Pearl: June’s Birthstone of Natural Beauty
Pearls have been part of human adornment for as long as people have harvested shells from the water.
Ancient texts across regions describe pearls as symbols of rarity and good fortune. Early divers in the Persian Gulf, China, and the South Pacific gathered them long before the concept of gemstones as we know them.
Their natural glow and quiet presence made them valuable in both trade and ceremony, and that reputation never faded.
At Copeland Jewelers, we understand why pearls have held this place for centuries. They invite a different level of attention than cut stones because their beauty comes from a living creature rather than earth and heat.
Each pearl carries its own history formed layer by layer inside an oyster or mussel, which is part of what makes the gem feel so personal.
Pearl Through Time
Pearls have appeared across cultures for more than two thousand years.
Chinese historians described natural pearls as treasures of the rivers.
In India, pearls were tied to purity and wisdom.
By the time of the Roman Empire, they were considered one of the most prestigious materials a person could own.
Writers of the 16th and 19th centuries continued to treat pearls as symbols of refinement, and royal portraits throughout Europe show strands that signal status as clearly as crowns.
From trade routes to literature, pearls became one of the first internationally recognized gems. This long and global history explains why the June birthstone feels both timeless and familiar.
How Pearls Are Formed
A pearl forms when a mollusk surrounds an irritant with nacre, a natural material built from tiny crystals of calcium carbonate. When these layers settle smoothly over time, they create the soft sheen that defines high-quality pearls.
This process makes pearl the only gemstone created by living creatures, a distinction that gives it an entirely different texture, weight, and surface compared to minerals.
Because nacre forms in layers, pearls come in many shapes. A round pearl is the most traditional, yet baroque or irregular shapes have become popular for their individuality.
Both saltwater and freshwater species produce a wide variety of colors, from classic whites and creams to gold, silver, green, blue, lavender, and near-black tones. These shades are natural responses to each mollusk’s environment.
Natural vs. Cultured Pearls
Natural pearls develop on their own in the wild. They were once the only pearls available, which is why historical accounts treat them as extremely precious. Today, they are rare.
Most pearls on the market are cultured pearls, grown on pearl farms where technicians guide the process by placing a bead or piece of tissue into the mollusk. Culturing produces consistent quality while still allowing the animal to form nacre naturally.
Imitation pearls also exist. These are usually glass beads coated to resemble nacre. Real pearls feel slightly gritty when touched to the teeth. Imitations feel completely smooth.
Saltwater and Freshwater Varieties
Saltwater pearls come from oysters in the oceans. Several well-known groups fall into this category:
- Akoya pearls from Japan and China, valued for their round shapes and bright luster.
- South Sea pearls from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, which grow large and often display soft gold or silver tones.
- Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia, known for natural dark colors ranging from green to blue to charcoal.
Freshwater pearls grow within mussels in lakes and rivers, primarily in China.
Because these mussels can form many pearls over a lifetime, freshwater pearls offer a wider range of shapes and sizes. They also tend to have thicker nacre, which produces soft, complex surfaces.
Both types have a place in fine jewelry. The choice often comes down to personal style, preferred color, and the feel of the piece when worn.
How Pearls Are Valued
Jewelers look at several traits when assessing pearls:
- Shape: Round pearls are the most traditional and often the most valuable. Irregular shapes appeal to those who want something more individual.
- Size: Larger pearls are more rare and command higher prices, particularly when they also show good luster and surface quality.
- Surface: The fewer the imperfections, the more refined the appearance.
- Luster: High-quality luster shows crisp reflections and depth. This comes from even, thick layers of nacre.
- Color: Some colors occur more often in nature than others. The rarest shades are typically the most valuable.
Strand Lengths and How They Wear
Traditional pearl strands have standardized lengths:
- Collar: sits high on the neck
- Choker: rests near the collarbone
- Princess: around eighteen inches
- Matinee: twenty to twenty-four inches
- Opera: thirty to thirty-six inches
- Rope: anything longer than opera length
These lengths offer distinct looks, from formal to relaxed. Longer strands allow for looping or knotting, which creates additional styling options.
Caring for Pearl Jewelry
Pearls need gentler care than most gemstones. Their nacre can be affected by chemicals, dryness, or abrasion. These points keep them in good condition:
Cleaning and daily wear
- Wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them.
- Put pearls on last when getting ready.
- Keep perfume, hairspray, and lotions away from the surface.
What to avoid
- Avoid acids, including vinegar and many household cleaners.
- Do not use steam or ultrasonic machines.
- Do not scrub pearls with brushes or abrasive tools.
Safe cleaning
- Use a mild cleaner made specifically for pearls when needed.
- Let strands dry fully after cleaning to prevent silk from stretching.
Storage
- Store pearls separately from harder stones to prevent scratching.
- Keep them out of airtight plastic bags, which can dry out nacre.
- A soft pouch or cloth-lined compartment works well.
Learn more: Tips for Keeping Your Jewelry Clean
Explore Pearl Jewelry at Copeland Jewelers
Pearls have remained meaningful for thousands of years because they feel both natural and refined. They carry the quiet character of the creature that formed them and the long history of the people who sought them.
If you are choosing June’s birthstone, our team at Copeland Jewelers can help you compare natural tones, match luster to your style, and find pieces that sit comfortably in both daily wear and special occasions.