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The History & Lore of June’s Birthstone: Pearls Part 1
The luminous pearl is June’s coveted birthstone. This enchanting treasure originating from the sea is a timeless wardrobe staple, beloved by fashion icons including Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. In this four-part series, we’ll be (1) sharing the source and history of pearls, (2) exploring different pearl varieties, (3) assessing factors behind pearl value, and (4) learning about how to care for your pearls.
A black-lipped oyster, which produces the Tahitian pearl.
Pearls are organic gems that form inside the tissue of a living mollusk (either an oyster or a mussel). The mollusk secretes a substance called nacre when an irritant such as a piece of sand or a parasite invades its shell. The mollusk continues to secrete layers of nacre, until the nacre-covered speck becomes a pearl. This process usually spans the course of two years.
Isla Margarita pearls. Image courtesy of KCB Natural Pearls.
Pearls come in an abundance of sizes, colors and shapes, which are determined by the unique conditions in which they form. Natural pearls are rare; cultured pearls are divided into freshwater and saltwater varieties in controlled pearl farms around the world. Cultured pearls are formed by inserting a bead or a piece of mantle tissue into the mollusk. It is estimated there are approximately 100,000 species of mollusk, but only 14 are used to produce cultured pearls.
This 450-carat, natural baroque freshwater pearl was once owned by Philip Henry Hope. © Christie’s Images / The Bridgeman Art Library.
The pearl has been beloved by royals throughout history. Queen Elizabeth the First is adorned with huge pearls in many of her portraits. Cleopatra was said to have two of the largest pearls in the world in her possession. Legend has it that she dissolved and drank one of them at the world’s most expensive banquet. The other pearl was cut into two pieces and placed in the ears of Venus in the Pantheon at Rome.
There is more to learn about pearl lore, as well as interesting facts on our Gem Encyclopedia pages.
Don’t forget to tune into the next segment of our June birthstone series, where we take a deeper look at the various types of cultured pearls!
There are many influential celebrities and historical figures who have donned pearls through the ages! Who is your favorite pearl jewelry icon and why?