Looking for the perfect pink gemstone? Meet morganite. Delicate and oh so lovely. Known for its signature peachy-pink hue (picture a crisp, sparkling glass of rosé), morganite adds a subtle elegance to all types of jewelry, whether it be an engagement ring, pendant necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings. Ahead, you’ll learn what makes morganite so special and how to clean, maintain and style this charming gem.
What is morganite?
Morganite is a semi-precious stone in the multi-colored beryl mineral family, making it the sister gem to emerald, aquamarine and other colorful gems. Like all varieties of beryl, it has a hexagonal shaped crystal structure but owes its distinct pink color palette (ranging from pale pink to orangey pink to purplish pink) to trace amounts of manganese carbonate present in the stone.
History of morganite
Morganite was initially discovered by miners in Madagascar in 1910 and labeled as “pink beryl.” It was later examined by the prominent mineralogist and chief gemologist for Tiffany & Co, George F. Kunz, who renamed it morganite, in honor of his friend and fellow gem collector J.P. Morgan (yes, the American financier).
Where is morganite found?
Today, gem quality morganite is mined in Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, Namibia, Madagascar and the United States, particularly in California and Maine. It is often heat-treated to remove yellow undertones and bring out the desired blush and peach hues.
5 reasons why morganite is popular
Morganite has been used in jewelry for more than 100 years, but its popularity has surged over the last decade. So, what is so magical about morganite that has people falling under its spell?
- It’s not your typical pink gemstone. Morganite offers a softer, more romantic twist on the traditional bubble-gum shade of pink. It enchants with a swoon-worthy spectrum of pastel colors ranging from pale pink to blush rose, peach-pink to coral salmon, and even violet-pink.
- It’s durable. Morganite ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale (a diamond, by comparison is a 10) making it tough enough to withstand the rigors of everyday wear. Although highly resistant to scratching, it’s still critical to properly care for your morganite jewelry (more on this later).
- It’s stylish and versatile. Morganite comes in some of the most universally flattering shades, as it’s neither completely warm – like yellow gold – nor is it a cool-toned color, like platinum or silver. It strikes a nice balance and complements the warmth in your skin, regardless of complexion. Morganite can be seamlessly integrated into any ensemble in your wardrobe, making it an ideal accessory to express your style (check our style tips below).
- It’s budget friendly. Morganite is typically a relatively affordable option compared to other gemstones, like a pink diamond or high-quality pink sapphire.
- It has symbolic meaning. Morganite’s gentle pink energy is often associated with the heart chakra, which is said to promote self-love, compassion, empathy and forgiveness. Regardless of whether you believe in metaphysical properties, it’s still a lovely sentiment.
How to style morganite
Ready for your pretty-in-pink era? Here are some tips to help you style morganite jewelry for any occasion.
- Daily wear: A pair of dainty morganite stud earrings adds the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, even if it’s just a tucked-in tee with your favorite jeans. It’s just the right burst of color to give you a rosy glow when you’re on the go. For casual meetups, like a brunch or coffee date, try a morganite pendant necklace or chic morganite bracelet.
- In the office: For a look that’s approachable but still means business, wear a morganite pendant necklace with a cardigan. Try to stay in the pastel family to complement morganite’s light tones for a tone-on-tone look or try contrasting it against a light blue or blue blouse (the opposite of this color on the color wheel).
- A night out: If you’re going to paint the town red, bring a little pink along for the ride – like a morganite cocktail ring or a pair of drop and dangle morganite earrings. Your morganite will shimmer and shine in all its pink glory, especially against the backdrop of an LBD (little black dress) or other black outfit.
- Bridal wear: If you’re a non-traditionalist seeking a diamond alternative for your engagement ring, morganite is a worthy option. With its light pink and peach tones, it adds a nice blush-colored alternative to a generally white or ivory wedding palette. The most popular morganite engagement rings are in pear, cushion and square cuts with a white or rose gold band. Morganite engagement rings are especially stunning when complemented by a diamond halo or diamond accent stones.
How to clean and care for your morganite jewelry
While morganite is a durable gem, it still requires proper care to help ensure its longevity and shine. Follow these tips to keep your prized pink possession in like-new condition for years to come.
Clean it regularly at home
Daily wear can cause dirt, debris and bacteria to accumulate on your morganite jewelry, causing it to lose its luster. Avoid this by soaking your piece in a bowl of warm water and mild dish soap for a few minutes (at least two times a month). Use a soft toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach crevices, then rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a soft, clean cloth. Do not use commercial jewelry cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners for your morganite jewelry.
Know when to take it off
While it may be tempting to wear your new morganite jewelry 24/7, it’s not advisable. Make sure to remove it during the following activities to help prevent damage or loss:
- Sleeping
- Showering
- Swimming
- Exercising
- Cleaning
- Cooking
- Primping (putting on makeup, doing your hair)
Store it properly
When you are not wearing your morganite jewelry, designate a safe place to store it. Experts recommend somewhere cool, dry and away from sunlight, preferably in a fabric-lined jewelry box or soft pouch. Make sure morganite is stored away from other gemstones to prevent scratching or chipping other less durable gems.
Get it inspected by a jewelry expert
Supplement at-home cleanings with trips to a professional jeweler (at least twice a year). They have high-tech equipment for cleaning and polishing that can dislodge any dirt particles bonded to the metal or gemstone(s) and remove any scratches or abrasions. In addition, a jeweler can check to ensure that no stones have come loose and that no prongs have been bent out of shape.
Insure it
Last, but certainly not least, protect your morganite jewelry with a standalone jewelry insurance policy, like the one offered through Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that covers the cost to repair or replace your piece if it ever gets lost, stolen or damaged. Check your rate by clicking the button below.
