Did you know June is the only month that has a birthstone harvested from a living creature? Yep, we’re talking Pearls. Pearls are elegant and have always been sought after to complement women’s wardrobes.
Some civilizations thought Pearls were teardrops that fell from heaven. The Chinese thought they were from the brain of a dragon. And Christopher Columbus believed they were formed from dew drops inside a mollusk.
Pearls are associated with purity, humility, and innocence. Which is why Pearls were traditionally given as a wedding gift.
June’s birthstone was also thought to bestow long life and prosperity. Or to relieve indigestion and hemorrhages. Or powered Pearl could help improve eyesight, quite nervous tremors, and ease depression.
The most famous Pearl is the La Peregrina, which is the size of a pigeon egg. It was eventually make into a necklace worn by Elizabeth Taylor. Yowza!!!
However, like every month, June also has an alternate birthstone. It’s the Moonstone.
If you’ve every seen a good quality Moonstone, you’ll be captivated by the blue flash that simmers across the stone when you move it. 😍😍
This alternate birthstone has been associated with both the Roman and Greek lunar deities, and Hindu mythology claims it is made of solidified moonbeams. Isn’t that cool? Moonstone is also thought to bring love, passion and fertility, and great luck. We all need a little of that in our lives. Well, maybe not the fertilely if you’re not looking to have kids. 🤣😂
Between the1890’s and 1910s, Moonstone was featured in a lot of fine jewelry. This Frankish disk brooch from the second half 7th century. Hmm, not quite my style.
Then, during the ‘flower child’ era, Moonstone made a comeback, and it’s still popular today with the New Age designers.
Personally, I love this crystal when it’s carved into a sphere. There is also Peach Moonstone and Black Moonstone. And sometimes, you get a Moonstone combined with the Sunstone so you can see the blue flash of the moon and the yellow flash of the sun. Quite stunning.
Anyway, this is my month’s lecture on crystal birthstones. Happy Birthday!!
