June Birthstone - Pearl
Pearl Color and OriginsUnlike other birthstones, which are formed from inorganic substances, a pearl is formed by a living organism. A pearl begins as a piece of grit or other foreign substance that makes its way into the shell of a marine or freshwater mollusk (oysters, clams). A defense mechanism kicks-in to coat the particle with layer after layer of a substance called nacre, eventually forming a pearl.
Naturally occurring pearls are very rare. Most of the pearls we buy are "cultured," pearls that originate when beads or pieces of nacre are intentionally inserted into a mollusk and allowed to grow.
Pearls are traditionally white with flashes of iridescent pink, but today's cultured pearls are available in a rainbow of colors and in a huge range of shapes and sizes.
Pearl Folklore
Different cultures throughout history have associated pearls with modesty, chastity, power and courage.