While the pearl is perfectly positioned as the gem of the month, June also can call alexandrite and moonstone its birthstones, and this 10X blog showcases great pieces featuring each.
Some birthstones are just perfectly positioned in their spot on the calendar.
Emeralds, for one, were almost made to usher in spring, renewal and warmer weather as the birthstone of May. Rubies offer their vivid, warm reds in the middle of summer as the gem for July.
I think pearls--the gem traditionally recognized as the June birthstone--are one of those, too. Their luminous attributes have long been coveted by man, and have been something of a fashion staple for a while. Their bright glow offers the perfect warmth for the month of June and can perfectly dress up a more casual summer look or match an elegant outfit for a summer soiree.
Additionally, cultured or freshwater pearls are thought to bring the wearer luck, money and love, as well as wisdom through experience.
Another gem recognized as a birthstone for June is alexandrite, which I find to be both amazing and a little mysterious.
Discovered first in 1830 in Russia’s Ural Mountains, the gem was named for Alexander II, heir apparent to the throne. Fine material of the gem is exceptionally rare these days and incredibly valuable, desired for its thrilling color-changing capabilities.
Moonstone also is listed by some as a third option, and while having three for one month seems a little excessive, I'm happy to know that all three of these gems are being put in front of consumers. You also never know what stone may speak to a shopper in an unexpected way, and moonstone’s adularescence is growing in popularity, so this gem could provide the perfect opportunity to pull in a shopper.
Here are 11 pieces of jewelry to stock for June babies.
This is Lagos’ caviar and pearl sterling silver bracelet from the Luna collection ($375) Lagos.com
Misa Jewelry’s “Oysterette” ring, with a freshwater pearl set in 14-karat yellow gold ($425) MisaJewelry.com
These are Pearl Collective’s long curved spike pearl earrings with white freshwater pearls in sterling silver ($525). PearlCollective.com
Sydney Lynch’s “Tide Pool” cuff featuring 18-karat gold and oxidized silver with dyed black pearls ($880) SydneyLynch.com
These earrings from Mikimoto’s Embrace series feature a delicate vine of pave diamond accents on 8 mm Akoya cultured pearls and set in 18-karat white gold ($1,900). MikimotoAmerica.com
Mara Carrizo Scalise’s Tahitian pearl and 14-karat gold leaf necklace ($2,970) MaraMCS.com
These ear threaders from Yoko London feature 12 to 13 mm natural “radiant orchid” freshwater
pearls with diamond accents set in 18-karat rose gold ($4,500). YokoLondon.com
Elyria Jewels’ “Rumi Earrings No. 1” feature diamond slices and baroque freshwater pearls in 18-karat white gold ($9,800). ElyriaJewels.com
Mark Henry’s alexandrite and diamond cocktail ring with a 0.51-carat pear-shaped alexandrite center and diamond accents set in 18-karat white gold ($12,400). MarkHenryJewelry.com
Geoffrey Scott’s “Melrose” cuff features rainbow moonstones set in oxidized sterling silver and 22-karat gold vermeil ($2,550). GeoffreyScott.com
Zaiken Jewelry’s one-of-a-kind 18-karat gold necklace boasts a large moonstone pendant set with amethyst, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds ($7,942). ZaikenJewelry.com
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.
