June Birthstone Spotlight: The Timeless Beauty of Pearls
June is one of only three months that have three birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Each of these gemstones has its own unique beauty, but the timeless pearl remains the most iconic and beloved. Pearls have captivated hearts for centuries with their soft, radiant glow and natural elegance. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are born from the sea, making each one a unique treasure formed by nature. Symbolizing purity, wisdom, and feminine energy, pearls are cherished across generations and cultures. In this post, we’ll explore the meaning, style, and beauty of pearls—plus five key takeaways to inspire your next piece.
5 Takeaways About June’s Birthstone: The Pearl
- Pearls Are June’s Timeless Birthstone. As the traditional birthstone for June, pearls are revered for their soft luster and organic beauty, making them a meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones.
- Each Pearl Is Naturally Unique. No two pearls are alike. Their organic formation inside mollusks results in one-of-a-kind shapes, colors, and textures—adding personal charm to every piece of pearl jewelry.
- Symbolism of Purity, Wisdom & Femininity. Pearls have long been associated with elegance and deeper meaning—symbolizing purity, wisdom gained through experience, and a graceful feminine energy.
- Pearls Are Making a Stylish Comeback. While traditionally viewed as classic, pearls are now trending in both modern and bold designs, including stackable bracelets, layered necklaces, and mixed-metal rings.
- Custom Pearl Jewelry Is Available at Joseph’s Jewelry. Customers can browse ready-made pieces or collaborate with Joseph’s Jewelry to create custom pearl designs—offering a perfect blend of tradition and personal style.
Table of Contents
The Three June Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite & Moonstone
Pearl – Nature’s Living Gem
The original birthstone for June was the Pearl. Pearls are also the gift for the 30th anniversary. Pearls are unique because most gemstones come from deep within the earth. The Pearl comes from the rivers, lakes, and the sea. It is part of a living being.
Alexandrite – The Rare Color-Changing Gem
Alexandrite is extremely rare and therefore very expensive. Alexandrites change color in different light. The most sought after are ones that appear vivid green to bluish green in daylight and red to purplish red in incandescent light.
Moonstone – The Gem of Glow and Emotion
The Moonstone is known for its adularescence, the light that gives it that special glow. Moonstone is associated with love, passion, and fertility.
5 Things Jewelry Lovers Should Know About June’s Birthstone
- In 2012, a Pearl was discovered in the United Arab Emeritus believed be around 7500 years old.
- Natural Pearls have become very rare and expensive because they have been over harvested. Most Pearls sold today are cultured. They are real Pearls but have been grown with the help of human intervention.
- There are 5 types of cultured Pearls:
- Akoya Pearls
- Freshwater Pearls
- Tahitian Pearls
- South Sea Pearls
- Baroque Pearls
- Out of the 5 types of cultured Pearls, Freshwater Peals are the most popular because of affordability.
- Cleopatra, in a bet with Marc Anthony declaring that the riches of Egypt were more extravagant than the riches of Rome, dropped one of her famous Pearl earrings in vinegar. It dissolved and she drank it. It was ruled that she had won the bet.
Frequently Asked Questions About June’s Birthstone
Why Does June Have Three Birthstones?
June has three birthstones—Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite—each officially recognized for its unique beauty and meaning. Pearl, the original gem, was once believed by the ancient Greeks to be tears of the gods. In 1912, Moonstone officially joined the lineup when the National Association of Jewelers modernized the birthstone chart. Then in 1952, the mysterious, color-shifting Alexandrite was added by the Jewelry Industry Council of America. Each stone brings its own beauty, history, and meaning—making June a truly magical month for jewelry lovers.
What is the True Birthstone for June?
The true birthstone for June is the Pearl—nature’s only gem created by a living organism. Unlike other gemstones that form deep within the earth, pearls are born in rivers, lakes, and oceans inside mollusks. When a grain of sand or other irritant enters the shell, the mollusk surrounds it with layers of calcium carbonate, creating a pearl over time. Natural pearls are especially prized for their radiant luster and silky glow—and they never need polishing to shine.
What is the Meaning of the June Birthstone?
Pearls symbolize purity, elegance, and timeless power—making them a favorite for brides, royals, and icons alike. In ancient times, pearls were believed to ease depression, calm nerves, improve eyesight, and even relieve indigestion. Throughout history, they’ve represented status, wealth, and femininity. From Queen Cleopatra’s legendary pearl earrings (worth an estimated $28.5 million today!) to Queen Elizabeth’s signature strands, pearls have always been adored by powerful women. Today, modern style icons like Kate Middleton, Rihanna, Scarlett Johansson, Kamala Harris, and Michelle Obama continue to celebrate the timeless beauty and meaning of pearls.
What Color is the Birthstone for June?
June’s birthstone—the Pearl—comes in a stunning array of colors, from classic white to exotic black, gold, pink, and even blue. While all shelled mollusks can create pearls, only two species produce those used in fine jewelry. The natural color of a pearl depends on the mollusk species and its environment. White remains the most popular, but today’s cultured pearls—first patented by Mikimoto Kōkichi in 1896—offer a rainbow of beautiful hues, including rose, peach, purple, grey, green, and more. Whether you're drawn to timeless elegance or bold expression, there's a pearl color to match your style.
What Birthstone is Gemini?
Gemini’s birthstones are Agate and Pearl—each reflecting the sign’s vibrant, expressive, and dual nature. Spanning from May 22 to June 21, Gemini is known for communication, curiosity, and creativity. Agate, the traditional Gemini birthstone, is believed to enhance public speaking, encourage truth-telling, and bring emotional balance to the sign’s twin-like energy. Pearl, associated with purity and inner wisdom, adds a calming, elegant counterpart. Gemini birthstones are most often seen in yellow, white, orange, and blue tones—colors that echo the brightness and brilliance of this air sign.
What are Typical June Birthstone Bracelets?
14K Yellow Gold Bujukan Split Cuff with Pearl and Diamond Halo Caps
BG4338-6Y45PL
Sterling Silver and Twisted Cable Stainless Steel Cultured Pearl Bypass Bangle
BG2959MXJPL
14K Yellow Gold Pearl Bujukan Open Bangle
BG4627-65Y4JPL
What are Typical June Birthstone Necklaces?
14K White Gold Necklace
NK6494W45PL
14K White Gold Round Pearl Pendant Necklace with Diamond Halo Swirl
NK6437W45PL
14K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Necklace
NK6847W45PL
What are Typical Birthstone Rings?
14K White Gold Pearl Ring with Curved Diamond Wrap Halo
LR51808W45PL
14K Yellow Gold Classic Cultured Pearl Diamond Accented Stackable Ring
LR3607Y45PL
14K White Gold Bypass Pearl and Diamond Ring
LR51812W45PL
14K White Gold Bypass Pearl and Diamond Ring
LR51812W45PL
Fascinating Pearl Facts You’ll Love
Only 1 in 10,000 oysters contains a natural pearl—making it one of the rarest treasures on Earth. These ocean-born gems have been adored for centuries and continue to enchant with their beauty, symbolism, and surprising history.
La Peregrina: A Pearl Fit for Royals
One of the most famous pearls in the world, La Peregrina dates back 550 years. Shaped like a teardrop and the size of a small egg, it was once owned by Queen Mary and Napoleon Bonaparte. Richard Burton famously gifted it to Elizabeth Taylor for Valentine’s Day.
The $100 Million Pearl
The most expensive pearl ever discovered is worth an astonishing $100 million. Weighing nearly 75 pounds, it was found hidden under a bed—where it had been kept for good luck for over a decade before being discovered after a fire.
Pearls Take Time to Grow
Creating a pearl is no quick task. It takes at least 6 months—and up to 2 years—for a pearl to form inside a mollusk.
Where Does the Word ‘Pearl’ Come From?
The word “pearl” comes from the French perle and Latin perna, meaning “leg of lamb”—inspired by the pearl’s curved shape when nestled in its shell. Pearls are soft on the Mohs scale (2.5–4.5) and can actually dissolve in vinegar! The finest pearls are creamy white with subtle iridescent hues and are often associated with “sweet simplicity.” Traditionally, pearls were treasured wedding gifts.
Why Pearls Are Strung, Not Set
Unlike most gems that are set in gold or silver, pearls are traditionally strung with knots between each bead to prevent them from rubbing against one another. Over time, strands can wear out—so it’s important to have your pearls restrung. Joseph’s Jewelry proudly offers professional pearl restringing services.
Jackie Kennedy’s Iconic (Faux) Pearls
First Lady Jackie Kennedy made pearls eternally chic. In one iconic photo, she’s laughing as her son tugs on her triple-strand pearl necklace. Surprisingly, those pearls were faux—but after her death, they sold for $211,500, proving that style and sentiment often outweigh authenticity.
Looking for the Perfect Pearl Gift?
At Joseph’s Jewelry, we specialize in custom-designed pearl jewelry—timeless pieces that make perfect gifts for a June birthday, anniversary, or any occasion that calls for classic beauty. From statement rings and elegant bracelets to sophisticated pearl necklaces, we carry styles to match every personality, budget, and celebration.
Whether you’re looking to complete a jewelry set, create a one-of-a-kind design, or find the perfect surprise gift, we’re here to help. We proudly serve residents of Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Island, and Port St. Lucie.
In addition to our stunning pearl collection, we also offer expert jewelry repair and watch repair—even for pieces not purchased through us. Stop in anytime to browse our selection of diamond rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and Citizen Eco-Drive watches. We’re here to help you mark life’s most meaningful moments with beauty and care.
Learn more about pearls in our Pearls Insider Guide.