THE MOONSTONE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2793, 7 June 1890, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE MOONSTONE.

" The word ' precious ' cannot be applied to ir.oonstones," said a well-known dealer in juwellery, " becauso their market value is relatively small at all times, and is still further influenced by the decrees of fashion. For some years past wo have had but fow calls for moonstones, but about twelve mouths ago they were restored to popular favour, and will prol bably continue to be used for some time to come. The stones come from India, are easily proourod, and there is but little waste in cutting. They are almost invariably of a bluish white tint, the rays of the most perfect stones much resembling moonlight (henco the name), those of a less clear or yellowish hue being of but little value. When carved the clear transparency of the stone is of course marred, but many of them are so embellished, the man in the moon being a favouvite device, arid a baby's face surrounded with a cap of pearls or diamonds another." Tho moonstone is seldom worn

alone by fashionable peoplo, having usually an accompanying setting of diamonds or other procious stones. In response to a question the dealer added : " Tho largest moonstone I have ever eeeu was one of oblong shape about ouo aud three-fourth inches iu length, and threefourths oi an inch in width. This was made to represent a butterfly with partially •losed wiugs of brilliant coloured stone*, and was inteuded to bo worn as a pendant. These stones aro not valuod by weight as others aro, but simply by size and appearance, a perfectly round stone being more dosirable than a flatter one and more rare." As the moonstone is traditionally lucky, it is more suitable for souvenirs, parting and anniversary gifts, and from present indications will be much med for favours and wedding presents during the enrain? tray season.