June Birthstones: The Magical Trio of Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
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- THE PEARL SOURCE AAA Quality Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace 18-inch
- Angara Lab-Created Alexandrite Ring with Diamond Halo in 14K White Gold
- Gem Stone King Rainbow Moonstone Pendant in Sterling Silver
- Peora 14K Gold Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings 8mm
- Ross-Simons Moonstone Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver
- FANCIME 14K Gold South Sea Pearl Pendant with Diamond Bail
- Dazzlingrock Collection Lab-Created Alexandrite Studs in 10K White Gold
- Effy Collection Freshwater Pearl Ring with Diamond Accents in 14K Gold
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One gem changes from emerald green to ruby red depending on the light. Another seems to glow from within like captured moonlight. June babies get to choose from three extraordinary birthstones.
Pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone each offer unique magic. Pearl—the only gem created by living creatures—has symbolized purity for millennia. Alexandrite, discovered on a Russian prince's birthday in 1830, displays an extraordinary color-change that earned it the nickname "emerald by day, ruby by night." Moonstone captivates with its ethereal adularescence—a mystical blue glow floating beneath the surface. When selecting June birthstone jewelry like a classic Akoya pearl strand, an alexandrite color-change ring, or a rainbow moonstone pendant, consider which stone's magic speaks to you most.
Why are pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone such enchanting June birthstones?
These three gems share an otherworldly quality that sets them apart from typical gemstones. Pearls form through an organic process when mollusks coat irritants with layer upon layer of lustrous nacre—a creation requiring years of patience from nature. Ancient cultures attributed magical origins to pearls: Middle Eastern peoples believed they were teardrops fallen from heaven, while Chinese legend held they came from dragons' brains. For centuries, pearls symbolized purity, innocence, and wisdom, making them traditional wedding gifts.
Alexandrite's color-changing phenomenon results from the rare combination of chromium in a chrysoberyl crystal structure. The gem absorbs different wavelengths of light, appearing green in daylight and shifting to purplish-red under incandescent lighting. This remarkable property symbolizes balance and adaptability, encouraging wearers to embrace life's changes with grace. Fine alexandrite is actually rarer than diamond and can command higher per-carat prices than almost any other gemstone.
Moonstone's adularescence creates an almost supernatural glow, as light scatters between microscopic layers within the stone. Hindu mythology held that moonstone was made of solidified moonbeams, while ancient Greeks and Romans associated it with lunar deities. The gem symbolizes love, intuition, and protection for travelers. Take our birthstone quiz to discover which June stone best matches your personality.
What is the history of June's birthstones?
Pearl fishing dates back at least 6,000 years, making pearls among humanity's oldest gems. Ancient civilizations across China, India, Egypt, Rome, and Persia treasured these organic gems. In Rome, pearls became the ultimate symbol of wealth—according to legend, Cleopatra dissolved a pearl in vinegar and drank it to win a bet with Mark Antony, demonstrating her extravagant wealth. Only the wealthiest could afford natural pearls until the early 20th century, when Kokichi Mikimoto perfected cultured pearl farming, making these gems accessible to all.
Alexandrite was discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains on the future Tsar Alexander II's birthday in 1830, earning its name in his honor. The gem's colors—green and red—matched the Russian imperial colors, adding to its mystique. Original Russian deposits are now exhausted, making antique Russian alexandrites extraordinarily valuable. Today, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa produce alexandrite, though stones with strong color-change remain exceptionally rare.
Moonstone has been treasured since the earliest civilizations of Mesopotamia, appearing in jewelry from ancient Greece, India, and Rome. During the Art Nouveau period (1890-1910), moonstone experienced a renaissance, favored by designers like René Lalique who appreciated its ethereal quality. Compare June's organic gems with the crystalline beauty of April's diamond in our complete birthstone guide.
How to select the most stunning June birthstone jewelry?
For Pearls: Evaluate pearls by luster (the most important factor), surface quality, shape, color, and size. The finest pearls display mirror-like luster that sharply reflects objects. Round pearls are most valuable, though baroque (irregular) shapes have their own appeal. Akoya pearls from Japan are prized for their exceptional luster and roundness. South Sea pearls are the largest and most luxurious. Tahitian pearls offer exotic dark colors. Freshwater pearls provide excellent value with good quality. Match pearls carefully in strands—consistent size, shape, and color indicate quality.
For Alexandrite: Color-change is paramount—look for stones that shift dramatically from green/teal in daylight to red/purple under incandescent light. The strength and purity of both colors affects value significantly. Natural alexandrite over one carat with strong color-change is extraordinarily rare and expensive. Lab-created alexandrite displays the same color-change properties at a fraction of the cost, making it an excellent choice for those who love the phenomenon. Eye-clean clarity is expected in quality stones.
For Moonstone: Seek stones with strong blue adularescence (called "blue flash") against a colorless or near-colorless body. The finest moonstones display adularescence that moves across the surface as you rotate the stone. Avoid stones with visible inclusions or a milky, obscured appearance. Rainbow moonstone (actually a variety of labradorite) displays multicolored flashes and is also popular. Sri Lankan moonstones are particularly prized for their quality.
What are key considerations when selecting June birthstone jewelry?
Hardness & Durability:
| Stone | Mohs Hardness | Durability | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl | 2.5-4.5 | Soft, requires care | Earrings, necklaces, special occasion rings |
| Alexandrite | 8.5 | Excellent | All jewelry types |
| Moonstone | 6-6.5 | Moderate, can crack | Earrings, pendants, protected ring settings |
Care Instructions:
- Pearls: Clean with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. Avoid perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics which can damage nacre. Store separately in soft cloth. Pearls benefit from occasional wearing—body oils help maintain luster. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Alexandrite: One of the most durable June stones. Clean with warm, soapy water; ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe. Store separately to prevent scratching softer gems.
- Moonstone: Clean with mild soap and warm water only. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, which can cause fracturing. Avoid heat and impacts. Store separately in soft cloth.
Metal Pairings:
- Pearls pair classically with yellow gold or elegantly with white metals
- Alexandrite's color-change works beautifully with white gold or platinum
- Moonstone's ethereal glow complements sterling silver and white gold
Whether you choose the timeless elegance of pearl stud earrings, the magical color-change of alexandrite studs, or the dreamy glow of moonstone drop earrings, June's birthstones offer something truly special. For luxury pieces, a South Sea pearl pendant makes a stunning statement, while a pearl and diamond ring combines classic beauty with sparkle. From bridal classics to collector's treasures, these gems span every price point and style preference. Explore elegant pendant necklaces to showcase these enchanting stones.
THE PEARL SOURCE AAA Quality Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace 18-inch
THE PEARL SOURCE AAA Quality Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace 18 inch
This classic strand features AAA quality Japanese Akoya pearls with exceptional luster and roundness.
This classic strand features AAA quality Japanese Akoya pearls with exceptional luster and roundness. Each pearl measures 7-8mm and displays the characteristic rose overtone. 18-inch length with 14K gold clasp.
"The luster is incredible and the pearls are beautifully matched. A true heirloom piece.
Angara Lab-Created Alexandrite Ring with Diamond Halo in 14K White Gold
Angara Lab Created Alexandrite Ring with Diamond Halo in 14K White Gold
This stunning ring features a lab-created alexandrite displaying the gem's famous color-change from green in daylight to purple under incandescent light.
This stunning ring features a lab-created alexandrite displaying the gem's famous color-change from green in daylight to purple under incandescent light. Surrounded by a sparkling diamond halo in 14K white gold.
"The color change is remarkable! Green in sunlight, purple indoors. Absolutely magical.
Gem Stone King Rainbow Moonstone Pendant in Sterling Silver
Gem Stone King in Sterling Silver
This ethereal pendant features a genuine rainbow moonstone displaying beautiful adularescence—the characteristic blue glow that seems to float across the surface.
This ethereal pendant features a genuine rainbow moonstone displaying beautiful adularescence—the characteristic blue glow that seems to float across the surface. Set in sterling silver with an 18-inch chain.
"The blue flash is stunning! The stone seems to glow from within. Perfect for June birthdays.
Peora 14K Gold Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings 8mm
Peora 14K Gold Freshwater 8mm
These classic pearl studs feature genuine freshwater pearls with excellent luster.
These classic pearl studs feature genuine freshwater pearls with excellent luster. Set in solid 14K gold with secure push-back closures. The perfect everyday elegance for any pearl lover.
"Beautiful luster and perfectly matched. These are my go-to everyday earrings.
Ross-Simons Moonstone Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver
Ross Simons in Sterling Silver
These elegant drop earrings feature teardrop-shaped moonstones with beautiful blue adularescence.
These elegant drop earrings feature teardrop-shaped moonstones with beautiful blue adularescence. The stones seem to capture moonlight within them. Set in sterling silver with secure lever backs.
"The blue glow is mesmerizing. They catch the light beautifully and get so many compliments.
FANCIME 14K Gold South Sea Pearl Pendant with Diamond Bail
FANCIME 14K Gold with Diamond Bail
This luxurious pendant features a genuine South Sea pearl known for its exceptional size and luster.
This luxurious pendant features a genuine South Sea pearl known for its exceptional size and luster. The creamy white pearl hangs from a diamond-set bail in 14K gold. Includes an 18-inch chain.
"The South Sea pearl is stunning—large, lustrous, and perfectly positioned. A statement piece.
Dazzlingrock Collection Lab-Created Alexandrite Studs in 10K White Gold
Dazzlingrock Collection Lab Created Alexandrite Studs in 10K White Gold
These fascinating studs feature lab-created alexandrites that change from teal-green in daylight to raspberry-purple under incandescent light.
These fascinating studs feature lab-created alexandrites that change from teal-green in daylight to raspberry-purple under incandescent light. Set in 10K white gold with secure push-backs.
"Amazing color change effect! Love watching them shift colors throughout the day.
Effy Collection Freshwater Pearl Ring with Diamond Accents in 14K Gold
Effy Collection Freshwater Pearl Ring with Diamond Accents in 14K Gold
This elegant ring features a lustrous freshwater pearl flanked by sparkling diamond accents.
This elegant ring features a lustrous freshwater pearl flanked by sparkling diamond accents. The combination of pearl's soft glow and diamond's brilliance creates timeless sophistication in 14K gold.
"The pearl is beautiful and the diamonds add just the right amount of sparkle. Elegant!
Review of Our Favorite 3
THE PEARL SOURCE AAA Quality Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace 18 inch
This classic strand features AAA quality Japanese Akoya pearls with exceptional luster and roundness.
Angara Lab Created Alexandrite Ring with Diamond Halo in 14K White Gold
This stunning ring features a lab-created alexandrite displaying the gem's famous color-change from green in daylight to purple under incandescent light.
Gem Stone King in Sterling Silver
This ethereal pendant features a genuine rainbow moonstone displaying beautiful adularescence—the characteristic blue glow that seems to float across the surface.
About the Author
Alfreda Borror
Alfreda Borror is an avid admirer of the finer things in life, and has an unending appreciation for luxury. Her considerable skills lie in design and fashion, having spent years working as a costume designer for both theatre and film.
