Pearls - the birthstone for June - Purity, Honesty, Integrity

The word ‘pearl’ derives from the Old French "perle" and promptly from Medieval Latin "perla"—mid-13th century—the origin is unknown.

A Brief History

This captivating June birthstone comes from the world’s oceans, seas and waterways around the world. It is an essential and timeless wardrobe accessory treasured by women regardless of age. The origin of pearls enthralled our ancestors, which led to many legends and myths. Middle Eastern folks thought that pearls were droplets from heaven. The Asians decided that the pearl originated in a dragon’s brain while Christopher Columbus and his crew thought that shellfish somehow manufactured the June birthstone from the morning dew.

Pearls are living gems that develop inside the tissue of fresh or saltwater oysters and mussels.  Natural pearls are created when the mollusk discharges matter known as nacre around grain of sand or some other irritant that has occupied its shell.

Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are the result of human ingenuity. Engineers implant a fragment of mantle tissue alone—to create freshwater cultured pearls—or with a mother-of-pearl shell bead (all saltwater) into an unsuspecting shellfish. The host shellfish squirts the foreign object with nacre, as with a natural pearl. Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms which are either saltwater or freshwater colonies in which the shellfish are cared for and protected from harm. Ultimately, they will be harvested. Millennia of over-fishing have devastated the natural pearl beds; therefore, cultured pearls are the mainstay of today’s pearl market. Cultured pearl birthstones are available in a variety of sizes, shades, and forms.

 The Birthstone

When we are born, each of the elements of the universe are aligned in particular configurations. Since everything is connected, (as it is above so it is below) the stars and planets are situated in ways that will have both positive and negative influences on our lives. 

Integral in these constellations and formations is a distinctive set of stimuli and characteristics. As humans we have free will, therefore, we can choose to go with the flow and roll with the punches throughout our lifetimes, or we can learn to understand the stimuli and how it operates, and then try to appropriately adjust our reactions to them.

In short, we have a choice: either accept it, or change it.

Our birthstones have been with us since Day One. They understand us, know what makes us tick, and are aware of our individual aspirations. As such, our birthstones can be like a lucky charm or talisman for us, should we decide to carry our birthstone in our purse or pocket, or wear it as a piece of jewelry. They also have the ability to clear negative karma we may have accumulated from past transmigrations, thus allowing us an easier, more pleasant experience in life this time around. 

What the June Birthstone can do for You

Among its many features, the pearl also encourages:

• Purity
• Honesty
• Integrity
• The ability to focus and concentrate
• Serenity
• Intellect

In the Far East, it was thought that pearls could relieve indigestion and internal bleeding. Several 19th-century Middle-Eastern physicians claimed that pearl powder enhanced vision and prevented blindness, calmed the nerves, and alleviated depression. The June birthstone also has the ability to “help the truth come out” in various situations while preventing disruptive behavior.

The Pearl is thought to be a remedy for indigestion and intestinal distress. It may also relieve bloating and nausea. It is said that the pearl can increase fertility and alleviate the pain of childbirth.

In addition to the June birthstone’s attributes, the pearl can also be crafted into stunning pieces of jewelry. Traditionally it is gifted on the 30th wedding anniversary