Gemstone-set sterling silver jewelry pairs the cool, understated glow of 92.5% silver with the color and character of natural stones. At Moon Raven Designs, each piece is handcrafted on Vancouver Island, with stones selected for their individual beauty and set using techniques that respect both the metal and the mineral. The result is a talisman that feels grounded, personal, and meant to be worn daily.

About the material

Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper, chosen for its durability while retaining a bright, white luster. It is softer than gold or platinum, which makes it an excellent metal for setting stones: the silver can be gently worked around a gem without excessive pressure that might crack a fragile stone. This softness also means that prongs and bezels can be repaired or tightened by a jeweler if needed.

Setting a gemstone in silver requires skill. The most common techniques are bezel setting, where a thin rim of silver is folded over the edge of the stone, and prong setting, where four or six small claws hold the stone in place. Bezel settings offer more protection and are ideal for softer stones like opal or turquoise. Prong settings allow more light to enter the stone, enhancing brilliance in transparent gems like amethyst or garnet. Flush settings, where the stone is set into a drilled hole and the metal is pushed over the girdle, create a smooth surface suitable for rings.

Sterling silver tarnishes over time due to sulfur compounds in the air. This natural darkening does not harm the gemstone but can change the overall look. Some pieces are intentionally oxidized to create contrast with a bright stone. The finish—high polish, matte, or textured—also affects how the stone is perceived. A polished silver bezel reflects light into a transparent stone, while a brushed finish softens the contrast with opaque stones like lapis lazuli.

For those with metal sensitivities, sterling silver is generally hypoallergenic because the copper content rarely causes reactions. However, some people may react to nickel traces in lower-quality silver. Moon Raven uses only solid sterling silver, no plated base metals, ensuring the metal is safe for sensitive skin.

Care

Clean your gemstone-set silver jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and dirt. For deeper cleaning, use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush—avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch both the silver and the stone. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on porous stones like turquoise, opal, or malachite, as the vibrations can cause fractures or loosen the setting. Chlorine, salt water, and household chemicals can damage silver and some gemstones, so remove jewelry before swimming or cleaning.

Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches. If your piece has an intentional oxidized finish, do not polish it with a silver cloth, as that will remove the dark patina. Instead, simply rinse and dry. For stones that are particularly soft (mohs hardness below 7), avoid impact and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can fade some dyed stones. Have the setting checked by a jeweler annually to ensure prongs or bezels are secure.

Gemstone-Set Sterling Silver Jewelry — current pieces

Grizzly Bear Claw Pendant

$148.50

Sterling Silver Necklace

$95.00

Diving Sea Otter Earrings

$180.00

Turtle Shell Earrings

$170.00

Triceratops Skull Pendant Sterling Silver Necklace

$100.00

Kestrel Falcon Talon Pendant

$95.00

Sterling Silver Pendant Grim Reaper Necklace

$130.00

Sterling Silver Tiki Pendant

$90.00

Sterling Silver Pendant

$85.00

Grizzly Bear Necklace

$140.00

Horseshoe Crab Pendant

$120.00

Silver Bison Necklace

$155.00

Who chooses this

Gemstone-set sterling silver jewelry appeals to those who value natural materials and handcrafted detail. The buyer is often someone who prefers a single meaningful piece over a collection of fast-fashion accessories. They may be drawn to the symbolism of a particular stone—a birthstone, a healing crystal, or a color that resonates—and want a setting that doesn't compete with the stone. They appreciate that silver allows the gem to remain the focal point. This jewelry suits people who wear their pieces daily, through work and life, and want something that can be repaired and maintained over decades, not discarded.