June Birthstone

Every other birthstone starts as a mineral pulled from deep within the earth. Pearl starts inside a living oyster, quietly forming layer by layer over the years, with no cutting or faceting required to bring out its shine. This beauty has held a place of honor in jewelry boxes for thousands of years, long before diamonds became the default choice for milestone gifts. Ancient civilizations across Rome, Egypt, and Asia prized pearls so highly that sumptuary laws in some eras restricted who could wear them at all. That reverence has carried into the modern birthstone calendar, where pearl remains one of the only gems associated with a specific month rather than a mineral deposit. June has more than one official birthstone, with alexandrite and moonstone rounding out the lineup alongside pearl, though pearl remains the most widely worn of the three. At JTV, we've spent years sourcing genuine pearls across a range of types, styles, and price points, from delicate studs to statement necklaces built for special occasions. Here's what makes pearl so different from every other birthstone, and how to care for a gem that isn't like the rest of the calendar.

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The Pearl Types Worth Knowing

Before choosing a piece, it helps to know that not all pearls are the same, and each type has its own character.

• Akoya Pearls: Classic And Refined: Akoya pearls are known for their round shape and bright, mirror-like shine.
• Freshwater Pearls: Versatile And Affordable: Freshwater pearls come in more shapes and colors at a lower price point.
• South Sea Pearls: Large And Luxurious: South Sea pearls are prized for their larger size and soft, satiny glow.
• Tahitian Pearls: Naturally Dark And Dramatic: Tahitian pearls stand out for their naturally dark, sometimes greenish-black color.
• Exploring Every Birth Month: Browse the full year in Shop All Birthstone Jewelry, all in one place.
• What Comes Next In The Calendar: Curious what July celebrates? Our July Birthstone Guide looks further ahead in the year.

Once you know the differences between these four types, choosing a pearl piece becomes a lot easier.

The Only Birthstone That Isn't a Mineral

Pearl stands apart from every other birthstone because of how it actually comes to exist. Here's how:

How A Pearl Actually Forms Inside An Oyster

A pearl forms when an oyster coats an irritant, like a grain of sand, in layers of a substance called nacre. Over time, those layers build up into the smooth, lustrous surface pearls are known for.

Cultured Pearls Versus Natural Pearls Explained

Nearly all pearls sold today are cultured, meaning the irritant was introduced by a person rather than occurring by accident. Natural pearls, formed without any human involvement, are exceptionally rare and typically far more expensive.

Why Every Pearl Looks Slightly Different

Because pearls grow inside a living creature rather than forming as a uniform crystal, no two pearls ever look exactly alike, which is part of what makes June birthstone jewelry feel personal. Slight variations in shape, color, and shine are signs of authenticity rather than flaws.

June's Other Two Birthstones

Alongside pearl, June also claims alexandrite and moonstone as official birthstones. Alexandrite is prized for shifting color depending on the light it's viewed in, while moonstone carries a soft, glowing shimmer often compared to moonlight. Both are far rarer finds than pearl in everyday jewelry collections, which is part of why pearl remains the stone most closely associated with June birthdays.

What Sets Pearl Apart From Every Other Birthstone

This organic origin is what makes pearl unlike any other stone on the calendar. Read our full Birthstone Guide by Month to see how every other month's stone compares.

Caring For A Gem That Came From A Living Creature

Because pearls are softer and more organic than mineral gemstones, they need a different kind of care.

Why Pearls Need Different Care Than Hard Gemstones

Pearls rank low on the hardness scale compared to most gemstones, which means they scratch more easily and shouldn't be tossed in with harder jewelry. Keeping them separate in a soft pouch helps preserve their surface over time.

Choosing A June Birthstone Necklace That Holds Up Daily

A June birthstone necklace worn often should be restrung periodically to keep the silk cord from weakening. Wiping pearls with a soft cloth after wear also helps remove oils and residue from skin and perfume.

Storing Pearls So They Keep Their Shine

Pearls can lose their luster if stored in extreme dryness or exposed to household chemicals, so a stable environment matters more than it does for harder stones. For a closer look at how gemstone treatments and care compare across different birthstones, see our Gemstone Color Chart.

Gifting Pearl Jewelry For June Birthdays

Pearl jewelry works well as a gift for nearly any occasion, not just June birthdays, given its long association with elegance and milestones. For gift ideas that go beyond the expected, browse our Uncommon Gemstone Gift Ideas.

The Pearl Varieties Behind Our June Collection

Akoya Pearl Jewelry

Our Akoya pearl pieces are known for their classic round shape and bright, reflective shine, making them a versatile choice for both everyday wear and formal occasions. We carry them across rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

Our freshwater pearl collection offers the widest range of shapes and colors, from classic white to soft pink and lavender tones. It's a practical entry point for anyone new to pearl jewelry.

South Sea And Tahitian Pearl Jewelry

For a bolder look, our South Sea and Tahitian pearl pieces stand out with larger sizes and richer, deeper coloring, including the naturally dark tones Tahitian pearls are known for. We work with brands like Honora and the Artisan Collection to offer pearls across a range of styles and price points.

Frequently Asked Questions About The June Birthstone