work through the twenty stones on these pages and this one comes out lowest. Nothing is wrong with it to explain the figure — it is a translucent, nearly eight carat stone with a warm orange body and a natural shimmer, in the size band that suits an everyday ring. Prices are set stone by stone from what the piece cost us, and this one came in well.

Orange moonstone

The warm body comes from fine iron-bearing inclusions caught in the feldspar as it grew. Orange material is less sought after than the pale sheen stones, which is part of why the rate here is what it is — but it is the better choice against yellow gold and warm-toned settings, where a cool grey stone can look washed out. The shimmer sits over the colour rather than replacing it.

What eight carat gives you

Adularescence needs surface area. Below about five carat the glow is a quick flicker as the stone passes the right angle; at eight carat the dome is wide enough for it to wash across properly, which is the single biggest practical difference between a small moonstone and a mid-sized one. At the same time it stays low enough to wear daily without catching, unlike the fifteen and thirty carat pieces in this collection.

Origin

Recorded as an African stone. African deposits have supplied a growing share of the world's moonstone over the past few decades, across a wide span of body tones and transparencies. The material is often better value than equivalent stones carrying a more famous source name, which is part of what you are seeing in the rate here.

Care

Moonstone is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale — softer than quartz — and it has good cleavage, meaning it can part along an internal plane under a sharp knock. Clean it with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Never an ultrasonic cleaner, never steam, never bleach or ammonia. Store it apart from harder stones, and bezel it rather than clawing it if it is going into a ring.

Treatment has not been tested on this piece, which we record rather than describing it as untreated. Dimensions and clarity are not recorded yet — ask us and we will measure before you buy.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural moonstone with a weight of 7.8 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,750 — roughly Rs. 481 for each carat. Origin: Africa. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000426 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.