Pearl, in all its types and color varieties. As one of the few gems created by a living creature, natural cultured pearls are truly unique. Whether or not June is your birth month, you should enjoy the unique luster and many colors of the gems of the sea. And if you are shopping for a loved one, there is no better gift than the one featuring pearl and moonstone, aka the gorgeous gems of June.
June is one of the two months that has three birthstones. Pearls are thought of as the primary birthstone for the month. The other gemstones symbolic for this month: moonstone and alexandrite, which are considered alternative June gemstones. All three (pearl, moonstone and alexandrite) are remarkable gemstones with distinct histories, colors, shapes, and meanings.
Pearls
Pearls are undoubtedly one of the earth’s most unique gemstones. They are composed of calcium carbonate and they are the only gemstones to come from a living creature. These include mollusks such as oysters. Also, clams that come from specific oceans and rivers located in different parts of the world. Today, cultured pearls are one of the most popular gemstones.
The rarity and expense of pearls also contributed to some common expressions still used today. In The Bible, Matthew 7:6 admonishes against throwing “pearls before swine,” wasting what is valuable on fruitless endeavors. We still commonly refer to precious advice and counsel as “pearls of wisdom.” In the millennia before perliculture, pearls were very hard to find and harvest. When wisdom is given, treasure it like a rare pearl.
In many ancient Asian cultures, the smooth wholeness and seemingly “magical” appearance of pearls in such lowly lifeforms as oysters indicated the presence of divinity. The pearl represented the journey of the soul or spirit along the path to perfection.
Even today, despite concerted marketing efforts, pearls are worn commonly by women but rarely by men. However, keep in mind that although this association of pearls with particular ideas of femininity is strongly engrained in our cultural psyche, it wasn’t always so and need not be. In ancient times, kings wore ropes of pearls as a mark of wealth.
The diamond is to the pearl as the sun is to the moon, and we might well call one the “king-gem” and the other the “queen-gem.” The diamond, like a knight of old — brilliant and resistant, is the emblem of fearlessness and invincibility; the pearl, like a lady of old — pure and fair to look upon, is the emblem of modesty and purity.
Pearls deserve special care. To take the best care of your pearls, make sure you do not apply perfume directly on the gems. To clean your pearls, use a damp cloth or a very soft brush to wipe the surface. Avoid submerging the pearls in warm water, as this can harm the silk thread.
Moonstone
The next June birthstone: moonstone. Moonstone is an incredibly luminous gemstone. Though this June birthstone is not quite as popular as pearls, many would argue that it is just as beautiful.
The most striking quality of moonstone is their adularescence, or schiller, as it’s often referred to as. As light strikes a moonstone, the internal structure of the June birthstone makes the light scatter. It gives the same visual effect as when clouds are lit up by the moon. This is where the name of the moonstone originates from. In fact, in many ancient cultures, the gemstone was thought to had been created from moonbeams.
The serene beauty of this June birthstone is where its meaning comes from. More precisely, the soothing aesthetic of the moon. Historically, the gem has been a talisman for the soul and spirit. Moonstones have a feminine, positive energy that brings inner-peace, tranquility, and balance like no other gem. The captivating appearance of the gem is indicative of this symbolism. Thus, making it easy to understand and embrace its meaning.
Alexandrite
Since this June birthstone doesn’t have an ancient history as the case with the other two June birthstones, there isn’t as much lore tied to it. That said, since its discovery, people have come to associate the stone with a few meanings. As a birthstone, the gem inspires creativity and the imagination. It is also symbolic of hope, good fortune, positive energy and optimism, which is one of the main appeals of Alexandrite jewelry. Thus, reminding us that each type of light brings a new beauty to life that should never be taken for granted. Alexandrite supports resilience and helps us attune to the frequency of pure divine joy.
Pearls, moonstone and Alexandrite are all known for their unique qualities. Fact is, the birthstones June has to offer are all highly unique. Whether you love iridescent pearl, luminous moonstone or color-changing Alexandrite, June brings three gorgeous alternatives to the table.
The diamond is to the pearl as the sun is to the moon, and we might well call one the “king-gem” and the other the “queen-gem.” The diamond, like a knight of old — brilliant and resistant, is the emblem of fearlessness and invincibility; the pearl, like a lady of old — pure and fair to look upon, is the emblem of modesty and purity.
