11.37 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This piece from The Natural Gemstone Company is an 11.37 carat peach moonstone, presented in an oval outline with exact dimensions of 19.83 by 14.97 by 5.91 millimeters. The cutting style is a classic cabochon, chosen to optimize the moonstone specific optical effect commonly referred to as adularescence. The cabochon exhibits a well controlled dome geometry, with a proportional height that preserves internal light scattering while maintaining a balanced profile for practical jewelry settings. The overall length to width ratio of approximately 1.32 yields an elegant elongated oval silhouette, suitable for both solitaire and clustered designs. The specimen is translucent, allowing a soft diffusion of light through the body of the stone, and the finish is an excellent polish, producing a uniform surface sheen and sharp reflective highlights across the dome.

Color characteristics are described as medium intense peach, with warm pink beige undertones that are typical of high quality Ceylon origin material. The hue sits within a narrow peach band, without aggressive saturation, which allows the adularescent sheen to remain visible across the face of the cabochon. The medium intensity color grade ensures versatility in setting choices, responding very favorably to both warm yellow metal and more neutral white metal presentations. No color enhancements have been applied to this stone, so the tone and saturation are natural to the piece. The provenance of Ceylon Sri Lanka is significant for collectors, as the region is well known for producing moonstone material with both subtle color and strong internal sheen, and this example aligns with that reputation.

Clarity is graded as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, indicating that inclusions are minimal and do not materially interfere with light transmission or surface appearance. Under loupe or microscope inspection one can expect very small platelets or needle like inclusions that contribute to the scattering interfaces responsible for the adularescence, while remaining unobtrusive to the naked eye. The cabochon cutter has oriented the stone to maximize the plane of lamellar separation that produces the sheen, a deliberate choice in craftsmanship that balances inclusion orientation with overall translucency. The excellent polish further minimizes surface irregularities and ensures that light is transmitted and reflected cleanly, enhancing both the body color and the soft floating sheen that collectors seek in quality moonstone.

From a practical gemological perspective this peach moonstone is well suited for a variety of mounting strategies, with considerations driven by hardness and cleavage properties. Moonstone falls in the 6 to 6.5 range on the Mohs scale, and belongs to the feldspar group where perfect cleavage may exist in certain directions, so protective settings such as closed bezel mounts or low profile prong work are recommended for rings intended for everyday wear. For pendants or earrings, an open back bezel can be used to allow light to pass through and deepen the perceived color, while a solid bezel will protect the girdle and edges. The stone responds particularly well when paired with warm metals, which pick up its peach tones, though a white metal setting will provide a contemporary contrast that emphasizes translucency. Care instructions are straightforward, avoid ultrasonic cleaning due to potential internal stress, use mild soapy water and a soft brush for routine maintenance, and store separately to prevent abrasion. This untreated, well cut, and carefully finished 11.37 carat Ceylon peach moonstone represents a technically refined example of the material, offered with provenance and craftsmanship details by The Natural Gemstone Company.