JUNE: PEARL

Written by Baroque Rocks

June Birthstone: Pearl 
June’s birthstone, the effortlessly elegant, but powerful and punky Pearl, has long been associated with the upper echelons of style and influence. From the timeless glamour of royal collections to the modern edge of Harry Styles’ solitary pearl earring, Pearls have proved themselves both classic and rebellious — true harbingers of enduring style.

Unlike most gemstones, Pearls are organic gems, formed within living molluscs rather than mined from the earth.  Their soft lustre and luminous glow have captivated collectors for centuries, making the Pearl one of the most treasured and recognisable birthstones in jewellery history.

Pearls of Wisdom:
Although often grouped with gemstones, pearls are technically organic gems rather than minerals. A Pearl is formed from layers of nacre, a natural composite of the mineral Aragonite (Calcium Carbonate) and an organic protein called Conchiolin.  This remarkable substance, commonly known as mother-of-pearl or nacre, gives pearls their distinctive iridescence and silky sheen.

The ‘Nacred’ Truth: How a Pearl Is Born
A natural Pearl begins life inside an oyster or mollusc when a tiny irritant, think gatecrashing grain of sand, becomes trapped within the shell.  To protect itself, the mollusc coats the intruder in successive layers of nacre.  Over time, these layers build to form a luminous pearl.  Et Voila!!!

Cultured pearls are created through the same natural process, with one key difference: a Pearl farmer carefully introduces the irritant to begin the formation. This technique was perfected in 1905 by Kokichi Mikimoto, the celebrated “Pearl King,” whose ambition was to make Pearls accessible to women around the world.

“Pearls need love. If you are lucky enough to have inherited a loop, wear them. An oyster gave its life for that iridescent little ball, so have some respect!”
Sophia Money-Coutts for Tatler June 2015

Healing Properties:
Pearls have long symbolised purity, wisdom and prosperity.  Associated with emotional balance and inner strength, they are said to encourage calm confidence while quietly telegraphing elegance and reliability.  Pearls also thrive when worn against the skin — absorbing natural oils that help maintain their lustrous glow. Just need a willing peep to warm them up for you first!   

A Note of Caution:
Pearls require a little gentle care. They should be the last jewel put on and the first removed, as perfumes, cosmetics and soaps can dull their surface. As Pearls are relatively soft, they should also be stored separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches.

Potted History & Magical Myths:
Pearls have fascinated civilisations for thousands of years.  The Ancient Egyptians and Romans prized them for their rarity and luminous beauty, and it was this allure that drew Julius Caesar to Blighty!!  The Ancient Greeks believed that the mighty Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, was born out of the sea resplendently naked save for a string of pearls around her neck!  Nudity and purity and all that!

Throughout history, Pearls have remained firmly embedded in royal and aristocratic collections.  Their allure has never faded: in 2018, a magnificent Pearl and Diamond pendant once owned by Marie Antoinette sold at Sotheby’s for over $36 million!!! 

Rather a nice sop to the family, considering their ‘rellie’ had her head unceremoniously lopped off!  One way to secure a piece of history!! But none the less a dazzling reminder that Pearls continue to command extraordinary reverence and value.

As Coco Chanel famously observed:
“The best things in life are free. The second best are very, very expensive.”
Pearls, it seems, sit rather comfortably in the latter category.

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