Moonstone Engagement Ring: Meaning
Offering your loved one a ring as a symbol of love, dedication, and commitment when proposing marriage has a long history. This honored tradition dates back to the days of ancient Egypt where circles were symbolic of eternity and the promise of everlasting love. The Egyptians created their own engagement rings with braided reeds and wore them on the left ring finger as this finger possessed a vein that ran directly from the hand to the heart. Ever since, engagement rings have been an important symbol and moonstone engagement rings are one of the most popular by far.
When deciding on the perfect engagement ring for your loved one, it is important to understand the meaning behind your chosen gemstone. While diamonds are a more traditional choice for engagement rings, less traditional alternatives are sometimes more personal. Today, we’ll be exploring the meaning behind a moonstone engagement ring.
The History of Moonstone Engagement Rings
Moonstone engagement rings became incredibly popular during the New Age movements of the 1960’s and 1990’s but the history of this semi-precious stone actually goes back much further. As a gemstone commonly associated with beauty and mystique, the moonstone was particularly popular among designers of the Art Nouveau Movement. This movement is associated with the years between 1890-1910 and was known for being an era of stylistic revolution for the jewelry industry. Since this time period, moonstone has been widely used for crafting fine jewelry.
Moonstone in Roman and Greek Cultures
Even further back in history, moonstone was viewed as a gem of otherworldly nature. In both Roman and Greek cultures, moonstone was associated with the gods. Due to the prevalence of polytheism in these ancient cultures, the moon was a symbol associated with many different deities. This, naturally, made moonstone a precious and meaningful gem in regards to these religious beliefs.
In ancient Rome, moonstone was held in high regard for its representation of Diana, the goddess of the moon. Diana was frequently represented by the moonstone and Romans believed that it would bestow love, wisdom, and good fortune upon those who possessed it. In Greece, it was the goddesses Selene, Artemis, and Hectate who held associations with the moonstone.
Moonstone in Indian Culture
Moonstone was also considered a sacred stone in India. Moonstone was believed to hold certain powers that made it operate as a love stone. This caused it to become very popular as a traditional wedding gift, and was thought to be instrumental in reconciling estranged lovers. It was even a widely held belief in India and European culture alike that two people wearing moonstone on the evening of a full moon would fall passionately in love.
The gemstone’s history in India also includes the belief that since the beginning of time, a moonstone had been placed into the forehead of India’s moon god, Chandra. This is represented by the fact that the name Chandra Shekara translates to, “person who wears the moon.” The stone on Chandra’s forehead was said to grow dimmer or become more bright according to the cycles and changing of the moon (and Chandra’s power), and it is this way that the gem became known as the “moon stone.”
Moonstone in the Modern World
During the time of the Art Nouveau Movement, French master goldsmith Rene Lalique led the way creating stunning pieces of jewelry featuring the moonstone. Though now most of Lalique’s jewelry is in museums, plenty of jewelers all over the United States and Europe are working with moonstone again.
In modern times, moonstone is an incredibly popular piece of jewelry, especially in the form of moonstone engagement rings. Having undergone late 20th-century revivals as a fashion piece, it remains popular as something beautiful and unique. Moonstone has remained popular in a variety of jewelry pieces, such as moonstone engagement rings or moonstone pendants, as well as moonstone earrings.
Moonstone silver rings are commonly used by women around the world for meditation and healing practices. Due to its strong connection with the moon, the moonstone is considered to be the most feminine stone available today, making it an especially powerful gemstone to be used in the case of engagement rings.
Breaking Down the Meanings of the Moonstone
- The Most Feminine Stone
The moon, in feng shui and many other spiritual traditions, represents divine feminine energy. Women’s fertility cycles connect with the waxing and waning of the moon and the stone is known for balancing hormonal and reproductive issues as well as emotions.
It is also a stone of protection for women and children, especially pregnant women and babies. Moonstone has been used for centuries to enhance fertility, as was ancient practice in Middle Eastern culture. Even today, Middle Eastern women practice sewing moonstones into their clothing as a mark of good luck in conceiving a child. It is believed that this is especially true of oval or round-shaped moonstones as these shapes are thought to further promote fertility.
- Increased Intuition
Moonstone also holds the common meaning of the cultivation of compassion and empathy. It is believed that moonstone can assist us in tapping into our intuition and, in turn, enhances psychic abilities and clairvoyance. Some even believe that it helps to open the third eye during long meditation sessions. Moonstone is obviously a very spiritually centered gemstone in meaning and these properties make it especially fitting to those that practice meditative exercises on a frequent basis.
- Lucky Charm
Moonstones have always been considered lucky stones and held in high esteem as such, particularly in Eastern culture. It is said that moonstones have especially positive effects on romantic relationships as they bring good fortune to couples, granting them luck in strengthening a passionate romantic bond. Many believe that keeping a moonstone nearby acts as a valuable lucky charm.
Why You Should Consider a Moonstone Engagement Ring
As you can see through the explanation of the moonstone’s various meanings and uses, the moonstone is widely popular as a representation of feminine energy, compassion, and good fortune. This makes it a gemstone worth your consideration when shopping around for the perfect engagement ring. Aside from the powerful meanings that a moonstone holds, there are a number of other reasons to choose a moonstone engagement ring, however.
A Truly Unique Engagement Ring
A moonstone engagement ring will show your partner that they are special to you and that your love for them is unique. This is because moonstones come in a wide variety of different colors and shades, making it a perfect choice when it comes to a personalized touch. Whether your partner favors light colors or more mystical shades, you can easily find a moonstone to match their aesthetic. Select a moonstone that reflects their personality and incorporate it into the perfect engagement ring. This will show them that you love them and appreciate all of the things that make them who they are.
Moonstones Are a Less Expensive Alternative
Moonstones come in a variety of colors and hues, making them a unique choice for engagement rings but there’s more to them than that. This stone also offers a budget-friendly alternative to more traditional gemstones in engagement rings. While diamonds have long been the most popular choice for engagement rings, they are typically very pricey and can cause financial strain when it comes to planning a wedding. By considering a moonstone engagement ring, you will not only show your love in a personalized and unique way but also save a pretty penny.
Selecting the Perfect Moonstone Engagement Ring
Are you convinced that a moonstone engagement ring is the perfect choice for your partner? It’s time to do a little shopping! If you are unsure of where to start, it is important to begin by getting acquainted with the different types of moonstone engagement rings. Here are a few of our favorite moonstone engagement rings to offer you a little inspiration.
Flower Moonstone Engagement Rings
Your partner will feel appreciated when presented with the flower “Daisy” ring, or flower “Louise” ring with moonstone. To be certain that you select the right moonstone sterling silver ring, you can choose the flagship model - the sterling silver moonstone ring “Cleo” that features an elegant rose made out of 14 karat rose gold. The “Summer” ring has something special to surprise your nature-loving partner with as well with the inclusion of an enchanting butterfly design.
Twig Moonstone Engagement Rings
The “Sienna” sterling silver engagement ring is exquisite and possesses many intricate details in the form of leaves and intertwined twigs. Best of all, this design features high quality craftsmanship and is absolutely handmade!
Another beautiful moonstone engagement ring is the “Dew” ring. This ring is simple yet stylish, making it the best choice for those who are drawn to minimalism and nature in their jewelry. For even more choices, take a look at the “Elza” and “Ariel” - other styles that can make your beloved half in love with the ring and definitely say “yes”.
Moonstone Pentagram Jewelry
For pentagram lovers, the "Pentagram" ring complete with a moonstone is the right choice. This ring features an obvious attention to detail and features beautiful pentagram designs that complement the mystical meanings behind the moonstone. With a design that represents the feminine energy of the moonstone, this ring is the perfect choice for those with dramatic yet attractive tastes. This moonstone ring is suitable for men and women alike.