June birthstone

Pearl: the June birthstone

Pearl symbolizes purity, wisdom, loyalty and calm. Its color, history, care, value and where it comes from.

Birth month: June
Hardness: 2.5–4.5 Mohs
Anniversary: 30th
Sources: Japan and China (Akoya and freshwater), French Polynesia (Tahitian) and Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines (South Sea)

Color

White, cream, rosé, gold (South Sea), black and peacock (Tahitian), plus pastel freshwater shades.

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History & lore

Pearls are the only gem made by a living creature. For thousands of years they were found only by divers, which made them a luxury of royalty. Kokichi Mikimoto perfected cultured pearls in Japan in the 1890s and made them affordable. June also has two other birthstones: alexandrite, which changes from green in daylight to red in lamplight, and milky, glowing moonstone.

Care

Soft and delicate. Put them on after perfume and hairspray, wipe with a soft cloth, and store them separately.

Value

Freshwater pearls are very affordable ($20–$150 for a strand pendant). Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls cost progressively more.

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Questions, answered

What month is pearl the birthstone for?

Pearl is the June birthstone.

What does pearl symbolize?

Pearl symbolizes purity, wisdom, loyalty and calm.

How hard is pearl?

Pearl is 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale. Soft and delicate. Put them on after perfume and hairspray, wipe with a soft cloth, and store them separately.

Where is pearl found?

Japan and China (Akoya and freshwater), French Polynesia (Tahitian) and Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines (South Sea).