17.64 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

Born in the ancient soils of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, this moonstone begins its life deep within metamorphic rock where heat and pressure coax feldspar into layers that will one day catch the light. In that subterranean dark the subtle grey tones are set, a quiet palette formed by trace elements and the stone's internal structure. Miners working in traditional gem fields, often by hand and with generations of local knowledge, lift the rough from crevices and riverbeds. Each rough piece tells a story of place, of monsoon seasons and the slow geological patient folding that makes Sri Lankan moonstone unique. Here at The Natural Gemstone Company we respect that origin, and we trace this piece back to its Ceylon provenance, honoring the land and the skilled hands that first uncovered it.

This offering is one beautiful translucent 17.64 carat oval shape grey moonstone, with dimensions of 20.18 x 15.01 x 8.68 mm. The cutter shaped it as a cabochon to reveal its soft internal glow and to preserve the gem's integrity. At eye level this gem is graded very slightly included, a clarity description that means it is clean and serene to the naked eye, with only the most minor characteristics visible under close inspection. The color intensity is light, a delicate grey that reads almost like a whisper of silver against skin. There has been no enhancement applied to this stone, it is natural and untreated, and the polish has been given an excellent finish so that the surface is smooth and reflective. When you examine this moonstone you will notice a translucent body that allows a gentle float of light across the dome, a quality cherished by collectors and artisans alike.

The transformation from rough to that perfect cabochon is an act of both science and intuition, and in our workshops the work was done with deliberate care. Cutters oriented the stone to align the layered feldspar, maximizing adularescence so the play of light travels across the oval face when the gem is moved under light. The cabochon shape was chosen for its ability to showcase this effect and to offer a soothing tactile form that sits comfortably in any setting. Polishing was approached with patience, using progressively finer abrasives until the surface achieved that excellent polish which allows light to glide and highlights the stone's translucence. Each facet of the process, from sawing and preforming to smoothing and final inspection, was undertaken by craftsmen who understand how to bring out a moonstone's quiet brilliance without overworking the material. The result is a piece that keeps the character of its Ceylon origins while presenting as a refined gem ready to be set.

Owning this moonstone is to carry a small piece of Ceylonese geology and craftsmanship, a link to ancient landscapes and modern hands. Moonstone has been woven through cultural stories across Asia and Europe, associated with lunar cycles and quiet reflection, and this grey tone offers a versatile elegance that complements both contemporary and more traditional jewelry designs. It sits beautifully as the centerpiece of a pendant, as a softly luminous cabochon in a ring, or as part of a custom design where its 17.64 carat weight and generous dimensions can command presence without shouting. At The Natural Gemstone Company we encourage careful setting choices that protect the dome and showcase the adularescent shimmer, and we can advise on metals and settings that will cradle the stone while allowing its light to breathe. For care, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap is best, avoiding harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes, and when you wear this moonstone you carry a narrative that began in Ceylon and ended in a jewel of subtle, enduring beauty.