Pearl Birthstone Meaning and History
This lovely June birthstone comes from oceans, lakes, and rivers all around the world. It is a timeless wardrobe essential that is popular among ladies of all ages. The origin of pearls interested our forefathers. Pearls, according to Middle Eastern mythology, were teardrops that had fallen from heaven. The Chinese believed that the June birthstone jewelry originated in the brain of a dragon. Christopher Columbus and his contemporaries believed that mollusks made pearls from dew drops.
The Formation of Pearls
Pearls are organic gems that form within the tissue of a living saltwater or freshwater mollusk (such as an oyster or a mussel). Natural pearls are formed when a mollusk secretes a substance consider as a nacre around an irritant, such as a piece of sand or a parasite that has infiltrated its shell. Technicians insert a piece of mantle tissue (common for freshwater cultivated pearls) or a mother-of-pearl shell bead (all saltwater) into a host snail. Cultured pearls are raised on pearl farms, where the mollusks are cleaned, shielded from predators, and then collected. Thousands of years of pearl trawling have ravaged natural pearl beds, therefore cultured pearls now account for the great majority of pearl sales.
Pearls have always been associating with purity, humility, and innocence. So the June birthstone’s connotation may be “sweet simplicity.” Pearls were historically presented as a bridal gift.
The pearl birthstone is also regarding to be beneficial. Pearls think to provide long life and prosperity, according to the ancient Sanskrit scripture the Atharvaveda. In Asia, pearls think to aid with dyspepsia and hemorrhages.
One of the most well-known natural pearls is the 50.56 carat (ct) La Peregrina. The drop-shaped pearl, about the size of a pigeon’s egg, was discovered in the Gulf of Panama around the 1500s. It became a coveted possession among European royalty. Richard Burton eventually gave it to Elizabeth Taylor in 1969, and Christie’s New York auctioned the Cartier necklace including La Peregrina for $11.8 million in 2011.
Elizabeth Taylor’s famous 50.56-carat La Peregrina Pearl boldly displays the June birthstone as a pendant on a two-strand pearl, ruby, and diamond necklace.
Cartier incorporated Elizabeth Taylor’s historic 50.56 ct La Peregrina pearl into the pendant for this two-strand pearl, ruby, and diamond necklace.
WHERE CAN PEARLS BE FOUND?
A beach trip with warm waves, clear skies, and breathtaking landscapes sounds ideal, doesn’t it? It also accurately describes where you may usually find these pearl birthstones. Pearl-bearing mollusks do not flourish in polluted waters.
Cultured Pearls Across the Globe
Saltwater cultured pearls are grown in numerous locations throughout the world. Akoya-farmed pearl farms are largely locate by in Japan and China, particularly along the southern coastlines of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. South Sea cultivated pearls are farmed from Australia’s northern coast to Indonesia to Southeast Asia’s southern coast, with major operations in the Philippines.
Japan’s Akoya Pearl Farms
The June birthstone is locate by in this ocean landscape with boats anchor on shore in Ago Bay, Japan, which is an important location for Akoya-culture pearl farms.
Ago Bay in Japan is one of the most important locations for akoya-farmed pearl farms. Photo by Valerie Power/GIA
The landscape of French Polynesia’s atolls protects pearl farms, which contain the June birthstone, from the surrounding ocean waves. The area is border by palm palms, which protect a lagoon perfect for mollusk cultivation.
French Polynesia’s atolls protect pearl farms from the ocean waves. Behind the palm tree fringe is a secluded lagoon excellent for mollusk culture. Photo: Amanda Luke/GIA.
Historical Pearl Harvesting Regions
Natural pearls have been discovering in the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf) for over 5,000 years, and divers have been recovering the June birthstone from the Red Sea since 300 BCE. The Strait of Mannar has been producing pearls since 2000 BCE. Beginning in the 16th century, during Spanish colonial control, significant quantities of pearls were retrieve from the oceans of Mexico, Central America, and what is now Venezuela. Today, only a few pearls can be found in any of these regions.
Pearl Birthstone Care and Cleaning
Pearls have a hardness of 2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs Scale. Making them a somewhat soft gemstone that requires careful care. To prevent scratches, store them away from other gemstones and metal jewelry. Never store your pearl birthstones in a plastic bag, since plastic can emit a chemical that damages their surface. Always use perfume, hair treatments, and cosmetics before wearing your pearl jewelry. The best approach to clean your June birthstone is to use a gentle, moist towel each time you wear the pearls.
A baroque cultured pearl, little fancy pink and peach off-round freshwater cultured pearls, round white Australian cultured pearls, and black and brown Tahitian cultured pearls showcase the June birthstone’s variety.
Today, cultured pearls come in a wide range of shapes, hues, and sizes. From left to right, a baroque cultured pearl, little fancy pink and peach off-round freshwater cultured pearls. Round white Australian cultured pearls, and black and brown Tahitian cultured pearls. Photograph: Robert Weldon/GIA.
Conclusion:
You undoubtedly have a greater appreciation for these classic beauties. Now that you know a little more about the history of pearls and the origin of the June Birthstone! If we’ve whet your appetite for the pearl birthstone, try adding five must-have pearl jewelry pieces to your collection. Elevate your appreciation for pearls and indulge in their allure with 925 Silver Shine. They have 925 sterling silver and gemstone jewelry wholesalers/manufacturers. Celebrate the essence of sophistication and elegance embodied by the June birthstone.
