11.68 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

From the hill slopes of Ceylon, where ancient metamorphic rocks have been folded and reworked over millions of years, comes a single gem that reads like a quiet chapter of the earths story. Miners guided by knowledge handed down through generations found the feldspar pockets that would yield this moonstone, and each hand that handled the rough knew that patience and respect would coax the stone into its best expression. The rhythm of the monsoon softened the rock, the seasons brought the light that revealed the delicate internal structures responsible for the stones gentle play, and skilled cutters in Sri Lanka listened to the material as much as they shaped it. From these origins, a translucent oval emerged, a stone that carries the hush of the mine, the skill of traditional cutters, and the cultural resonance of Ceylon, a place long celebrated for producing gemstones that are subtle, refined, and evocative. When you hold this moonstone, you hold a travelogue that began deep beneath the surface and ended in the hands of artisans who honored the stones natural character.

This particular gem, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, is an 11.68 carat oval moonstone, with dimensions of 16.42 by 11.55 by 5.91 millimeters, fashioned as a cabochon to showcase its soft internal glow. Its translucency allows light to pass and play within, giving a gentle luminous effect that reads as a cool, serene presence rather than a flash of color. The clarity is graded as very slightly included when viewed at eye level, meaning that small internal features lend character without distracting from the overall purity of the surface and body. The color intensity is very light, a restrained grey that can read as a whisper of silver or a faint mist of green depending on the surrounding light, and the polish is excellent, resulting in a smooth, reflective dome that invites touch and lingering inspection. There has been no enhancement to this stone, it is wholly natural as extracted and as shaped, and its origin in Ceylon is a meaningful part of its identity, linking it to long traditions of gem trade and craftsmanship in Sri Lanka.

For the collector or the jeweller who seeks a piece with subtlety and story, this moonstone offers versatility and presence. Set into a pendant, the stone will reveal its inner sheen with every turn, catching light in a way that is both calming and intriguing. Nestled into a ring with a warm metal like yellow gold it can read as a quiet heirloom, while framed in white gold or platinum it will sing its cool tones against clean, modern lines. Because the stone is a cabochon, settings that protect the girdle and back are advised, and because the surface polish is excellent, regular gentle cleaning with warm water and mild soap will keep it luminous for years. Avoid hard blows and prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, and when not in use store the stone separately to prevent scratches from harder gems. At The Natural Gemstone Company we can assist with custom setting ideas, provide photographs and measurements for design approval, and offer guidance on mounting and care to ensure that this moonstone moves from a moment of discovery to a lifetime of enjoyment. This is a gem that carries the whisper of Ceylon, the quiet skill of its cutters, and the potential to become a cherished piece in your collection.