June Birthstone - Pearl

Pearl is the Modern June birthstone. It is also the birthstone for the Star Signs of Gemini and Cancer, Traditional, Contemporary, Mystical, Ancient, Zodiac and Star signs. Fresh water pearls are given on the 1st wedding anniversary. Pearls are also given on the 3rd, 12th and 30th anniversaries. Pearls are associated with the values of modesty, purity, beauty, and happiness.

There are many types of pearls including:
natural pearls; cultured pearls (which are made when a human intentionally inserts foreign tissue into a living oyster); Biwa pearls which are freshwater pearls from Lake Biwa in Japan; baroque pearls which are (irregularly-shaped; freshwater pearls; blister pearls are those pearls that are grown attached to the inside of the shell; black pearls which vary from gray to black; seed pearls; and Mabe pearls which are cultivated blister pearls.

The host secretes a lustrous substance, called nacre, to cover the bit of sand or other irritant that finds its way inside the mollusk. Layers of nacre build up around the intruding article to protect its soft interior. This process may take as long as eight years to create a pearl.

Ultrasonic cleaners are great for cleaning some jewelry but is not recommended for pearls. 

Other June Birthstones: 

Alexandrite - Its color varies from red to green depending upon the light source.

Alexandrite is associated with balance, confidence, and joy.

Moonstone - The moonstone is white & shows a glowing shimmer. 

Moonstone is associated with balance, good fortune, tender passion.