June Birthstone: Moonstone

You June babies are lucky ducks, as you have three birthstones. One is Alexandrite. While it truly is a gorgeous stone, it’s extremely rare, so it’d be tough to find many options for you to buy. Then there’s the pearl, which many associate as the “main” birthstone for the month. Personally, I’m partial to the third option, moonstone. You may remember back in January I wrote an article about how my body physically craves certain gems, and moonstone is most definitely one of them. In fact, here’s my Steven Battelle rainbow moonstone ring I wrote about; I could not leave the store without buying it — it was truly a visceral reaction when I spotted it in the case. Has this ever happened to you?

steven battelle rainbow moonstone ring
Moonstones have been used in jewlery for over 2000 years. They are considered a sacred stone in India, and the most prized specimens come from Sri Lanka. The glow that emanates from within is reminiscent of the moon’s glow, hence the name. It comes in a variety of colors, from blue to peach to grey and more. Moonstone is the stone of emotional balance and is associated with goddess energy. It is a stone of protection (especially to travelers), love, passion, and it promotes psychic abilities and intuition. I think it’s a downright breathtaking gem.

I may have gone a little overboard with my virtual shopping spree today, but I just couldn’t help myself. Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order…

Jamie Joseph leather bracelet with moonstone

jamie joseph leather cord bracelet with rainbow moonstone
Irene Neuwirth moonstone drop earrings

irene neuwirth moonstone drop earrings
Loriann Stevenson 18K and moonstone bracelet

loriann stevenson 18K and moonstone bracelet
Phyne by Paige Novick moonstone and diamond stud earring (sold individually, which is cool)

phyne by paige novick moonstone and diamond trillion stud earrings
Pippa Small rainbow moonstone ring

pippa small rainbow moonstone ring
For Future Refernce x Ylang23 cabochon moonstone gypsy ring

for future reference cabochon moonstone gypsy ring
Nak Armstrong rainbow moonstone mosaic bangle

nak armstrong rainbow moonstone mosaic bangle bracelet
Ila moonstone and turquoise pendant necklace

ila moonstone and turquoise pendant necklace
Gabriella Kiss 18K and oval grey moonstone ring

gabriella kiss 18K and oval grey moonstone ring
Judy Geib excessive ceylon moonstone earrings

judy geib excessive ceylon moonstone earrings
Stephen Dweck London topaz and moonstone ring

stephen dweck london blue topaz and rainbow moonstone shield ring
Arik Kastan moonstone stacking ring

arik kastan moonstone stacking ring
Andrea Fohrman moonstone and hematite ring with crescent moon

andrea fohrman moonstone and hematite ring with crescent moon
Nak Armstrong rainbow moonstone button studs

nak armstrong rainbow moonstone button studs
So now do you see how I’m so completely drawn to this iridescent stone? Oy…where is my bottomless wallet when I need it?! And if you are celebrating a birthday this month, wishing you all the best! (And be sure go to buy yourself a sparkly treat.)

December Birthstone: Tanzanite

How is it that December has FOUR birthstones? If you’re lucky enough to be born this month, then you can choose from tanzanite, turquoise, zircon and blue topaz. With it’s blue-violet hue, tanzanite is the subject of today’s article. Coming from only one place on the planet (Tanzania in East Africa), I was surprised to find out that this gem can actually be found in browns and yellows. It is heat, either from the earth or by man, which changes the stone to the most prized blue-violet color. Originally discovered in 1967, this stone is both rare, valuable, and fairly fragile. (Translation: Use care when wearing and never put it in an ultrasonic cleaner!)

Tanzanite is known as the stone of transformation, aiding in metaphysical healing and spiritual exploration. In addition, tanzanite helps with:

-happiness and freedom from worry
-compassion
-finding your calling
-getting rid of old patterns and opening oneself to growth
-self-awareness
-strengthens your immune system

I’m in! Are you? If so, here are some fantastic tanzanite creations by some very talented designers.

Kaali Designs tanzanite cabochon and diamond ring from Zaver & Mor

kaali design tanzanite ring
(and because you need to see the stellar side view)

kaali designs tanzanite ring
Carla Amorim Castanhas earrings

carla amorim castanhas earrings
Phyne by Paige Novick tanzanite, diamond and blackened white gold ear cuff

phyne by paige novick tanzanite diamond and blackened white gold ear cuff
Rosanne Pugliese tanzanite cage ring

rosanne pugliese tanzanite cage ring
Arman tanzanite hoop earrings

arman tanzanite hoop earrings
Celine Daoust tanzanite trio ring

celine daoust tanzanite trio ring
Selim Mouzannar caged tanzanite and diamond drop earrings

selim mouzannar caged tanzanite and diamond drop earrings
Carole Shashona dream wing necklace

carole shashona dream wing necklace
Irene Neuwirth drop earrings

irene neuwirth drop earrings
Maragret Solow double tanzanite drop necklace

margaret solow double tanzanite drop necklace
I think these selections will resonate with a wide variety of personal styles — from edgy to bohemian to luxe and beyond. If you had the *infamous* bottomless wallet that I dream about having, which piece would you desire most? Do tell!