Pearl: 7 Pearls of Wisdom from June's Birthstone

If you’ve ever wondered what makes June’s birthstone so special, these seven life lessons we can learn from the pearl are for you.

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Published 09/23/2020 by Rebecca Nichols

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Pearl, June’s birthstone, is famous for its many shapes and sizes, as well as being known for its iridescent white color. But did you know pearl also comes in pink, gold, green, blue, gray and black? This makes it even easier to find pearl jewelry to match every fashion style. Not only does pearl dress up every outfit, but "nature's living gemstone" can also give us some of its own pearls of wisdom too.

Here are seven life lessons to learn from the pearl:

1. A pearl shows us that you can overcome adversity and have a happy ending.

A pearl is proof that even an unlucky situation can be turned into something beautiful. In the wild, less than 1 in 10,000 oysters contains a pearl, which can only exist if the unlucky oyster is first invaded by a parasite or other irritant. Nowadays, most pearls are cultivated on sustainable pearl farms around the world instead, but natural pearls are among the most rare and valuable gemstones in the world.

2. A pearl encourages us to take care of ourselves.

The pearl is a symbol for self-care and healing because it is formed when an oyster or other shelled mollusk tries to comfort itself from an invading irritant and coats itself with a soothing liquid called nacre. The nacre gradually envelopes the intruder and crystallizes around it. Over time, layer upon layer gradually build up and form the pearl. This symbolism has made pearl a historical treatment for the skin, digestive tract, muscles and more.

3. A pearl teaches us to be patient.

Freshwater pearls take at least six months to form and larger saltwater pearls like the South Sea, Tahitian or Akoya pearls take several years. Because it takes so long for enough layers of nacre to become a pearl, some myths compare the process of making a pearl to the wisdom gained through experience.

4. A pearl shows us that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

While the most iconic pearl shape is a perfectly round sphere, pearl also comes in several other unique and whimsical shapes that are just as beautiful. Drop and pear shape pearls make lovely earrings or centerpieces. Baroque pearls come in unique and unusual shapes that inspire creativity.

5. A pearl can help us calm down and relax, something we all need.

Pearl’s soft color and round curves make it a serene gem that is often believed to help you become calm and centered. It is also associated with the moon and feminine energy.

6. A pearl shows us that it's good to be one with nature.

Pearl is the only gemstone formed by a living organism. Oysters and other shelled mollusks that grow pearls spend their entire lives purifying the water around them. This makes June's birthstone a fitting symbol for purity and one of the rarest and most prized of all gems.

7. A pearl knows the importance of healthy skincare and style.

Pearl contains many minerals that are good for your skin including calcium, magnesium, iron, silica and amino acids. Plus pearl powder has been used in cosmetics and beauty projects since ancient Egypt.

With so many types of pearls, which should you choose?

South Sea Pearls

Some of the most sought after pearls in the world, known for their large size and brilliant sheen.

Tahitian Pearls

These unique pearls from French Polynesia are famous for their wide variety of colors including peacock, green, gray, white and black.

Mother of Pearl

Made from the nacre coated inner shell, this beauty is affordable and readily available in large pieces.

June Birthstone Alternatives

If you do not feel like wearing pearl jewelry even after learning these fun facts, June has two alternative birthstones - moonstone and alexandrite. Much like pearl, moonstone is known as a white gem with an iridescent surface and is associated with feminine energies and new beginnings. In contrast, alexandrite is known as "an emerald by day and a ruby by night” because this special gem changes colors between sunlight and artificial lighting and is said to bring good fortune.