Insights: June Birthstone

June doesn't just have one birthstone. Like August and December, There are actually three June birthstones; the pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. Pearls are the ancient and traditional June birthstone, and they are the most unique in the calendar as the only organic birthstone. 

Unlike other gemstones which form in the Earth over extended periods, pearls originate from oceans, lakes and rivers around the world. These gems develop when an irritating microscopic object, such as grain of sand, becomes trapped inside a living shelled mollusk. The mollusk secretes layers of nacre, by the same living process as is used in the secretion of the ‘mother of pearl’ which lines the shell, and the pearl is eventually formed. 

Natural (or wild) pearls are very rare and many hundreds of mollusks need to be opened, and therefore killed, to find just one pearl. Thousands of years of fishing for this June birthstone have decimated natural pearl beds, and so the overwhelming majority of pearls used in today's jewellery are cultured pearls. Culture farms use human intervention and natural processes and can harvest the pearl in as few as twelve to eighteen months, and are a more sustainable option. 

Freshwater pearls from mussels were one of the main attractions that drew Julius Caesar to Britain. Pearling was banned in the UK in 1998 however, due to the endangered status of river mussels.

Here at Lulu and Boo we source pearls for our pearl jewellery from a Culture Farm that practices responsible pearl farming that prioritises the health of the mollusk and the surrounding marine ecosystems. The farmers rely on pristine water conditions, and so keeping their habitats clean and healthy means they can harvest the highest-quality pearls and maintain a harmonious relationship with the mollusks and the surrounding nature. 

Pearls being born in water makes these an exceptional choice for any June Cancerians. Cancer being a water sign aligns with the underwater origins of this June birthstone, and this zodiac sign is also the known Ruler of the Moon and pearls share an ancient symbolic connection to the moon and her lunar energy with their colour and luminous reflective surface. For Geminis born in June the pearls' water energy is a source of calming for their natural fast-moving air sign. Worn by a Gemini, a pearl can enhance their natural charm, encourage clarity in their self expression and absorb negativity energy transforming it into positive vibrations. 

Pearls are a classic and elegant choice, which aligns with our design ethos to create forever jewellery that goes against short lived trends, opting instead for timeless quality pieces that will be loved by you and generations to follow. Take a look at our pearl jewellery collection to find yourself or a loved one's perfect pearl piece, and remember that we offer a bespoke jewellery service if you’d like to adapt one of our designs or perhaps rework an old heirloom into something truly unique and timeless. 

At Lulu and Boo it isn’t only our pearls that are sourced with sustainability in mind. All our 9ct gold jewellery and 18ct gold jewellery uses 100% recycled solid silver and gold. Take a look at our well-loved solid gold halos paired with a sustainable cultured pearl choker, and our 9ct gold and pearl drop earrings.