Pearls captured the imaginations of many ancient cultures. In China, pearls were said to come from dragons, while in the Middle East, they were seen as teardrops from heaven. Ancient Indian texts also said that pearls bestowed prosperity and long life. Over the centuries, pearls have been worn by royalty, beloved by fashion icons and passed down through generations.
Pearl's Birthstone History
Pearl is the birthstone for June, though there have been other June birthstones over the years. Additional gems with birthstone ties to June have included moonstone and alexandrite, but pearl is the most popular June birthstone.
Pearls have a rich history with ties to ancient civilizations worldwide. While once an exclusively natural creation, pearls are now also cultivated in both freshwater and saltwater settings. Cultured pearls are just as lustrous and enchanting as their natural counterparts. When searching for pearl birthstone jewelry, cultured pearls are the most abundant choice.
In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers chose pearl, along with moonstone, as the modern June birthstone. A favorite of blushing brides, timeless pearl elevates June weddings or special occasions any other month of the year.
June Birthstone Symbolism
Every birthstone is connected to its own birthstone symbolism and meaning. June’s birthstone is often linked to symbolism of wisdom, humility, modesty and trust. Historic symbolism of this lustrous Gemini birthstone has also linked it to prosperity.
What is June’s Birthstone?
Pearl is June’s birthstone, bringing unique beauty to necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more. Though there have historically been multiple birthstones for June, pearl is the most popular gem for June.
Pearl’s Connections to June
Astrological signs of Gemini and June birthday Cancers both lay claim to the pearl as their gemstone. A pearl’s symbolism of wisdom, honesty and even its connections to the moon often link it to the astrological signs with which it's associated. As one of the warmer months of the year in many parts of the world, June also represents the tranquil waters in which this gem grows.
As the Gemini birthstone, pearls can be especially symbolic. The very formation of pearls can represent the dual-sided qualities of Geminis, with two shells coming together to form one pearl.
June Birthstone Colors
White and cream-colored pearls are the most common shades of the pearl June birthstone, but additional colors are also available. Pearls come in a wide array of colors including white, cream, pink, black, gray, brown, silver, pink, green blue and even purple. Pearls often exhibit an iridescence that sets this gem apart from the rest.
Pearls are an elegant gift for commemorating important occasions. Our selection of pearl birthstone jewelry includes rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings so that you can easily find the perfect present for every event.
ENCHANT THE PERSON YOU LOVE
The romantic symbolism of the pearl makes it a wonderful gemstone for an engagement ring. Pearls may be set with prongs and accented by diamonds for a stunning combination of luster and sparkle. Alternatively, a prongless mount showcases the iridescent beauty of a solitaire pearl.
CELEBRATE A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY
Pearls are an opulent birthday present befitting a special birthday, such as an 18th, 21st, 30th or decades beyond. Celebrate the occasion with a sophisticated pearl bracelet in a traditional white or cream color, or choose an eye-catching and modern multicolored piece.
GIFTS FOR MOM
A classic pearl strand necklace that features hand-selected pearls and a gold or silver clasp makes a thoughtful gift for Mother's Day. Another exquisite option is one of our pearl pendant necklaces, which can be paired with glittering diamond or white topaz accents.
GIFTS TO MARK A MILESTONE
The timelessness of pearls makes them a prominent choice for marking life's many milestones, like graduating, getting married or having a baby. Commemorate these and other significant occasions with a charming pair of pearl earrings in a stud, hoop or drop design.
Keep Your Pearl Jewelry Looking Beautiful for a Lifetime
• Help your pearl jewelry retain its luxurious shine by practicing simple gemstone care.
• Pearls should always be put on last, after body care products like hair spray and perfume, and wiped with a soft cloth after wear.
• Keep your pearl jewelry in a soft jewelry box to protect against scratches, and store pearl necklaces flat in a cloth bag to prevent the string from stretching.
• Every once in a while, be sure to clean your pearls with mild soap and water. Avoid submerging strings of pearls and be sure to wipe all pearl jewelry dry with a soft cloth after cleaning.
• We also offer free cleaning and repair services to ensure that you can continue wearing your favorite pearl birthstone jewelry pieces for many years to come.
June Birthstone Buying Tips
This alluring birthstone for June can be found in many different jewelry styles. Freshwater cultured pearls set alongside sterling silver will bring lower price tags while rarer Tahitian pearls will often command higher prices. Luckily, there are stunning pearls at every price point to make the perfect June birthstone jewelry gift. When shopping for pearl birthstone jewelry pieces, consider these tips:
1
Choose styles with hand-selected pearls. No two pearls are exactly the same, so well-made pearl jewelry will have hand-selected gems that have been chosen for their similar or complementary styles.
2
Purchase from jewelers you can trust to ensure you’re buying authentic pearls. Real pearls will typically have a luster to them and are initially cold to the touch if they haven’t been worn in some time.
3
Choose the pearl color that’s best for your budget. Classic freshwater pearls in white, cream or off-white are popular and affordable choices. For an eye-catching style, consider South Sea or Akoya pearls.
After you’ve chosen the perfect June birthstone styles, be sure to keep the pearls in perfect condition by safely storing them in a soft cloth bag or jewelry box when they’re not being worn.
Learn More About Gemstones
Beautiful pearls are just one of the many types of gemstones that we offer in our jewelry collection. Learn about other gemstones and their gorgeous jewelry styles in our gemstone guide.
