11.44 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful translucent 11.44 carat oval white moonstone, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company, combines generous size with classic cabochon craftsmanship, making it ideal for a variety of high end jewelry settings. The stone measures 12.64 by 8.66 by 5.97 mm, and its oval outline offers balanced proportions that sit comfortably in rings pendants or statement pieces. The cabochon cut is executed to maximize the moonstone s signature adularescence, and the surface shows an excellent polish that enhances the silky glow. Clarity is graded as very slightly included evaluated at eye level which indicates only minor internal features that do not detract from appearance under normal viewing. Color intensity is near colorless which allows the adularescent sheen to read with subtlety and elegance. There are no enhancements to this gem, and its origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a locality renowned for producing fine quality moonstone material.

From a gemological perspective, moonstone is a variety of the feldspar group and owes its attractive visual effect to microscopic lamellar intergrowths of orthoclase and albite. Light scattering at the interface of these layers generates adularescence, the soft billowy sheen often described as a floating light or moon glow. The cabochon shape is the traditional and preferred cut to reveal this phenomenon because the domed surface allows light to enter and travel through the stone in a way that enhances the layered reflection. In this 11.44 carat example the interplay between translucency and the near colorless body creates a clean backdrop for the sheen. The excellent polish further ensures that surface reflections are crisp, enabling the adularescent band to appear smooth and continuous as the gem is rotated under light.

Clarity and color considerations are especially important for informed buyers evaluating moonstone. The clarity grade very slightly included evaluated at eye level means the gem has modest inclusions that can be seen with careful unaided inspection under normal viewing conditions but are not prominent or distracting. Typical inclusions in moonstone can include tiny platelets or paper thin cleavages related to the intergrowth structure and these often do not reduce the aesthetic value because they can contribute to the depth of the sheen. Near colorless body color is prized by collectors who seek a neutral field for adularescence, because stronger body tones can mute the optical effect. The gem s translucency allows light diffusion that produces the characteristic soft sheen without opacity that would obscure internal light play. At 11.44 carats the gem has sufficient weight to command attention while remaining versatile for settings where a balance of size and wearability is required.

For the educated buyer, several points make this moonstone a compelling acquisition. The provenance of Ceylon Sri Lanka is significant because the island is historically associated with high quality moonstone material and a long tradition of careful lapidary work. The absence of any enhancement adds value for collectors who prefer natural untreated material, and the evaluation at eye level for clarity provides a realistic assessment of how the gem will appear in finished jewelry. Practical considerations include hardness and care. Moonstone rates lower on the Mohs scale than many gemstones so settings that protect edges and avoid exposure to abrasive impacts are recommended. The cabochon dome and substantial thickness of 5.97 mm reduce the risk of damage in normal wear, and the excellent polish means the surface will respond well to routine gentle cleaning. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the description of this stone and can assist with independent certification, mounting advice or tailoring the gem to a specific design brief to ensure the piece meets both aesthetic and durability expectations. Please contact The Natural Gemstone Company for additional images details or to arrange viewing.