June Birthstone – Pearl (or Alexandrite)

What’s the Birthstone for June?

Pearls are the only gemstones made by living creatures.

Mollusks produce pearls by depositing layers of calcium carbonate around microscopic irritants that get lodged in their shells, usually not a grain of sand, as commonly believed.

Alexandrite is the birthstone for June according to both the modern list, but it’s a very rare gemstone in general. On the ancient list, June is a Pearl, which is more often used because of the rarity of Alexandrite.

“Emerald by day, ruby by night,” alexandrite is well known for displaying one of the most remarkable colour changes in the gem world — green in sunlight and red in incandescent light. However, the modern June birthstone is so rare and expensive few people have seen a natural alexandrite. That is why we are displaying Pearl instead, as it’s a much more attainable item.

Moonstone is June’s third birthstone, moonstone, was named by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone’s shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon.

Shop loose Alexandrite, Pearls and Moonstone in store today.