June is a month full of warm sunshine, blooming flowers, and long, bright days. Its life and beauty are reflected in its birthstones, which capture the essence of this vibrant time of year. June features three stunning gems: pearls, moonstones, and alexandrites. Each stone has a unique story, value, and cultural importance.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins, costs, and pop-culture references of June’s birthstones.
Pearl
Pearls are natural gems formed inside mollusks like oysters and mussels. Treasured for centuries, pearls symbolize purity and elegance, remaining highly sought-after in jewelry and fashion for their timeless appeal.
Origin
Pearls develop inside mollusks like oysters and mussels around irritants, as layers of nacre gradually form to create the gem. Found in oceans, rivers, and lakes worldwide, pearls are highly valued for their rarity and natural beauty.
Cost and Value
Pearls vary widely in value, ranging from $150 for simple earrings to over $10,000 for top-tier necklaces. For example, $150 could buy a set of modest pearl earrings, while $50,000 could purchase a top-quality pearl necklace from a high-end brand.
Popular Pearl in Pop Culture
The popular pearl in pop culture is often linked to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic portrayal in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” In the movie’s opening scene, Hepburn’s character wears a stunning pearl necklace, establishing pearls as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. This portrayal, along with appearances by pearls on figures like Princess Diana, has made them a timeless fashion statement.
Related: An Appraiser’s Perspective: Are Pearls a Sound Investment?
Moonstone
Moonstone is admired for its mystical charm and shimmering glow that resembles moonlight. Its milky appearance and the way light dances across its surface, known as adularescence, have made it treasured in cultures worldwide for centuries. Believed to hold spiritual significance and prized for its ethereal beauty, moonstone remains popular in jewelry.
Origin
Moonstones come from mineral deposits found in places like Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, and Myanmar. They form deep within the earth’s crust from layers of feldspar minerals. Known for their mystical glow, moonstones have been treasured for centuries and are often used in jewelry and spiritual rituals.
Cost and Value
Moonstones come in different qualities, sizes, and colors, with prices ranging from $10 to $1000 per carat on average. The clearer and bluer the moonstone, the more valuable it tends to be. Top-quality moonstones with a strong blue sheen cost about $100 per carat.
Popular Moonstone in Pop Culture
In pop culture, moonstones are seen as mystical gems with magical powers, often linked to themes like spirituality and romance. For example, in Harry Potter, moonstones are used in potions and are thought to hold strong magic. They’re also a common feature in fantasy tales, sought after for their enchanting qualities.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a prized gemstone valued for its rare ability to change color from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, adding a unique charm to jewelry. Its scarcity contributes significantly to its value, making it highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.
Origin
Alexandrite was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and named after Tsar Alexander II. While it was first found in Russian emerald mines, it was later on produced in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa.
Cost and Value
Alexandrite is extremely valuable, priced between $10,000 and over $50,000 per carat, depending on its origin, clarity, and color-changing ability. Its rarity makes Alexandrite one of the world’s most sought-after gemstones. This rarity and its mesmerizing color change make it highly sought after by gem enthusiasts.
Popular Alexandrite in Pop Culture
In pop culture, Alexandrite is famous for its magical ability to change colors, symbolizing transformation. In “Steven Universe,” Alexandrite is a fusion character created by Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, showing its unique power to blend and shift hues depending on the gems combined. This portrayal has made Alexandrite a beloved symbol of versatility and strength among fans of the series.
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Appreciate June’s Birthstones with Willyn Villarica Jewelry
June’s birthstones capture both natural beauty and cultural significance. These gems, originating from diverse sources and admired for their unique qualities, have fascinated people for centuries.
If you want to know more about June birthstones, look no further than Willyn Villarica Jewelry. We offer professional gemstone identification services to help you understand and appreciate pearls, moonstones, and alexandrites better.
Our in-house expert jewelry appraiser, Ms. Willyn Villarica, leads our dedicated team and is highly esteemed by both the Gemological Institute of America and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Take note that while we offer our services worldwide, clients are responsible for covering all travel expenses.
To learn more, book an appointment now or contact us via email at willynvillarica@willynvillaricajewelry.com. You can also message us through our Facebook (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) or Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry) accounts.
