June Birthstone - the Color of the Pearl
The traditional color associated with the Pearl is the milky white color and was strongly favored as a popular gem in Victorian jewelry. Pearls come in a wide variety of colors ranging from white to black. The color of a pearl might be classed as white, silver, cream-colored, gold, green, blue or black.
Definition of the Pearl, additional information about the June Birthstone
Definition of Pearl, the June birth stone: The word Pearl is derived from the Latin word "pirum" which means "pear" which reflects the shape of the gem. A smooth lustrous round structure having a brilliant luster, with varying tints, found inside the shell of a mollusk such as a clam or oyster. It is formed due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle. Its substance is the same as nacre, or mother-of-pearl. Pearls which are round, or nearly round, and of fine luster, are highly esteemed as jewels, and compare in value with precious stones. Real pearls are made by oysters or other mollusks whilst imitation pearls are man-made. Cultured pearls are made by mollusks but with human intervention (an irritant introduced into their shells causes a pearl to grow). A good sized pearl can take between five to eight years to form, which is usually the entire life of the oyster or mollusk. The cost depends on the size and the coating, or “nacre”, on a real pearl which gives it its iridescence.
June Birth stone - the History of the Pearl
For those who were born in the month of June the Pearl is the traditional birthstone. The history, myths, legends and folklore surrounding the magical properties of different birthstones have been handed down through the ages and from different civilisations. This subject has been documented separately in the History of Birthstones section which can be accessed by the link at the top of the page.
