June Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June is the rare month with three recognized birthstones, and they could hardly be more different: pearl, the organic classic; alexandrite, a rare stone that changes color with the light; and moonstone, with its floating internal glow.
Most June shoppers land on pearl, and for good reason. But knowing all three options makes the choice a real one.
Pearl, the June default
Pearls are grown by living oysters and mussels, which makes them the only major gem created by an animal. Nearly all pearls today are cultured, meaning farmers start the process and the mollusk does the rest; that has been the norm for a century and is not a mark against them.
Value follows luster above all, the sharp mirror-like quality of the surface reflection, then surface cleanliness, shape, size, and color. A smaller pearl with brilliant luster outshines a large chalky one.
Pearls are soft, around 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and sensitive to acids and cosmetics. The rule is last on, first off: put them on after perfume and hairspray, wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing. Worn with that little care, they last generations.
Alexandrite, the color changer
Fine alexandrite is green to blue-green in daylight and shifts to red or purplish red under warm indoor light. The stronger and cleaner the change, the higher the value, and top natural stones are among the most expensive gems on earth.
Lab-created alexandrite shows the same color change at an accessible price and is the practical route for most June jewelry. At 8.5 hardness, alexandrite is superbly durable, an easy choice for rings.
Moonstone, the glow
Moonstone's signature is adularescence, a billowy blue-white light that floats across the stone as it moves. The finest stones are near-transparent with a strong blue sheen.
At 6 to 6.5 hardness with internal cleavage planes, moonstone is a stone for pendants and earrings first; in rings it wants a bezel and gentle treatment.
Choosing among the three
| If they love | Choose | Best worn as |
|---|---|---|
| Timeless elegance | Pearl | Necklace, studs, anything |
| Rarity and surprise | Alexandrite | Ring, any setting |
| Soft romantic glow | Moonstone | Pendant or earrings |
Common questions
Are freshwater pearls inferior to Akoya?
Not inferior, different. Akoya pearls are the classic round white with sharp luster. Modern freshwater pearls come remarkably close at lower prices and offer more shapes and pastel colors. South Sea and Tahitian pearls are the larger, pricier tier. We can show the differences side by side.
How do I know a pearl is real?
Rub it gently against a tooth: real pearls, cultured included, feel slightly gritty; imitations feel glassy smooth. Weight and the way each pearl in a strand differs slightly are other tells. Bring any strand in and we will confirm it for you.
