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Besides being the first month of summer, June has the distinction of being one of the few months with multiple birthstones: Pearl and Alexandrite!

Joslin’s has a wide variety of pearl jewelry, from necklaces to rings, earrings, and more!

Pearl

Pearls are the most unique gemstone in the world in that they are formed by living organisms. Mollusks, marine oysters, and freshwater mussels, produce pearls when a small irritant, usually a single grain of sand, becomes trapped inside, causing the mollusk pain. It slowly covers the irritant with layer after layer of nacre (also known as “Mother of Pearl”). Over time and much layering, the tiny irritant eventually transforms into a lustrous, iridescent pearl!

Saltwater pearls are more valuable because they are more difficult to obtain, larger, and come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, black, and pink. The chances of finding a natural pearl are quite low, with approximately 1 out of every 10,000 wild oysters producing one. The amount of time it takes a mollusk to produce a pearl from start to finish varies, but typically ranges from 6 months to several years.

Freshwater pearls are also beautiful, easier to harvest, and typically come in white, off-white, or cream colors, and their more rounded shape distinguishes them from their saltwater kin.

La Peregrina, the world’s most famous pearl.

There is evidence of Pearls being traded as far back as 1,000 BC and, throughout history, pearls have been highly sought-after and greatly treasured. Click here to learn more about Pearls, the way they are formed, and their rich history!

One of the world’s most famous pearls is the La Peregrina pearl, discovered in 1513 and owned over 500 years by the Queens of Spain, France, Napoleon Bonaparte and, finally, Elizabeth Taylor.

 

Alexandrite’s unique ability to absorb light causes this dramatic color change!

Alexandrite

June’s other main birthstone is a strikingly unique gemstone as well! Alexandrite is loved for its chameleon-like qualities, which have earned it the nickname “Peacock Stone.” In daylight or fluorescent light, Alexandrite shines vibrantly in hues of blue-green, but in darker settings or incandescent light, Alexandrite appears red-purple.

The Joslin’s staff replaced the center stone of this pendant with Alexandrite to match the customer’s June birthday!

Alexandrite is a relatively recent gemstone, discovered in Russia in 1831 and, legend has it, on the birthday of the reigning Czar, Alexander II, and so it was named in his honor. It is made of the mineral chrysoberyl, and because it can appear as green or reddish-purple, depending on the light, it was prized by Imperial Russia as it matched the Russian military colors.

Originally found in the Ural Mountains, those mines have been exhausted, but this unique gem has since been found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and throughout eastern Africa.

Another great quality of Alexandrite is how durable it is. With a Mohs scale rating of 8.5, Alexandrite is tough enough to be used in daily wear jewelry applications and rings.

Multiple birthstones mean an almost endless variety of options for gift-giving. Fortunately, Joslin’s not only has an ample supply of these precious beauties on hand, but expert jewelers are also on staff to help customers find the most appropriate stone, the most flattering setting, or even a wholly original design for any occasion.

Surprise a special someone who celebrates a June birthday. Joslin’s can assist in finding that truly personal gift they’ll cherish for a lifetime!