Almost every aspect of design in the 1950s and 60s was influenced by the Space Race. Think about the rocket ship like fins on cars, the atom style design of my dish pattern Franciscan Starburst, and the Sputnik inspired designs of many lamps. This intergalactic styling is something I’ve always loved about the mid-20th century and I’m always looking for ways to incorporate it into my wardrobe. So when I was approached a pair of moon oriented jewelry brands, I was not only interested, but excited!

Once a Moon and Your Moon Phase both offer moon related jewelry, one is extremely unique and the other extremely personal.

Once a Moon is perhaps one of the most unique and interesting jewelry brands I have ever come across. Their jewelry contains actual lunar dust. Yes! Pieces of the moon! But how?

Once a Moon was started by husband and wife team, Doug and Lynne Ingalls, who always had a love for meteorites and were already in the jewelry business. They discussed the idea of how to give someone the moon (just like in It’s a Wonderful Life!) and eventually they came up with the idea of capturing lunar dust. Doug had purchased a lunar meteorite, had it classified, and then sent it in for cutting. The dust from the cutting was saved, and used in their jewelry collection, by being placed under a clear cabochon, giving each piece a different look.

One of the things I really appreciate about Once a Moon is that they are very clear about where their meteorite came from and the process, all of which is outlined in the documentation that comes with their jewelry.

I selected the Starfield Necklace, because I really liked the addition of the stars on either side of the moon. The necklace felt dainty, but sturdy, and is made of sterling. It features a chain that has multiple loops for the clasp, I’m wearing it on the loosest setting. If you wanted to wear it lower, more chain would need to be added, because it is not a traditional pendant, as seen in how the chain is attached to the two open stars. The piece is very elegant, but very versatile, with an ability to be worn with a formal gown or a t-shirt.

Your Moon Phase on the other hand offers items that are rather personal. The idea is that via their website you put in your birthdate (or any significant date), and you get an image of what the moon phase was at the time of your birth, and what that phase means, if you believe in that sort of stuff. Then the image can then be put on a variety of different items.

I opted for Luna Bangle Bracelet. This style of bracelet is really popular right now, and I don’t own any, so I thought this would be a nice way to try it out. I also thought the sleek band of metal was more spacey.

This style of bracelet adjusts to accommodate various wrist sizes by pushing it in and out instead of with a clasp. Overall, I’m not sold on this style of bracelet, I found it kind of awkward, but that might be because I’m not used to it, as, like I said, I don’t own anything in this style of bangle. The plus side, is that Your Moon Phase offers a variety of different jewelry items (and even prints) to showcase the moon phase, including a classic charm bracelet.

So, as mentioned earlier, the website also tells you what the moon phases mean. I chose to go with my birthday, and it turns out I was born under the Waxing Crescent, which represents “The Innovator,” known for action, creativity, and learning. Just those words alone really describe me! Then I read the description…According to the website, those born under the waxing moon are “highly action-oriented, known for their ability to take an idea and turn it into reality. With this artistic personality comes the tendency to cling to ghosts of the past” in addition to being “unusually quick learners and consumer information at a rapid rate, giving them keen awareness.” So, yeah, I kind of felt called out when I read the description. I will say I have always been a fast fact learner, but when it comes to learning procedures or like a new interface I have trouble. Hence why history is really my jam.

Both brands note that their items are “assembled” in the USA, meaning they likely use imported parts. This is very common, especially for jewelry and clothing brands.

I think both Once a Moon and Your Moon Phase offer fun and unique items, and I know I will wear both of these in the future. I would also recommend them as the perfect gift for anyone who is interested or works within the industry of astronomy or space.

Disclosure: I was approached via e-mail by a woman who represents both brands, and I received these items from Once a Moon and Your Moon Phase free of charge in exchange for an honest review of the items.