When Rachel Verinder turns eighteen she inherits a large and spectacular diamond known as The Moonstone from an uncle who had served in the British Army in India.

Unaware of the importance of the diamond in Hindu religion, Rachel wears her new prize on her gown at her birthday celebration.

But when Indian performers spot the diamond, Rachel and her cousin Franklin, along with many others, are pulled into a complex web of occurrences all stemming from the precious jewel.