Pearls-The June Birthstone

Pearls are the birthstone for June, and are also the gemstone for the astrological signs cancer and gemini. the pearl is considered the gemstone for modesty and purity.

This may be part of the reason that it is also the classic gemstone worn by many brides and also members of the wedding party.

Cultured Pearls - Most pearls that are sold today are cultured pearls. A natural pearl is one created by nature and is a random act. When an irritant enters an oyster or mollusk it's natural reaction is to cover it with nacre and that is how a natural pearl is formed, through a random act of nature.

Pearls formed by purely natural means are often odd shaped and not saleable for the purpose of creating jewelry, and then there is the problem of finding them.

In the nineteen hundreds a method was perfected for creating cultured pearls. Instead of waiting for nature to take it's course, man devised a method for introducing an irritant into the oyster or mollusk so it would begin it's job of creating a pearl.

From the introduction of the irritant, the oyster takes over and does what it has known to do for thousands of years. The process is no different. It is basically farming.

Those who farm cultured pearls provide the oyster or mollusk with the best environment which helps to produce more pearls and ones that have a better chance of being more uniform and acceptable to the marketplace for the making of jewelry.

This process has taken a natural gem which was once so costly that in ancient times the price of one fine pearl could finance a war, and brought it into a price range that makes it available to most anyone who is gainfully employed.

Pearls are a distinctive gem in that they are the only one that is created by a living organism and the only gem that needs no cutting. They are also distinctive for their luminescent quality.

Pearls are a wonderful choice for jewelry and can provide many occasions for wear and display. A pearl necklace or earrings are appropriate for both formal and casual occasions and will look just as appropriate when worn with a formal gown as they will when worn with a casual skirt and sweater.

They are a very good choice for wear with a wedding gown as they display their luminescent beauty without overplaying. Since a wedding gown will only be worn once, it should not be outdone by the accompanying accessories. Pearls are a very good choice.
By Illa Maden

More information on pearl gemstones and many other precious gemstones, to view at Pearl site....