Pearlish3 min read
June is one of the few months with more than one birthstone. It has three: pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. Pearl is the oldest of the three and the only one made by a living animal.
Key takeaways
- June has three birthstones: pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. Japan added alexandrite to its list in 2021.
- Pearls stand for purity and, in Japan, for health, long life, wealth and harmony. The 30th wedding anniversary is the pearl anniversary.
- For a first pearl gift, studs or a fine pendant are safe choices. Pearls are soft, so store them apart from other jewelry.
Contents
June’s three birthstones
| Stone | What it looks like | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl | White, cream, pink, gray or black. Grown inside an oyster or mussel | Purity, long life and wealth |
| Moonstone | Colorless to milky, with a soft blue sheen | Love and good luck |
| Alexandrite | Green in daylight, red under warm indoor light | Its color change. First found in Russia in 1830 |
In Japan, the national birthstone list was revised in December 2021 for the first time in 63 years. Ten stones were added, including alexandrite for June, bringing the list to 29 stones.
What pearls mean
Pearls have long been linked with purity and modesty, which is one reason they became a wedding tradition. Old stories gave them other origins. In the Middle East, pearls were said to be tears from heaven. Ancient Sanskrit texts linked them to long life and wealth.
In Japan, the pearl’s stone words, or ishi-kotoba, are health, long life, wealth, purity and harmony. That makes pearls a popular gift for birthdays, coming-of-age ceremonies and milestones.
The pearl anniversary
The 30th wedding anniversary is the pearl anniversary, called shinju-konshiki in Japan. A pearl piece for a June birthday can double as an anniversary gift in the right year.
Choosing a June birthday gift
A first pearl: small studs or a fine pendant suit almost everyone and go with any outfit. The Floating Akoya Necklace is one Akoya pearl on an 18K gold chain.
For someone who wears jewelry every day: a delicate layering piece, like the Amore Necklace, adds to what she already owns.
For someone who already has a pearl strand: try a different shape, such as a pearl choker or drop earrings.
Budget: see pearl necklace prices for what each type costs, and Akoya vs. freshwater pearls to choose between the two.
Caring for pearls
Pearls are the softest of the June birthstones: 2.5–3 on the Mohs hardness scale, against 6–6.5 for moonstone and 8.5 for alexandrite. Put them on after perfume and hairspray, wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, and store them apart from harder stones that could scratch them. Our jewelry care guide has the details.
Shop the look
Floating Akoya Necklaceone 7.5mm Akoya pearl, 18K gold¥61,600
Amore Necklace2.5–3mm freshwater pearls, 18K gold¥26,400
Dual Pearl Piercetwo 5–6mm pearls, 18K gold¥26,400
Heart Pearl NecklaceMabe heart pearl on a freshwater strand¥59,400
