JUNE BIRTHSTONE - PEARL

According to Indian mythology, pearls were dew drops from heaven that fell into the sea on the nights of the full moon and subsequently caught and kept by shellfish, namely the Oyster. Warriors also adorned their swords with pearls, as they symbolise tears and sorrow, the resulting outcome of sword fights.

Pearls are organic. They are created within certain species of oysters and clams. Some pearls are found naturally in mollusks that inhabit the sea or fresh water rivers although today, most pearls are cultivated in oyster farms to sustain this thriving industry.

Pearls possess a uniquely delicate translucence and luster that place them among the most highly valued of gemstones. The color of the pearl depends very much on the species of mollusk that produced it, and its environment. White is perhaps the best-known and most common color. However, some pearls also come in delicate shades of black, cream, gray, blue, yellow, lavender, green and mauve. Black pearls can be found in the Gulf of Mexico and waters off some islands in the Pacific Ocean. The Persian Gulf and Sri Lanka are well-known for exquisite cream-colored pearls called Orientals.

La Peregrina (the Wanderer) is considered by many experts to be the most beautiful pearl. It was said to be originally found by a slave in Panama four-hundred years ago, who gave it up in return for his freedom.

Pearls were also widely used as medicine in Europe until the 17th century. Arabs and Persians believed it was a cure for various kinds of diseases, as well as insanity. Pearls have also been used as medicine as early as 2000 BC in China, where it was believed to represent wealth, power and longevity. Even to this day, lowest-grade pearls are ground for use as medicine in the Orient.