June is one of only three months that have three birthstones. The three June birthstones are Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Each of these birthstones has their own beauty.
Pearl
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
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 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 Want to Know About the June 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.
Why Does June Have Three Birthstones?
The original birthstone for June was the Pearl. Ancient Greeks believed that Pearls were the tears of the gods. Moonstone became another birthstone for June in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers of America standardized birthstones. Alexandrite was added in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America.
What is the True Birthstone for June?
The true birthstone for June is Pearl. The Pearl is unique in that it is the only birthstone that comes from a living being. Natural Pearls are made within mollusks when a piece of sand or another foreign object lodges there and the mollusk begins to secret calcium carbonate around the irritant. Natural Pearls have a special luster and do not need polishing.
What is the Meaning of the June Birthstone?
The Pearl is associated with purity, humility, and innocence. Ancient medical practitioners thought Pearls could help relieve indigestion, improve eyesight, ease depression, and calm nervous tremors. Pearls have long been associated with royalty, wealth, status, brides, and weddings. Pearls are the oldest gemstones. They have been adored by powerful women for ages. Queen Cleopatra always wore 2 Pearl earrings believed to be worth $28.5 million today. The Queen of England is well known for her Pearls. Other famous people today who wears Pearls are: Kate Middelton, Rihanna, Scarlett Johannson, Kamala Harris, and Michele O’Bama.
What Color is the Birthstone for June?
All shelled mollusk can make Pearls but only two species make the Pearls used in jewelry. The color of a Pearl is dependent on the species of the mollusk. The basic color is white, black, or gold. Several hundred years ago natural Pearls became very rare because the waters had been over harvested. In 1896, Mikimoto Kōkichi received a patent for the first cultured Pearl. Since that time Pearls come in a multitude of colors. Some of the most popular colors are: white (still the most popular), black, gold, rose, peach, purple, blue, grey, coral, green, yellow, red, and brown.
What Birthstone is Gemini?
The Zodiac sign Gemini goes from May 22 – June 21. The Birthstones are Agate and Pearl. Yellow, white, orange and blue colors are most associated with Gemini birthstones. Agate is the most traditional birthstone for the Gemini. Agate is supposed to bring good luck to the Gemini. Agate is considered to help with public speaking and speaking one’s truth. Agate brings calm and balance to the Gemini’s twin like nature.
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
Some Interesting Facts About Pearls
Only 1 out of every 10,000 oysters have a pearl in them. Natural Pearls are one of the rarest jewels on earth.
La Peregrina Pearl
The most famous Pearl, the La Peregrina’s history spans 550 years. It is the size of a small egg and is pear shaped. It was owned by Queen Mary and Napoleon Bonaparte. Richard Burton gave it to Elizabeth Taylor for Valentine’s Day.
The World’s Most Expensive Pearl
The world’s most expensive Pearl is valued at $100 Million. It was found hidden under a bed after a fire. It had been there for 10 years for good luck. It is also the largest Pearl weighing around 75 pounds.
It takes at least 6 months to grow a Pearl and up to 24 months.
Where Does the Word Pearl Come From?
The name Pearl comes from the French word “perle” and the Latin word “parna” which means leg because it has the shape of a leg of lamb when it is in its shell and the shell is open. Pearls are very soft, between 2.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale. Authentic Pearls will dissolve in vinegar. The finest Pearls are creamy white and cast many irridescent hues. Some say the meaning of Pearl is “sweet simplicity”. Traditionally Pearls were given as wedding gifts.
Pearl Stringing
While many gem stoness are set in gold or silver, pearls are traditionally stranded on thread with a knot between each pearl. Overtime, it is important to have your pearls restrung so that they don’t break. Joseph’s Jewelry is happy to offer restringing services.
Joseph’s Jewelry has a beautiful selection of Pearl jewelry. This is the perfect time to buy a lovely piece for that special person with a June birthday.
Jackie Kennedy’s Famous Faux Pearls
Jackie Kennedy was known for wearing pearls, and there is a famous picture of her with her son John Jr. playing with her pearls as she throws her head back and laughs. This triple strand pearl necklace, was faux pearls (not real) and after her death sold for $211,500 even though they weren’t genuine pearls.
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.