Pearl – The birthstone of June
Myth and Legend
Pearls are associated with love, wealth, wisdom and luck. To the ancient Romans, pearls were a status symbol that only the best families could afford. Pearl – the birthstone of June.
Pearl played a legendary role in the story of Antony and Cleopatra, when during a lavish banquet Cleopatra wagered Marc Antony that Egypt possessed more wealth than Rome. Anthony accepted the bet, but when Cleopatra crushed a large pearl and drank it in her wine, he had to admit defeat.
Modern History
Europeans first began harvesting pearls when they colonized Central America. However, by the end of the 1800’s the natural pearl supplies were depleted and only the wealthy could afford them.
Pearls finally became available to everybody in 1907, when a Japanese man called Kokichi Mikimoto patented pearl cultivation.
Since then, from Audrey Hepburn’s pearl choker in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Scarlett Johansson’s classic accessories, pearls continue to be a symbol of feminine style and sophistication.
Hard Facts
Pearls are “organic gems” formed inside mollusks, such as oysters, clams or mussels.Pearls can form naturally or be cultivated. Cultivated pearls are the result of deliberately inserting a small object inside a mollusk.
Pearls are fairly soft, only 2.5 – 4.5 on the Mohs Scale of gem hardness.
Where are they found?
Pearls are harvested and cultivated in the Asia-Pacific region, including China, French Polynesia, Australia and Japan.
Historically, Japan is where pearl framing began and today the country continues to be renowned for the high quality of its cultivated fresh and saltwater pearls.
Birthstone and Anniversary
Called “the queen of gems”, pearl is the birthstone for June, as well as for the star sign of Gemini.
It’s the time-honoured gift given on 1st, 3rd, 12th and 30th wedding anniversaries.
Pearls symbolise love and are said to bring fortune and wisdom to those whose birthstone it is, as well as joy and happiness to married couples.
Famous Pearls
Marilyn Monroe’s “Mikimoto necklace” is amongst the world’s most famous pieces of pearl jewellery. Marilyn’s second husband, baseball player Joe DiMaggio, purchased the necklace for her.
Care and Cleaning
Pearls are extremely sensitive to heat, humidity and chemicals, so you should handle, wear and store them with great care.
Always put your pearls on after applying cosmetics, hairspray or perfume. Wipe them clean with a soft cloth after wearing, as sweat can cause damage. Never soak pearls in water.
Clean those by stroking each pearl with a small, soft makeup brush that’s been dipped in water with a drop of shampoo added to it. Afterwards, wipe them clean with a barely damp soft cloth. If cleaning a pearl necklace in this way, always lay it flat to dry, so it doesn’t develop kinks.
Check your pearl necklace’s string periodically and have it restrung at a jewellers if you spot any damage.
