The Multiple Birthstones of June: Pearl

Did you know the June has three birthstones to choose from? The most popular birthstone of choice is pearl, and there a few reasons why pearls are so special.

These are all naturally colored pearls!

Where They Come From

Pearl is the only gemstone that comes from a living animal! 

Pearls are created inside a living mollusk with layers and layers of nacre (nay-kur), which is a mix of calcium carbonate and protein. The nacre coats an irritant inside the mollusks to create an incredible natural wonder, the pearl.

Pearl Farms

It would be a very rare occurrence to find a pearl inside a mollusk on your own. World-wide fishing practices don’t allow a mollusk the time to create a pearl.

There are some tourist businesses at seaside destinations that allow you to choose a mollusk to find a pearl. I am sorry to say, that all of those pearls are implanted.

Pearls are farmed in specific areas of the world for water temperature and mollusk type. The mollusks are not killed in the process but go on to continue to create more pearls.   

Variety of Colors

Depending the mollusk type and water temperature, pearls can naturally come in different colors.

·       Golden south sea pearls

·       Black Tahitian pearls that generally have a green, pink, or silver over tone

·       Blue New Zealand pearls

·       White pearls from freshwater or saltwater farms

There are a lot of pearl colors in retail establishments that are dyed for their color, so it is always best to speak to a Graduate Gemologist when buying your pearl jewelry. 

How Do They Feel On?

At first, pearls can feel a little cool on your skin, but they quickly warm up to your body temperature, making them feel so comfortable to wear!

Depending the size of your pearls, they can have a nice heft to them, just enough to feel the luxurious weight of them. 

How to Care for Your Pearls

Pearls do require a little extra care because they are very porous. Perfumes and lotions can affect the nacre of a pearl.  The general rule for pearls is:

·       They are the last thing you put on when getting ready, and the first thing you take off

Most pearl jewelry have pearls either set with a strong epoxy or strung with silk. Because of the epoxy and silk stringing, keep your pearls from getting submerged in liquid.  The liquid will rot the silk causing your strand to break prematurely, and the liquid can break down the epoxy causing your pearl to come out of its setting. 

I would love to help you with your pearl jewelry! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping, so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:

• One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)

• Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)

• Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 29 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)

Learn more about me and my process: www.AngelaCisneros.com 

Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.AngelaCisneros.com/book-appointment