18K Yellow Gold Carved Moonstone Celestial "Man in the Moon" Face Motif Ring
Product Overview
A wonderfully distinctive 18K yellow gold “Man in the Moon” ring, centred by a beautifully carved moonstone depicting a serene, almost otherworldly human face. The moonstone is bezel set within a substantial high polished yellow gold frame, with the gold deliberately deeper along the sides than at the top and bottom. This thoughtful construction allows the ring to sit comfortably and flush against the finger while giving the stone a strong, sculptural presence.
The carved moonstone is the true character of the piece. The whimsical “Man in the Moon” motif has a long history in jewellery, particularly in late Victorian and Edwardian design. Carved moonstone faces became a notable celestial motif in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with surviving examples dating to the Victorian period and continuing into the Edwardian era.
Moonstone itself has been associated with the moon for centuries. Its characteristic floating glow, known as adularescence, gives the gem an especially evocative quality, as though light is moving beneath its surface. Ancient traditions connected moonstone with moonlight, luck, intuition, and the lunar cycle. In Hindu tradition, for example, it was believed to be formed from solidified moonbeams.
The “Man in the Moon” image adds another layer of symbolism. The familiar human face seen in the full moon has inspired folklore for centuries, and in jewellery it became a charming emblem of the celestial and mysterious. During the Victorian era, the motif fit naturally into the period’s fascination with sentiment, mythology, astronomy, and the natural world. It enjoyed particular popularity during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, making this style a wonderful example of the enduring romance of celestial jewellery.
The ring’s ribbed band adds to its character, with one side incorporating a tactile, pebble-like texture that continues completely around the shank, contrasted by sections of bright, high polished gold. The combination of textures gives the ring an appealing handmade quality, the kind of small irregularities and tactile details that make a piece feel crafted rather than mass-produced.
The inside of the band is engraved “DKE,” adding an intriguing personal or maker-related detail that remains part of the ring’s story.
- 18K yellow gold
- (1) 13 mm x 14 mm round moonstone
- Gram weight is 9.2
- Current ring size is 5
- Measures approximately 0.8 cm from knuckle to knuckle
- Independently appraised value for insurance purposes: $6,910.00 (note: may not reflect selling price)
All items in the Estate Originals Collection are estate pieces created in years gone by. Although this item is in excellent condition, it could have some signs of its age and past enjoyment. The images shown are of the exact item you will receive.
