June Birthstone: Quick Guide to Pearl

June has three birthstones. Pearl is the most popular. Pearls are the only gemstones made by a living creature. Mollusks produce pearls by depositing layers of calcium carbonate around microscopic irritants, such as a grain of sand that is lodged in their shells.

June Birthstone Pearl: Rare and Valuable

The name “pearl” comes from a Old French word “perle”, and from the Latin “perna” meaning “leg.” Referencing the leg-of-mutton shape of an open mollusk shell. Perfectly round, and smooth natural pearls are so uncommon, the word “pearl” can refer to anything rare and valuable.

Made in the Wild

The rarest and most expensive pearls are natural pearls made in the wild without human interference. The majority of pearls sold today are cultured or farmed by implanting a grafted piece of shell (and sometimes a round bead) into pearl oysters or freshwater pearl mussels. Meaning most pearls made involve human interference, making it less valuable.

Soft and Sensitive

Pearls are very soft, ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale. They are sensitive to extreme heat and acidity. In fact, calcium carbonate is so susceptible to acid that authentic pearls will dissolve in vinegar.

• The finest pearls have a naturally reflective sheen, making them appear creamy white with an iridescent luster that casts many colorful hues.
• Cultured freshwater pearls can also be dyed yellow, green, blue, brown, pink, purple or black.
• Black pearls are mostly cultured because they are rare in nature. They aren’t actually black but rather green, purple, blue or silver.

Where You Can Find Pearls

Pearls used to be found in many parts of the world, but natural pearling is now confined to the Persian Gulf waters near Bahrain. Australia owns one of the world’s last remaining pearl diving fleets and still harvests natural pearls from the Indian Ocean. Today, most freshwater cultured pearls come from China. South Sea pearls are cultured along the northwestern coastline of Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Learn more about pearls in our Pearls Insider Guide.

Here are Joseph’s Jewelry, we specialize in custom jewelry pieces with pearls. With statement ring, bracelets, and statement necklaces we are able to cater to everyone’s desired look. We carry numerous elegant pieces catering to every budget, and desired style. We are here to help residents in Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Jupiter and Port St. Lucie to find your perfect jewelry piece, complete a jewelry set, or make a custom jewelry design as unique as you are! We will also repair and restore your jewelry pieces and watches whether or not they were purchased through us. Come in anytime to check out our unique diamond rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and Citizen Eco Drive watches in stock for a celebration, last-minute gift, or spontaneous surprise.