Birthstone for June: Pearl
If your birthday is in the month of June, your Zodiac stone is the pearl!
Pearls are formed in certain mollusks when an irritant enters the shell. In order to protect its soft tissue, the mollusk coats the irritant in layers of nacre, more commonly known as mother-of-pearl.
Gem-quality natural pearls are extremely rare. Most of the pearls on today’s market are cultured. Pre-formed beads are inserted into pearl oysters. The oysters coat the beads with a few layers of nacre, hence achieving the look of a pearl, but with much more consistency than in nature.
Pearls are well-known as gemstones; most fashionistas worth their salt own at least one pearl necklace, be it natural, cultured, or even faux.
A strand of pearls became a trademark for First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, a leading trendsetter of her day. Pearl necklaces have since then become representative of classic taste and style.
Pearls are a hallmark of class. There’s just something about pearls that make them so simple, yet graceful and elegant, too. It’s because of their understated beauty that they are so timeless.
But pearls are also versatile. Many women wear strands of pearls and pearl necklaces to cocktail parties, but, lately, they’ve also been cropping up as chunky cuffs, cocktail rings, and even body piercings. My sister likes to wear a faux pearl necklace with a brightly-colored polo t-shirt – with the collar popped, of course.
Pearls are fairly delicate and must be taken care of diligently. They are soft and may scratch, so they’re best stored in soft cloths. They are also extremely porous, so care must be taken not to get them wet.
The ladies of June are much like their birthstone: classy, beautiful, and precious. So happy birthday to all you pearls out there! Keep on shining!
Simply, Yet Elegantly,
Olivia
