June is the only month of the year to have three official birthstones: the pearl, the moonstone, and alexandrite. Two distinct worlds coexist: the pearl, classic and timeless, a bridal jewel for centuries, and the moonstone, mystical and contemporary, with its unique inner glow known as adularescence. Alexandrite, June's third birthstone, is among the rarest gemstones in the world. This guide covers everything you need to know: history, types of pearls, moonstone properties, quality criteria, care and Mayuri bespoke jewellery.
What are the birthstones of June?
The three official birthstones of June are:
- The pearl, an organic gem of marine or freshwater origin, a symbol of elegance and purity
- The moonstone, a variety of feldspar (orthoclase) with an inner glow known as adularescence
- Alexandrite, a rare variety of chrysoberyl that changes colour depending on the light source (green in daylight, red in artificial light)
Why three birthstones? The original 1912 list included the pearl and alexandrite. The moonstone was added as a more accessible alternative to alexandrite, which is exceptionally rare and costly.
The pearl: history, symbolism, and timeless elegance
The pearl is the only gem of organic origin (alongside coral and amber). It forms inside a mollusc, either without any human intervention (natural pearl) or through the insertion of a nucleus (cultured pearl). A cultured pearl takes 2 to 5 years to form: each pearl is the result of thousands of layers of nacre deposited by the mollusc.
Legend has it that Cleopatra dissolved a pearl in vinegar at a banquet with Mark Antony to demonstrate Egypt's boundless wealth. Later, Kokichi Mikimoto patented the cultured pearl in 1893 in Japan, a revolution that brought pearls within reach far beyond the aristocracy. Japan's Ama divers continue a centuries-old tradition of freediving to harvest pearl oysters, now recognised as part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage.
A symbol of purity, femininity, and wisdom gained through experience, the pearl is the quintessential wedding jewel across many cultures.
Types of pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater
| Type | Origin | Size | Colors | Average Price |
|---|
| Akoya | Japan, China | 2-10 mm | White, cream, pink | $120-$3,500 |
| Tahitian | French Polynesia | 8-16 mm | Black, grey, green, aubergine | $240-$6,000 |
| South Sea | Australia, Philippines, Indonesia | 9-20 mm | White, golden, silver | $600-$24,000 |
| Freshwater | China, primarily | 2-15 mm | White, peach, lavender | $25-$600 |
Akoya pearls are the classics of fine jewellery, prized for their exceptional lustre and perfectly round shape. Tahitian pearls are not truly black: they display a deep grey with green, blue, or aubergine overtones, the celebrated "peacock" effect. The golden South Sea pearls of the Philippines are among the rarest and most precious in the world. Freshwater pearls offer outstanding value and come in a variety of shapes, from baroque and button to perfectly round.
To explore the characteristics of each type in greater detail, consult the complete GIA guide on pearls.
The quality of a pearl is assessed according to 7 factors defined by the GIA:
- Lustre: the brilliance of the surface, and the most important criterion of all. An excellent lustre produces an almost mirror-like reflection
- Surface: imperfections (pits, bumps, wrinkles). No pearl is perfect; a minimal number of visible flaws is considered acceptable
- Shape: round (the most prized), semi-round, oval, button, drop, baroque
- Colour: body colour, overtone, and orient (an iridescent play of light)
- Nacre: the thickness of the nacre layer. The thicker the nacre, the more intense the lustre and the more durable the pearl
- Size: larger pearls are rarer and more valuable, all other qualities being equal
- Matching: for sets and strands, the uniformity and consistency of the pearls
Our advice: always prioritise lustre above all else. A near-mirror reflection is the hallmark of a quality pearl, regardless of its size.
The moonstone: mystery and adularescence
Moonstone is a variety of feldspar (orthoclase) that displays a unique optical phenomenon: adularescence. It is a blue-white inner glow that seems to float beneath the surface of the stone. This phenomenon is caused by the diffraction of light through alternating layers of feldspar (orthoclase and albite) just a few nanometres thick.
The primary sources are Sri Lanka (the finest stones, with an intense blue adularescence), India (rainbow stones), Madagascar, and Myanmar.
An important note for the consumer: rainbow moonstone is actually a white labradorite, not a true moonstone. This distinction is essential to avoid any confusion.
With a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, moonstone is more fragile than Emerald or Sapphire and requires gentle cleaning. In many traditions, it is associated with the Moon: protection of travellers at night, fertility, and feminine intuition.
To learn more, visit the GIA page on moonstone.
Virtues and benefits of moonstone and pearl
Moonstone: associated with the sacral chakra and the third eye chakra. Traditionally linked to intuition, femininity, lunar cycles, and fertility. It is the stone of new beginnings and emotional serenity.
Pearl: a symbol of purity and wisdom. In the Ayurvedic tradition, the pearl (moti) is the stone of the Moon (Chandra), worn to soothe the emotions and encourage inner peace. In the Arabic tradition, the pearl was considered a "tear of the gods", a symbol of divine perfection.
Alexandrite: the third birthstone of June
Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl that displays a remarkable spectacular colour-change phenomenon: green in daylight, reddish-violet under artificial (incandescent) light. Discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains of Russia, it was named in honour of future Tsar Alexander II.
Exceptionally rare, gem-quality Russian specimens are nearly impossible to find. Modern sources include Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Gem-quality alexandrites can reach $12,000 to $60,000 per carat, surpassing the price of most Emeralds or Rubies. For an alexandrite piece, Mayuri can source this rare gemstone as part of an exceptional bespoke commission.
To dive deeper, visit the GIA page on alexandrite.
Comparative gemological properties
| Property | Pearl | Moonstone | Alexandrite |
|---|
| Composition | Calcium carbonate (aragonite + conchiolin) | Feldspar (orthoclase KAlSi3O8) | Chrysoberyl (BeAl2O4) |
| Origin | Organic (mollusc) | Mineral (igneous) | Mineral (metamorphic) |
| Mohs Hardness | 2.5-4.5 | 6-6.5 | 8.5 |
| Optical Phenomenon | Pearlescent lustre, orient | Adularescence | Colour change |
| Colour | White, cream, black, golden | Blue-white, peach, grey | Green / red |
| Indicative price | $25-$24,000 (depending on type) | $25-$600/ct | $600-$60,000/ct |
For a pearl jewel: focus on luster; a near-mirror reflection is the hallmark of a quality pearl. For a first piece, freshwater pearls offer an excellent balance of quality and value. For fine jewellery, Akoya and South Sea pearls are the benchmark.
For a moonstone jewel: look for a strong, well-centred adularescence, ideally blue (Sri Lanka). Avoid milky stones with no inner glow.
Setting: 18K yellow gold enhances the warmth of pearls, while 18K white gold brings out the cool radiance of moonstone.
Budget: freshwater pearl and moonstone both offer exceptional value in fine jewellery, with a wide range depending on stone quality and setting complexity. Mayuri offers bespoke creation for both stones: choose your setting, your stone, your metal.
Caring for your pearl and moonstone jewellery
Pearl (2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale), the most delicate of gemstones
Pearl is sensitive to acids (vinegar, citrus juice, perspiration), perfume, hairspray, and creams. The golden rule: "last on, first off". Apply perfume and cosmetics before putting on your pearls.
Wipe gently with a soft cloth after each wear to remove perspiration. Never soak them in soapy water for extended periods, as the necklace thread swells and weakens. Avoid storing them in an airtight box: pearls need a minimum level of humidity to stay hydrated.
Moonstone (6–6.5 on the Mohs scale)
More resilient than pearl, yet delicate compared to classic precious stones. Clean with lukewarm soapy water and a soft cloth. No ultrasonic cleaners, no steam. Moonstone is sensitive to impact due to perfect cleavage in one direction: remove it before any physical activity.
Recommended care: wipe after each wear (pearl), full clean once a month (moonstone).
Create your bespoke jewel with Mayuri
Mayuri offers the creation of bespoke jewellery in 18K yellow gold featuring pearls or moonstone. Pearls are selected for their lustre and nacre quality. Moonstones are chosen for the intensity of their adularescence. Contact our team to define your bespoke project: choice of stone, setting, and metal. Pair a pearl or moonstone with other precious stones for a truly unique bespoke creation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for June?
June has three official birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. Pearl is the most classic and most widely recognised. Moonstone offers an accessible and mystical alternative. Alexandrite, exceptionally rare, is the most precious of the three.
Why does June have several birthstones?
The original 1912 list associated pearl and alexandrite with June. Moonstone was later added as a more accessible alternative, as alexandrite is exceptionally rare and costly. June and December are the two months with the greatest number of alternative birthstones.
What is the difference between a natural pearl and a cultured pearl?
A natural pearl forms spontaneously within a mollusc without human intervention; it is exceedingly rare and highly valuable. A cultured pearl is initiated by the insertion of a nucleus into the mollusc. Both are considered "real" pearls. Today, more than 99% of pearls on the market are cultured pearls.
What is adularescence?
Adularescence is the optical phenomenon that gives moonstone its floating, blue-white inner glow. It is caused by the diffraction of light through microscopic layers of feldspar (orthoclase and albite). The finer and more regular the layers, the more intense and blue the adularescence appears.
How should you care for pearl jewellery?
Pearls are particularly delicate (hardness 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale). Follow the "last on, first off" rule to avoid contact with perfumes and cosmetics. Wipe gently with a soft cloth after each wear. Never immerse them in water for extended periods. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and chemical products.
What is the price of a cultured pearl?
Prices vary depending on the type: freshwater pearl $25 to $600, Akoya pearl $120 to $3,500, Tahitian pearl $240 to $6,000, South Sea pearl $600 to $24,000. Lustre, size, shape, and surface quality are the key determining factors.
Is rainbow moonstone a true moonstone?
No. The "rainbow moonstone" is in fact a variety of white labradorite, not a true moonstone (orthoclase). It displays multicoloured iridescence rather than the characteristic blue adularescence. Both are beautiful stones, but understanding the distinction is important to avoid any confusion.
What are the virtues of moonstone?
In crystal healing, moonstone is associated with intuition, femininity, and lunar cycles. It is traditionally linked to the sacral chakra and the third eye chakra.
