Month of June - Pearl
Pearl, the birthstone for June, is one of nature's most elegant and timeless treasures. Unlike all other gemstones, pearls are created by living organisms, requiring no cutting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. For thousands of years, pearls have symbolized purity, innocence, and wisdom gained through experience.
History and Origin
Pearls have been used as adornments for centuries, valued by virtually every culture in the world. They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire, where Julius Caesar passed a law limiting pearl wearing to the ruling classes. In Tudor England, the 1500s were known as the Pearl Age, as the gemstone adorned clothing, hair, crowns, and jewelry of the elite. The modern pearl industry changed forever in 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan successfully created the first cultured pearl by manually introducing an irritant into an oyster, prompting it to form a pearl around the nucleus.
Symbolism and Meaning
Across cultures, pearls symbolize purity, loyalty, and integrity. In ancient Greek mythology, pearls were believed to be the tears of joy shed by Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In Chinese culture, pearls represent wisdom and are said to form inside the heads of dragons. Many traditions hold that pearls bring good fortune to brides and are considered ideal wedding jewelry. As a June birthstone, pearl represents honesty and a calm spirit.
Colors and Varieties
Pearls come in a stunning range of types and colors. Akoya pearls, primarily from Japan and China, are the classic white or cream-colored round pearls. South Sea pearls from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are among the largest and most valuable, available in white, silver, and golden hues. Tahitian pearls, cultivated in French Polynesia, are prized for their exotic dark colors, from charcoal gray to peacock green and deep black. Freshwater pearls, mainly from China, are the most abundant and affordable, offering a wide variety of shapes and colors including white, pink, lavender, and peach.
Durability and Care
Pearls are relatively soft, ranking just 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. They require gentle care to maintain their luster. The rule for pearls is last on, first off, meaning they should be put on after applying cosmetics, perfume, and hairspray, and removed first at the end of the day. Pearls should be wiped with a soft damp cloth after wearing and stored separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Have pearl strands restrung periodically to prevent breakage.
Whether you choose a strand of classic white Akoya pearls or a dramatic Tahitian pearl pendant, pearls remain one of the most beloved and versatile gemstones for June birthdays and every occasion.