Birthstones - June  (Pearl, Moonstone or Alexandrite)

Pearl

Chemical Composition: CaCO3, Calcium Carbonate
Mohs Hardness: 2.5-4
Specific Gravity: Saltwater, 2.72-2.78; Freshwater, lower than 2.66
Refractive Index: 1.53-1.685

Pearl is the birthstone for June and also the gemstone designated for the 3rd and 30th anniversaries.
Known for their dramatic beauty, timeless appeal, and lustrous sheen, pearls have been cherished throughout the ages. A symbol of beauty, purity, and wealth, no other gem has retained such a level of value and desirability for as long as the pearl. The word “pearl” comes from the Latin word "perula," or “small pear.”

A pearl is the product of oysters and mussels, both from salt and freshwater sources, which feed by inhaling and exhaling water. Debris constantly flows in and out of their shells. These creatures are fragile and cannot tolerate anything sharp in their shells, so when they are unable to expel a foreign object, they do the next best thing…they secrete layers of a substance to coat the irritant, making its existence tolerable. This substance is called "nacre." Light that is reflected from these overlapping layers of nacre produces a characteristic iridescent luster, which is called "orient." The thicker the nacre and the more perfectly aligned each crystalline layer, the more radiant, rare and valuable the pearl. This process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years.

Most of the pearls sold today are cultured pearls, a combination of both man and nature's efforts. This is because only about one in every 10,000 pearl oysters contains a natural pearl of gem quality, making natural pearls very rare. Today, pearls are cultivated in both fresh and sea waters throughout the world. Most cultured pearls are produced in Japan. In the warmer waters of the South Pacific, larger oysters produce South Sea cultured pearls and Tahitian black cultured pearls, which are larger in size. Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater mussels, mostly in China. Selectively bred oysters produce pearls of exceptional lustre and color clarity. Highly skilled technicians open the live pearl oysters carefully, then surgically implant a small polished shell bead and a piece of mantle tissue in each. The shell bead serves as the nucleus around which the oyster secretes layer after layer of nacre. After being harvested, most cultured pearls are bleached, some are dyed to improve their color, and some are even irradiated to create new color hues. Although most people think of pearls as white, they vary in color from white to those with a hint of color, often pink, to brown or even black.


Care & Cleaning of Pearls

Cultured pearls are relatively soft compared to other gemstones and precious metals, so it is especially important to take care of your pearls to ensure they will remain bright and beautiful for generations to come. Cosmetics, perfume and hair spray all contain chemicals that can dull the luster of a pearl over extended periods of time. Even acids contained in body oils and perspiration can work to damage luster in the same way. Therefore, it is best to put your pearls on after applying makeup, perfume and hair spray. Wiping the pearls with a very soft, damp cloth after you wear them will ensure that they remain free from harmful build-ups of these compounds. Periodically, the pearls should be washed with a mild soap. Always keep your pearls separated from hard jewelry items, such as metals and other gemstones, to prevent them from being scratched. Pearls are best kept in a soft cloth pouch or a separate compartment in your jewelry box. We suggest that you bring your pearl strands to Gillespie Jewelers once each year for a complimentary inspection. Over time, the stringing may become stretched and brittle. Our expert restringing will help to preserve the appearance and value of your pearls.