Magical Gems for June
June is the start of the summer season and there is no better way to honor this month than with the magical gems of pearls and moonstones! Both gems have the honor of being the birthstones for June and I can’t think of a better pairing of gemstones to represent this season and month!
Sterling Silver Moonstone Stud Earrings
Moonstones are from the feldspar group of minerals and is one of the few gems that displays a phenomenon called adularescence. Adularescence occurs when light is diffracted through the layers of the gem causing unique optical effects in the stone. In moonstone, this optical effect resembles the moon shining through the stone.
Legends say moonstone brings good luck and many believed that you could see the future if you held a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon. Moonstone is considered a stone of “new beginnings” and is associated with inner growth and strength. It’s also known to soothe emotional instability and stress.*
Mabe Pearl Crown Necklace
Classic, beautiful and considered one of the most elegant of gems, it’s easy to see why pearls are so loved and adored.
The earliest recorded mention of pearls came from China and dates to 2206 BC. In ancient China, pearls were believed to guarantee protection from fire and fire-breathing dragons. In Europe, pearls symbolized modesty, chastity and purity.
Pearls occur in a wide variety of colors naturally. The pearl obtains it’s color from the host mollusk’s shell. So, if the shell is pink in color, the pearl will be too. Cultured pearl farmers today, use that knowledge to produce pearls in a wide variety of colors.
There are typically 2 types of pearls: Natural and Cultured. Natural pearls form in bodies of mollusks without the help of humans in any way. Cultured pearls require human intervention and care in production of the pearl. Today, most pearls on the market are from cultured sources.
You can find pearls all over the world, but most commonly in Japan, China, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Tahiti. China is the leading source for freshwater cultured pearls today.*
*Souce: GIA Gem Encyclopedia