June Birthstones: Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite Explained
What Is a Birthstone?
There’s a saying in the world of gemstones: there are twelve months in a year, and each month is represented by its own unique gemstone—known as a birthstone. People born in different months are associated with different birthstones that carry their own symbolism and energy. For the upcoming month of June, there are not just one but three recognized birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite.
Pearls: The Queen of Jewelry
As everyone knows, Princess Diana was admired for her impeccable fashion sense and love of jewelry. She once said:
"If a woman can only have one piece of jewelry in her life, it must be pearls."
Throughout history, pearls have symbolized wealth, happiness, and nobility. In feudal times, aristocrats used pearls to represent status, power, and prestige, while common people regarded them as symbols of peace, good fortune, and joy. Loved for their natural warmth, elegance, and luster, pearls have long been known as the queen of jewelry.
The international gem community recognizes pearls as a lucky birthstone for June, as well as a commemorative stone for the 13th and 30th wedding anniversaries.
There are many types of pearls, but saltwater pearls are especially prized by major jewelry brands for their superior luster and quality compared to freshwater pearls. This makes them highly sought after on the market.
How to Care for Your Pearls
To keep your pearls radiant and beautiful for years to come, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some key tips:
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Avoid chemicals: Perfumes, soaps, hairspray, bleach, hot water, or seawater can all damage a pearl’s luster and color.
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Stay away from kitchen fumes: Don’t wear pearls while cooking. Steam and oil can seep into the pearl’s surface and cause yellowing.
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Keep out of direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure can fade their natural shine.
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Store carefully: Keep pearls separate from other jewelry to avoid scratches. Do not hang pearl necklaces for long periods, as the silk thread may stretch.
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Wipe after wear: Use a soft towel to gently clean pearls before storing. Avoid facial tissues, which may be too rough and abrasive.
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Don’t soak in water: Moisture can seep into the holes and damage the silk thread inside.
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Re-string regularly: Take your pearl necklaces to a jeweler for re-stringing every 3 years to prevent breakage from weakened threads.
Moonstone: The Gem of Dreams and Mystery
Moonstone is named for its ethereal glow, which appears like gentle moonlight floating across the surface of the stone—a visual phenomenon known as adularescence. One poet praised moonstone with the verse:
"Its blue light is as faint as the autumn moon—who would believe such a cold color comes from stone?"
Symbolism and Legend
In ancient lore, moonstone was believed to be moonlight captured in a gem. In India, it was regarded as sacred, a stone of protection and inner peace. Moonstone is also tied to love and emotional healing, making it a thoughtful gift for anniversaries and romantic milestones. It is the designated gemstone for the 13th wedding anniversary.
As one of June’s three birthstones, moonstone represents intuition, balance, longevity, and feminine energy. Its glow is believed to connect the wearer to the cycles of the moon and enhance emotional insight.
Moonstone in Jewelry
Moonstone’s dreamy appearance makes it a favorite for bohemian and spiritual jewelry. It’s commonly seen in bracelets, pendants, and rings, often paired with silver or rose gold to enhance its cool tones.
A moonstone bracelet is not only beautiful but also symbolic—perfect for those seeking a talisman of calm, clarity, and inner strength. When combined with other crystals like rose quartz or amethyst, the energy is said to be harmonizing and healing.
Alexandrite: The Magical Color-Changing Gem
Alexandrite is the rarest and most mysterious of the June birthstones. Its most remarkable feature is its color-change effect:
In daylight or fluorescent light, it appears in hues of greenish-blue, gray-green, or olive.
Under incandescent light or candlelight, it shifts dramatically to raspberry red, purplish red, or brownish violet.
This optical phenomenon—called pleochroism—makes alexandrite one of the most prized and unique gemstones in the world.
History and Significance
Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, alexandrite was named after Tsar Alexander II. The gemstone’s dual tones of green and red matched the colors of the Russian Imperial Guard, elevating it to national gem status. It soon became a symbol of royalty, luck, and transformation.
Poets famously described it as:
"Emerald by day, ruby by night."
Because of its rarity, natural alexandrite is extremely valuable and mostly found in vintage jewelry or high-end collections. Synthetic alexandrites are also available and are popular choices for June birthdays, engagement rings, and collectors of unusual stones.
Symbolic Meaning
Alexandrite is associated with renewal, joy, and the duality of life—a perfect stone for those going through transitions. It is believed to enhance creativity, encourage self-confidence, and bring emotional resilience.
Final Thoughts
Each of June’s birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—offers its own kind of beauty and meaning. Whether you’re drawn to elegance, mystery, or transformation, there’s a gem that speaks to your story.
At BUDDHA3BODHI, we celebrate these moments with jewelry that carries light, energy, and intention.
Related articles:
January Birthstone: The Charm and Symbolism of Garnet
February Birthstone: The Tranquil Elegance of Amethyst
Aquamarine Birthstone: A Rare Gem of Courage, Balance, and Peace
