Discover the Timeless Beauty of Pearl Birthstones: Meaning and History
Pearl Birthstone Meaning and History
This gorgeous June birthstone originates in oceans, lakes, and rivers all around the world. It is a classic wardrobe staple that is popular with women of all ages. Our predecessors were interested in the origins of pearls. Pearls, according to Middle Eastern folklore, were tears that had fallen from heaven. The Chinese thought that pearl June birthstone jewelry originated in a dragon’s brain. Christopher Columbus and his contemporaries believed that mollusks produced pearls from dew drops.
The formation of pearls
Pearls are organic gems formed within the tissue of a living saltwater or freshwater mollusk (e.g., oyster or mussel). Natural pearls emerge when a mollusk secretes a substance known as nacre around an irritant, such as a piece of sand or a parasite that has invaded its shell. Technicians put a piece of mantle tissue (common for freshwater-cultivated pearls) or a mother-of-pearl shell bead (all saltwater) into a host snail. Cultured pearls are produced on pearl farms, where they are cleaned, protected from predators, and then harvested. Thousands of years of pearl fishing have depleted natural pearl beds, therefore farmed pearls now account for the vast majority of pearl sales.
Pearls have always been associated with purity, humility, and innocence. So the June birthstone’s connotation may be “sweet simplicity.” Pearls were traditionally given as a bridal gift.
Pearl birthstones are also thought to be beneficial. Pearls are said to bring long life and prosperity, according to the ancient Sanskrit book the Atharvaveda. In Asia, pearls are believed to help with dyspepsia and hemorrhages.
One of the most famous natural pearls is the 50.56 carat (ct) La Peregrina. The drop-shaped pearl, roughly the size of a pigeon’s egg, was discovered in the Gulf of Panama in the 1500s. It became a prized possession for European royalty. Richard Burton finally donated it to Elizabeth Taylor in 1969, and Christie’s New York sold the Cartier necklace, featuring La Peregrina, for $11.8 million in 2011.
Elizabeth Taylor’s famed 50.56-carat La Peregrina Pearl has the June birthstone as a pendant on a two-strand pearl, ruby, and diamond necklace.
Cartier used Elizabeth Taylor’s famous 50.56 ct La Peregrina pearl as the pendant for this two-strand pearl, ruby, and diamond necklace.
Where Can Pearls Be Found?
A beach excursion with warm waves, clear skies, and breathtaking scenery sounds perfect, doesn’t it? It also appropriately depicts where you can typically find these pearl birthstones. Pearl-bearing mollusks do not thrive in polluted waters.
Cultured Pearls Across the Globe
Saltwater-cultured pearl jewelry is grown in several areas throughout the world. Akoya-farmed pearl farms are primarily found in Japan and China, specifically in the southern shores of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. South Sea pearls are farmed from Australia’s northern coast to Indonesia and Southeast Asia’s southern coast, with large operations based in the Philippines.
Japan’s Akoya Pearl Farms
The June birthstone is found in this ocean panorama with boats anchored on the shore at Ago Bay, Japan, a popular area for Akoya-culture pearl farms.
Ago Bay in Japan is a key place for akoya-farmed pearl farms. Photograph by Valerie Power/GIA
The environment of French Polynesia’s atolls shields pearl farms, which contain the June birthstone jewelry, from ocean surges. The region is surrounded by palm trees, which preserve a lagoon ideal for mollusk production.
French Polynesia’s atolls safeguard pearl fields from ocean waves. Behind the palm tree fringe lies an isolated lagoon ideal for mollusk culture. Photo credit: Amanda Luke/GIA.
Historical Pearl Harvesting Regions
Natural pearls have been discovered in the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf) for over 5,000 years, and divers have been recovering June’s birthstone from the Red Sea since 300 BCE. The Strait of Mannar has been producing pearls since 2000 BCE. During Spanish colonial rule in the 16th century, huge quantities of pearls were recovered from the waters of Mexico, Central America, and what is now Venezuela. Today, none of these places contain more than a few pearls.
Pearl Birthstone Care and Cleaning
Pearls range in hardness from 2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs Scale. This makes them a fairly delicate gemstone that requires special care. To avoid scratches, keep them separate from other gemstones and metal jewelry. Never store your pearl birthstones in a plastic bag since plastic can emit chemicals that harm their surface. Always use perfume, hair treatments, and cosmetics before wearing pearl jewelry. The best way to clean your June birthstone pearls jewelry is to use a soft, wet towel every time you wear them.
A baroque cultured pearl, small fancy pink and peach off-round freshwater cultured pearls, round white Australian cultured pearls, and black and brown Tahitian cultured pearls demonstrate the June birthstone’s diversity.
Today, cultured pearls come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. From left to right, a baroque cultured pearl, a small fancy pink and peach off-round freshwater cultivated pearl. Tahitian cultured pearls in black and brown, as well as round white Australian cultivated pearls. Photograph: Robert Weldon/GIA.
Conclusion:
You have a stronger appreciation for this ancient beauty. Now you know a little more about the history of pearls and the June birthstone! If we have piqued your interest in the pearl birthstone, consider adding five must-have pearl jewelry pieces to your collection. 925 Silver Shine will increase your admiration for pearls and allow you to enjoy their charm. They have 925 sterling silver and gemstone custom jewelry manufacturers. Celebrate the sense of sophistication and elegance symbolized by the June birthstone.
