June-Pearl
June-Pearl
If you were born in June, you are one of the lucky ones to have three birthstones to your name. June is one of only three months that has three birthstones, and those months are August and December.
The June birthstones are pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. With so many attractive options, individuals with June birthdays can have a birthstone to suit their mood or budget, as these gems provide varied colors and price ranges.
Pearl Birthstone Meaning & History
This enchanting June birthstone originates from oceans, lakes, and rivers worldwide. It is a timeless wardrobe staple, beloved by women of all ages. The origin of pearls fascinated our forebears. Ancients from the Middle East believed that pearls were teardrops fallen from heaven. The Chinese fancied that the June birthstone came from the brain of a dragon. Christopher Columbus and his contemporaries thought that mollusks formed pearls from dew drops.
Pearls are organic gems that grow inside the tissue of a living saltwater or freshwater mollusk, whether it is an oyster or a mussel. Natural pearls are formed as the mollusk secretes around an irritant, for example, a piece of sand or a parasite that has invaded its shell, a substance called nacre. Cultured pearls are made by human intervention. Technicians insert a small section of mantle tissue either on its own (in freshwater cultured pearls) or together with a mother-of-pearl shell bead (all saltwater) into a mollusk. The mollusk then lines the irritant with nacre just like a natural pearl.
Pearls are associated with purity, humility, and innocence. Hence, it could be said that the June birthstone meaning is "sweet simplicity." This is the reason why, traditionally, pearls were presented as a wedding gift.
The pearl birthstone was also believed to be auspicious. In the ancient Sanskrit text the Atharvaveda, it was said that pearls provided long life and prosperity. In Asia, it was believed that pearls relieved indigestion and hemorrhages. Some 19th-century Arab physicians claimed that pearl powder improved eyesight, quieted nervous tremors, and eased depression.
One of the most famous natural pearls is the 50.56 carat (ct) La Peregrina. About the size of a pigeon's egg, the drop-shaped pearl was discovered in the 1500s in the Gulf of Panama. It became a prized possession of European royalty. Richard Burton eventually gifted it to Elizabeth Taylor in 1969; Christie's New York auctioned the Cartier necklace containing La Peregrina for $11.8 million in 2011.
Where are Pearls Found?
Warm waters… clear skies… dramatic scenery – the description is one of a fantasy beach holiday, isn't it? It's a pretty apt description of where you might also find these pearl birthstones often. Mollusks that can produce pearls cannot survive polluted waters; hence, pearling farms are usually located off the beaten track – and are often sited in glorious scenery.
Saltwater-farmed pearls come from many parts of the globe. Most Akoya cultured pearl farms are found in Japan and China, mainly on the southern coasts of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. South Sea cultured pearls are cultivated along the northern coast of Australia, extending through Indonesia to the southern coast of Southeast Asia. Major operations can also be found in the Philippines. The Gambier Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago are two locales where the rich black Tahitian pearls are cultured. China is the predominant source of freshwater cultured pearls.
Natural pearls have been found in the Arabian Gulf, or Persian Gulf, for at least 5,000 years, and divers have been recovering June's birthstone from the Red Sea since 300 BCE. The Strait of Mannar has been contributing pearls since 2000 BCE. Beginning in the 16th century, during Spanish rule, it is estimated that considerable amounts of pearls were recovered from the waters of Mexico, Central America, and now Venezuela. Today pearl finds of any quantity are considered rare in any of these territories.
Pearl Birthstone Care & Cleaning
Pearls are 2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, so they are a rather soft gem and need to be treated with care. Keep them away from other gems and metal jewelry so they do not get scratched. Do not store your pearl birthstones in a plastic bag, since this can release a chemical that damages their surface. Always put perfume, hair products, and cosmetics on before wearing your pearl jewelry. Clean your June birthstone: Soak the pearls in water or a cleaning solution, then use a soft, damp cloth, ideally after each time the pearls are worn.
Now that you know a little more about the history of pearls and where this June Birthstone comes from, you probably have a deeper appreciation for these classic beauties! If we've whetted your appetite for the pearl birthstone, consider adding five essential pearl jewelry pieces to your collection. But before you go out and start pearl shopping, take some time to learn about the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors™ and what to look for with this handy Pearl Buying Guide.
