If you were born in the month of June, you are lucky enough to have three birthstones, Pearl, Moonstone and Alexandrite which are associated with the Zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer. June is one of only three months (the others are August and December) that has three birthstones, giving you a variety of beautiful birthstone choices. Moonstone and Alexandrite are a more recent additions to the birthstones list.
Pearls
Pearls are the only gemstones made by living creatures, they originate from oceans, lakes and rivers around the world. Natural pearls have been found by divers from the Red Sea since 300 BCE. Pearls have been used as adornment for centuries, at least as far back as ancient Greece, where they believed pearls were the tears of the gods fallen from Heaven. Whilst the Chinese believed that the stone came from the brain of a dragon. The oldest known pearl jewellery piece was discovered in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess who died in 520 BC. Pearls have long been associated with purity, humility and innocence. So it may be said that the June birthstone meaning is “sweet simplicity.” As such, pearls were traditionally given as a wedding gift of 30 years marriage.
Pearls are organic gems that grow inside of a living saltwater or freshwater mollusk (either an oyster or a mussel). There are two different kinds of pearls – natural and cultured pearls. Natural pearls form when the mollusk hides a substance called nacre around a piece of sand or parasite that has invaded its shell. Cultured pearls are a product of human intervention.
Types of Cultured Pearls:
Source - GIA.
Freshwater cultured pearls: these are sourced from freshwater lakes and ponds and typically feature in necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Tahitian Cultured Pearls: these are saltwater cultured pearls formed in Tahiti. These pearls are commonly black, brown and grey.
South Sea Cultured Pearls: these pearls can be sourced from Australia and Indonesia and are usually white or silver in colour.
Akoya Cultured Pearls: produced mainly in China and Japan, these pearls are commonly used in necklaces and earrings.
Source - GIA.
You may be surprised to know that pearls come in a variety of colours. The most common colours are white and cream. Cultured freshwater pearls can also be dyed yellow, green, blue, brown, pink, purple or black. Black pearls are mostly cultured because they are so rare in nature, they aren’t actually black but rather green, purple, blue or silver.
One of the most famous natural pearls is the 50.56 carat La Peregrina. The drop shaped pearl was discovered in the 1500s in the Gulf of Panama. It became a prized possession of European royalty. Once owned by several Spanish monarchs, its history spans almost 500 years. 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.
How To Wear Pearls
Pearls are a classic accessory which add elegance to any outfit. With their rarity and intricate manufacturing, it’s no wonder they have a long-standing place in fashion. The best part about pearls is that they don’t demand a particular style to work. Whether you’re a minimalist, maximalist or somewhere in between, there’s always something for you. No matter how you wear pearls, there’s really no wrong way. Delight a loved one born in June with a classic addition to their jewellery box.
Necklaces
Traditionally, a pearl necklace is the to gift commemorate a wedding, a graduation, christening or any important life moment. Although, they are making a comeback with the ’80s and ’90s trends for 2022. They’re back in fashion and better than ever. It’s time to rummage through your jewellery box and dig out that pearl necklace you haven’t worn in years (or check out our selection!).
Pendants
Another way to style your pearls is with pendants. Wear them on their own with a dainty chain or mix your pearls with different metals or beads. You could pair a traditional strand of pearls with other necklaces in your jewellery box to make them feel less dressy or add your pendant into your layering necklaces.
Rings
Traditionally a pearl ring is a symbol of purity and love, or a bold, handcrafted artist’s statement that punctuates your every gesture. There are several popular styles of pearl ring: the cocktail ring, the pearl solitaire, and the multiple-stone pearl ring. Which style of ring you choose will affect when, where, and how you can wear it, as well as the kind of statement you will make.
Brooches
Brooches have come back in a big way. Traditionally a brooch has been worn on the lapel, but here at Lancastrian Jewellers we love them best styled in unexpected ways, whether its on a hat, scarf, a cardigan or added to a necklace!
Moonstones
June’s second birthstone is Moonstone. Moonstones symbolise love, passion, and fertility. They are believed to be named for the bluish white spots within them, that when held up to the light, they project a silvery play of colour very much like moonlight. It was named by the Roman historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone’s shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon.The finest moonstones show a blue sheen against a colourless background. This June birthstone has been associated with both the Roman and Greek gods. Hindu mythology claims that it is made of solidified moonbeams.
When Art Nouveau became popular between 1890 and 1910, designers featured many moonstones in custom jewellery.
How To Wear Moonstones
Moonstone jewellery bring a touch of serenity and mystery that comes from the stone’s unique appearance, which glows. That’s why they’re the perfect choice to add a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe. Since these stones are predominantly white, they offer lots of options when it comes to styling an outfit. In fact, these stones act a bit like mirrors, they tend the reflect the colours nearby.
Necklaces
Since ancient times, the moonstone has been used to create elegant necklaces. If you’re into simple shapes and silhouettes, a moonstone can complement your look perfectly. A smooth, flat stone fits in well with a clean, modern aesthetic. Look for a simple setting that will really let your stone shine.
Rings
A moonstone ring is considered a stroke of good luck. Also, feelings of love and affection are associated with moonstone. So, they are considered ideal as engagement, promise or marriage rings.
Pendants
When styling your pendants, simple chains like cable, Figaro and curbs chains are all great options for pendant necklaces. These necklaces are timeless and work with most pendant styles. For a dazzling combination, use a moonstone pendant matched with the colour of your earrings.
Earrings
Moonstone earrings make a great addition to every wardrobe because of the colour shifting attributes of the moonstones. Adding a new accessory to an outfit is always fun, as summer begins the lovely and colour changing stone is a great choice.
Further Reading:
