Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.

A pearl is the product of an oyster's defense mechanism. When a foreign irritant is introduced either by man (cultured) or naturally, the oyster immediately surrounds it with layers of a substance called nacre. This forms the exquisite gemstone know as pearl.

Pearls come in a wide range of colors. They should be relatively free from skin blemishes. The more perfectly round the shape the better. The higher the luster, or "orient", the more valuable the specimen. The larger the pearl, the greater the value.

Besides the popular round shape, there are stylish mabe (large hemispherical cultured pearls), fresh water (elongated in interesting shapes and colors), and South Sea (large cultured pearls 10mm and up from Australia's and Indonesia's waters), to name a few.

Pearls have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity. They have come to symbolize a happy marriage.

Avoid household chemicals, cosmetics, hair sprays, and perfumes. Don't use ultrasonic cleaners. Wash with mild soap and water and store in a protective chamois pouch or tissue paper.

Alexandrite the traditional birthstone for June is a beautiful, but very rare stone. It is very difficult to find natural alexandrite. Most Alexandrites on the market are synthetic or created. Alexandrite rings are very beautiful. If Alexandrite is set in a ring, the wearer can watch the color change from green to red, mauve or brown in incadescent light. Alexandrite has a hardness rating of 8.5.

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Alexandrite has been found in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Russia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Moonstone is a translucent stone that has a shimmering phenomenon known as adularescence and comes in various tones of colorless, white, yellow, orange, and gray. It always has a white or blue sheen. It is sometimes used as an alternative by those born in June since it physically resembles some pearls.

Moonstone Care:Moonstone has a hardness of 6 and therefore can be easily scratched.

Moonstone is found in Brazil, European Alps, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and USA (Pennsylvania and Virginia). Sri Lanka has the highest quality moonstones.
 

JUNE

PEARL