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Why does moonstone seem to carry a moving glow beneath its surface?
Matthew and Fenia explore the feldspar gemstone known for adularescence, the soft white or blue sheen that shifts as a stone is turned. From smooth cabochons to carved Victorian faces, they discuss how jewellers work with that effect and why moonstone suited the designs of the Art Nouveau period.
Fenia shares the story of her first moonstone ring, bought in Crete, and introduces a very different love token: a Lalique bat ring given by Liane de Pougy to the writer Natalie Clifford Barney. The conversation also takes in moonstone's romantic folklore and Matthew's advice on assessing its sheen and condition.
Key Takeaways
• Adularescence is the moving glow that gives moonstone much of its appeal.
• Cut and orientation affect how well that sheen appears.
• Carved moonstones give jewellers another way to use the stone's visual character.
• Design, history and personal meaning can contribute to a piece's appeal alongside gemstone quality.
• Turn a moonstone under the light and inspect its condition before choosing a piece.
Resources
Moonstone description, GIA: https://www.gia.edu/moonstone-description
Moonstone quality factors, GIA: https://www.gia.edu/moonstone-quality-factor
Moonstone care and cleaning, GIA: https://www.gia.edu/moonstone-care-cleaning
Lalique's bat ring, Musée des Arts Décoratifs: https://collections.madparis.fr/document/bague/627a8be93edd95462247e72f?pos=4
Courtville Antiques: https://www.courtville.ie
Gem Pursuit: https://gempursuit.com
Hosted by Matthew Weldon and Fenia Sigkoudi.
Research: Veronique Goguen.
Videography: Colin Weldon.
Producer: Ross Hannon, Tape Deck.
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This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck
