How to Spot an Inexpensive Silver Moonstone Ring

Moonstone is one of the most beautiful gems, which gives a soft light that is loved to be used in rings. Moonstone looks even more magnificent when it is set in silver as it boosts its glowing features. But with the current trend of moonstone jewelry especially a silver moonstone ring it is important to know what constitutes cheap jewelry and what does not. There are many beautiful and expensive jewelry pieces as well as cheap and low-quality jewelry pieces and it is important to know the difference.

The following article will help you learn how to identify silver moonstone rings that are cheap but original. We will also talk about the features of real moonstones, the differences between different types of silver, how to recognize a cheap fake, and what you should know when choosing cheap rings.

1. Understanding Moonstone: Quality and Characteristics

Before going straight to how one can easily identify an affordable moonstone ring, it is crucial to learn about the real moonstone and how its value is established.

What is Moonstone?

Moonstone is a feldspar mineral and is most famous for its ability to reflect light in a process known as adularescence. This is the kind of light that appears to be just below the surface of the stone and shines with the brightness of the moon. The adularescence of high-quality moonstone is very evident and the light that comes out of it is blue, white, or even rainbow-colored.

Grades of Moonstone

There are different grades of moonstones and the quality does influence the price of the ring to a great extent. The main factors influencing the quality of moonstone include:

Color: The clarity of the moonstone determines the quality of the gemstone, the higher the clarity the better the moonstone. The poor quality of moonstones is characterized by opaqueness and a poor luster while the high quality will have a good clarity and bright adularescence.

Clarity: As with any other gemstones, moonstone should not have any visible inclusion or cracks in it. While buying an inexpensive moonstone ring, it may have some imperfections but the stone should shine at least.

Cut: Moonstone is usually given a cabochon cut which means that it has a domed top and a flat base to enhance the cat’s eye effect. If a moonstone has been well cut, then it will show the adularescence in an equal manner when moved under light.

2. Silver Quality: Sterling Silver and Other Metals

The metal that is used in the ring setting is very important in determining the quality of the piece. Silver is the most popular metal for moonstone rings, but not all silver is the same.

Sterling Silver vs. Silver-Plated

• Sterling Silver: This is the most common and highest quality of silver that is used in the manufacture of jewelry. It consists of 92. It contains 5% of silver with other metals such as copper added to it to increase its hardness. Sterling silver will be marked with a mark like “925” to show the level of purity of the metal.
• Silver-Plated: There are some rings that are made of cheap metals and plated with silver. These pieces may appear to be made of sterling silver at first glance but the plating will eventually wear off and expose the base metal. Jewellery made from silver plated is much cheaper and does not have the same durability as that of sterling silver.

Identifying Low-Quality Silver

While buying an inexpensive moonstone ring, look for the hallmark that says sterling silver, it can be ‘925’ or ‘S925’ on the inner side of the ring. In case there is no such marking on the ring, it is likely that it is a silver-plated ring or made of a cheap metal. Any professional jeweler will always state the kind of silver that has been used.

3. Spotting an Inexpensive Moonstone Ring: Factors of Consideration

Pricing:

The price is one of the most conspicuous factors that one needs to consider when purchasing a silver moonstone ring. Moonstone and sterling silver rings come at high prices, but that is not to say that cheap rings are out of the market. When choosing a cheap ring, one should be very careful with prices that are too low to be believed. If a ring is much cheaper than other pieces of jewelry, When a ring is much cheaper than other similar pieces, then it may be a sign that the ring is not well made, the materials used are of inferior quality or the gemstone is fake moonstone.

Moonstone Authenticity:

Most cheap rings incorporate fake moonstones, for instance, glass or plastic that give the appearance of areal moonstones. To spot a fake moonstone, look for the following signs: To spot a fake moonstone, look for the following signs:

• No Adularescence: A real moonstone will have a soft light that appears to move around the stone as the stone is rotated. Fakes particularly those that are made from glass will not have this impact.
• Too Perfect: Real moonstones may have small inclusions or tiny cracks in them that are not visible to the naked eye. If the stone is too polished and has no variations in color, then it is likely that the stone is a fake one.
• Temperature Test: Real moonstones are cold to the touch while fake ones made of plastic will heat up in your hand pretty soon.

Silver Quality

As pointed out earlier, look for the symbol that shows that the piece is made of sterling silver. If the price is suspicious or extremely low and there is no hallmark, then the ring is silver-plated or made of cheap material. The silver-plated rings will corrode and wear out faster hence the life span of the jewelry will be greatly affected.

Craftsmanship

It is also important that even the cheapest moonstone rings have some indication of good workmanship. Examine the ring for details such as: Examine the ring for details such as:

• Stone Setting: The moonstone should be well fixed in the silver. If the stone is set loosely or unevenly, then it indicates that the work done is not very good and the stone may come off with usage.
• Polish and Finish: The ring should be free from any rough surface or any uneven surface that may be a result of cutting or grinding.
• Weight: Sterling silver has a certain weight and this is not the same as the light weight of silver plated or any other imitation metal. Take the ring in your hand and feel how it is heavy.

4. Where to Buy Inexpensive Silver Moonstone Rings

Reputable Jewelers

In case one is in need of a cheap silver moonstone ring, it is advisable to purchase from well-established jewelers. Some jewelry stores have standard prices, but they may also have items at different prices and it will be easy for you to know what material was used in the making of the jewelry.

Online Marketplaces

In case you are shopping online, you should be wary of products that are sold at very low prices. Read the other buyers’ feedback, inquire about the materials used in the ring, and search for pictures of the ring, especially the hallmark. There are many cheap moonstone rings available in online stores but one must research before buying one.

Vintage or Second-Hand Shops

At times, you can get the best moonstone rings from stores that deal in second-hand or antique items. These rings may look extraordinary and classic and are usually cheaper than purchasing new pieces of jewelry. However, it is always wise to examine the jewelry closely or request certification in order to avoid being sold fake silver moonstone rings.

5. Caring for Inexpensive Silver Moonstone Rings

Despite the fact that you might have bought a cheap moonstone ring, it is crucial to maintain it in the right manner to help it last longer. Here are some tips:

• Store Separately: Moonstone is not a hard gemstone so keep your ring in a separate place from other pieces of jewelry to prevent scratching.
• Clean Gently: To clean your ring, you should use a soft cloth and mild soap. Do not use strong acids or acids that could harm the stone or silver in any way or metal utensils that could scratch the surface.
• Remove During Activities: It is advisable to take off your moonstone ring when performing activities such as exercising, swimming or even cleaning.

Conclusion

Finding a cheap yet quality silver moonstone ring is not an easy task especially if one does not have a clue on which moonstone and silver to buy. When you are aware of what to search for in regard to gemstone, silver, and workmanship, you can buy a piece that is reasonably priced and adds beauty to your collection. When it comes to real moonstone jewelry, be it cheap or expensive, it is always advisable to seek for advice from reputable companies such as Goodstone Jewels for the right ring.

FAQs

Q1. What are the signs that a moonstone is real?

A. Authentic moonstones will exhibit adularescence, a glowing light phenomenon, and may have minor flaws. These fake moonstones which are usually made from glass or plastic do not possess this glow.

Q2. What is the difference between sterling silver and silver plated?

A. Sterling silver is 92. 5% silver while silver-plated jewelry is an object of base metal with a thin layer of silver on it. Sterling silver is also more resistant and has a longer life span as compared to the other types of silver.

Q3. Are cheap moonstone rings good to purchase?

A. Yes, if they are genuine moonstone and sterling silver, of course. Make sure you verify the originality and quality of the product.

Q4. Are moonstone rings prone to getting rusty over time?

A. Silver used in moonstone rings can rust, but moonstone does not. To avoid tarnishing, proper cleaning and care should be taken on the material.

Q5. Where can one get cheap moonstone rings?

A. It is recommended to look for moonstone rings in reputable jewelers, online shops with positive feedback, and vintage stores. One should always ensure they check on the materials and whether they are original or not.