Featuring intricate granules and metalwork, this necklace is inspired by traditional Indian jewelry. A faceted rainbow moonstone gemstone lends serenity, while its floral details inspire an antique aesthetic. A moonstone-beaded chain completes the look.
- Beautiful necklace with rainbow moonstone gemstone
- Pendant measures about 1.1" wide
- The necklace is 16" + 2" adjustable in length
- Made of gold-plated brass
- Lobster claw closure for secure fitting
- Made in India
design: A round gold-plated pendant densely engraved with a floral scrollwork medallion, centered with a bezel-set faceted rainbow moonstone, suspended from a fine chain of tiny beaded moonstones.
size: Pendant measures about 1.1" wide; chain is 16" with a 2" adjustable extender.
material: Gold-plated brass and rainbow moonstone.
features: Bezel-set faceted rainbow moonstone, hand-engraved floral scrollwork medallion, moonstone-beaded chain, lobster claw closure, 2" adjustable extender
care: Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth after wear and store away from moisture and perfume to keep the gold plating and stone looking their best.
disclaimer: Because the moonstone is a natural gemstone and the medallion is hand-engraved, slight variations in stone flash and metalwork detail are normal and part of each piece's character.
The Story
The pendant's medallion is worked in a dense floral scrollwork pattern common to Indian goldsmithing, where a flat metal disc is stamped and hand-engraved with repeating vine, petal, and dotted-granule motifs until the surface is fully patterned. This kind of all-over surface decoration is a hallmark of traditional Indian jewelry making, prized for turning a simple round form into something with real depth and movement.
Rainbow moonstone has long been a favored stone in South Asian jewelry, set into pendants, earrings, and bridal pieces for the way its faceted surface catches light in soft, shifting flashes. Pairing a cool-toned moonstone against warm gold-plated brass is a classic combination in this jewelry tradition, letting the stone's shimmer stand out against the engraved metal.
Here, that pairing is scaled down to an everyday pendant: the ornate medallion nods to more elaborate ceremonial pieces, while the beaded moonstone chain keeps the necklace light enough for daily wear.
A disc of brass is cut, then stamped and hand-engraved with the floral scrollwork pattern, a process that relies on a steady hand and a set of fine metal punches to keep the repeating vine and petal lines even across the surface. The piece is then gold-plated for its finish. A faceted rainbow moonstone is cut and polished separately before being set into a hand-formed bezel at the medallion's center, and the small moonstone beads are wire-linked one by one into the chain. It's made in India, where this style of engraved metalwork and beaded stone chain-making is a long-practiced trade.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: India
- Craft Tradition: Indian engraved floral metalwork
- Ideal For: Someone who wants a pendant with real handmade detail that still works for everyday wear
- Wear It With: Let it sit over a simple crewneck or blouse in a solid color so the engraving and moonstone stay the focus
- Purpose: Everyday wear, gifting, dressing up a simple outfit
- Gemstone: Rainbow Moonstone
- Metal: Gold-plated brass
Rainbow moonstone gets its name from the cool blue-white flashes, called adularescence, that move across its surface as it catches the light. This optical effect comes from thin layers within the stone bending light as it passes through, and it's most visible when the stone is cut, as here, into a rounded cabochon-style facet. Much of the rainbow moonstone used in jewelry today is sourced from India and Sri Lanka, and it has a long-standing place in South Asian jewelry design, often set into pendants and bridal pieces for exactly this kind of luminous, changeable shine.
Questions & Answers
Is this piece solid gold?
No, it's gold-plated brass — a thin layer of gold is applied over a brass base, giving the warm tone and engraved detail at a more accessible price than solid gold.
Is the moonstone a natural stone?
Yes, it's a genuine faceted rainbow moonstone, so you may notice slight differences in color and flash from piece to piece.
How long is the necklace, and is it adjustable?
The chain is 16 inches with a 2-inch extender, so you can wear it slightly shorter or longer depending on the neckline.
How do I keep the gold plating from wearing off?
Take it off before showering, swimming, or applying lotion and perfume, and store it in a dry pouch away from other jewelry to minimize scratching.
What kind of clasp does it use?
A lobster claw closure, which is secure and easy to fasten on your own.
