35.16 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

There is a certain quiet majesty that accompanies a fine moonstone, a jewel whose very name evokes the soft glow of the night sky, and this exceptional piece from The Natural Gemstone Company embodies that timeless allure. This is a translucent grey moonstone weighing 35.16 carats, cut into an elegant oval measuring 27.88 by 20.14 by 8.72 millimeters, finished as a classic cabochon to best display its inner light. Its clarity is graded as very very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, and it carries a light color intensity along with an excellent polish that enhances its surface luster. Sourced from the storied gem fields of Ceylon, Sri Lanka, and offered with no enhancement, this moonstone arrives to the collector or designer as a naturally finished testament to the long tradition of fine gemstones. For those who care about provenance and natural beauty, this stone represents the confluence of geological history and human craft, and it stands ready to become the centrepiece of a lasting heirloom.

Moonstones have been treasured across continents and centuries, revered by ancient civilizations for their lunar associations and held as tokens of protection and enlightenment. In Hellenistic lore they were thought to be formed from moonbeams, and in many Asian cultures moonstones have been used in talismans and garments that mark rites of passage. The cabochon cut of this grey moonstone is faithful to those long established traditions, fashioned to reveal a subtle, floating sheen that can appear to move beneath the surface as the light shifts. Though not every moonstone presents the same play of light, the gentle adularescence in a well cut stone like this one offers a contemplative, changing beauty, an optical whisper that rewards both close inspection and casual admiration. The careful polish, free of heavy abrasions, allows reflections to glide across the dome of the stone, highlighting its translucent depth and giving it the refined, understated presence that complements classical jewellery designs.

From a design and practical perspective this sizable 35.16 carat oval is a rare find, a substantial canvas for a jeweller to create something enduring. Its cabochon profile suits an elegant solitaire pendant where the stone can hang with quiet authority, or a statement ring where traditional settings of yellow gold, rose gold, or hand finished silver will frame the grey tones and enhance the moonstone to its fullest advantage. The light color intensity and very very slight inclusions make this stone particularly versatile, able to harmonize with vintage inspired mounts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, or to anchor pared back contemporary pieces that seek to emphasize the natural gem over ornament. For collectors and designers who value longevity in both style and material, this moonstone offers an opportunity to create an heirloom that will be admired by future generations. At a Mohs hardness near 6.5, moonstone is more delicate than sapphire or diamond, and this characteristic further encourages settings that protect the stone without hiding its face, making bezel treatments or low profile prongs particularly suitable for daily wear that lasts.

Caring for a moonstone, especially one of this size and pedigree, is simple and prudent, and those practices will preserve its soft glow for decades. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding ultrasonic or steam cleaners which can stress the stone, and keep it away from hard knocks and abrasive chemicals that could mar its polish. When presenting this moonstone to a client who appreciates history and natural beauty, I emphasize that its unenhanced origin from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, and its excellent polish make it an ideal candidate for a bespoke commission, a restorative setting, or the centre of a curated collection. The Natural Gemstone Company stands ready to assist with detailed photographs, matching design proposals, and guidance on setting styles that honor the stone s heritage and aesthetic. For anyone drawn to pieces that speak of lineage, quiet luxury, and the soft radiance of the moon, this grey cabochon moonstone is an invitation to carry forward a tradition of elegance that never truly fades.