06/16/2026
Better Late than Never! 🫣
Did you know…?
The history of the birthstone can be traced back to biblical times and the book of Exodus. Beginning with the Breastplate of Aaron— a priestly breast plate adorned with 12 gemstones each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel— early Christians collected all 12 gemstones to wear at the same time be believing in the powers or protection held by each stone. This evolves to wearing just one of the 12 stones a month. Eventually leading to the modern tradition of— one gemstone to represent each birth month.
www.gemsociety.org
June— Pearl (also see Alexandrite or Moonstone) 🩷🤍🩷
Things to know and fun facts:
The word Pearl comes from the old French word “perle”,
derived from the Latin word for leg— as in “leg-of-lamb”—
referring to the shape of the mollusk shells where pearls
are formed. Being organic in nature pearls are grown in a
living saltwater or freshwater oyster or mollusk.
Pearls are one of the only gemstones not mined on earth.
Natural pearls form when a bit of sand or a foreign object
becomes trapped inside the mollusk or oyster causing
the creature to secret a substance called nacre around the
foreign object. Cultured pearls are formed by human
technicians, placing a foreign object into the mollusk
or oyster. Technicians work in Pearl Farms — both saltwater
and freshwater — producing the vast majority of pearls
in the jewelry industry today. Throughout history pearls
have been associated with purity, humility, innocence,
and are often given as wedding gifts. Pearls are
associated with the 3rd and 55th wedding anniversaries.
Color- white, cream, silver, pink, black (colors vary)
Top Sources- Japan, China, Australia, Philippines,
Gambier Islands, and Tuamotu Archipelago
Durability- Ranks 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness;
a soft gem that requires special care.
Care- Store pearls separately from other gemstones
and metals to prevent scratching. Always apply
perfume, hair products, and cosmetics before
putting pearls on. Clean with a soft damp cloth after
wear. No soap or chemicals.
Cultural Significance- In an ancient Sanskrit text
Atharvaveda, pearls were said to bestow long life
and prosperity. An ancient Hindu myth says
Krishna— the god of love— was the first to discover
a pearl, and gave it to his daughter on her
wedding day, thus tying the tradition of pearls
to wedding gifts. Ancients from the Middle East
believed pearls were teardrops from heaven.
Chinese believed pearls came from the brain
of a dragon.
