Moonstone Oval Cabochon 40+ ct and Brown and White Diamond Ring in 18kt Rose Gold

ARTICLE: Lady's ring, 18kt rose gold, centering one large moonstone cabochon within a pavé dome of white and natural brown diamonds.

MOUNTING: Fabricated in 18kt rose gold to a high polish finish. Center stone bezel set. The surrounding dome is pavé set throughout with white and brown diamonds and finished in black rhodium, which darkens the metal between the stones and pushes the diamond work into relief. Measures 26 mm across the top by 29 mm in width. Gross weight 27.82 grams.

CENTER STONE: One oval cabochon moonstone of peach and cream body color, weighing in excess of 40 carats. Adularescence strong and mobile, rolling cleanly across the dome as the stone is turned.

ACCENT STONES: Round brilliant cut natural diamonds, white together with natural brown, pavé set, total weight approximately 3.00 carats, graded approximately VS1 in clarity.

METAL CONTENT: At 18kt fineness the piece carries approximately 20.9 grams of pure gold, or approximately 0.67 troy ounces.

CONDITION: Examined under magnification. All stones present and secure at the time of examination. Pavé intact with no lifted or missing beads. Bezel tight to the moonstone with no separation. Mounting sound.

REMARKS: Adularescence is the whole argument for moonstone, and it is a genuine optical phenomenon rather than a surface effect. Moonstone is orthoclase feldspar that separated into microscopically thin alternating layers as it cooled, and light entering the stone scatters between those layers and returns as a soft glow that appears to float beneath the surface and move as the stone moves. It cannot be imitated convincingly and it is the reason a fine moonstone holds attention the way a faceted stone does not. At over forty carats this is a very large example with the glow running strong and even across the full dome. The choice to surround a pale, cool, translucent stone with warm rose gold and brown diamonds under black rhodium is a deliberate one: the dark warm frame makes the moonstone read as lit from within rather than merely pale.

CARE: Moonstone is a soft stone with distinct cleavage and requires more care than most. It should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine or with steam, should be protected from knocks and from abrupt temperature change, and is best removed for manual work. Black rhodium is a surface finish that wears with use and can be renewed by a competent jeweler. Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.

Weights and grades stated are approximate and determined while the stones are mounted, in accordance with standard practice for jewelry examined in the setting.