June’s birthstone is beautiful, but it’s not a stone—focus on the PEARL

June is the only month whose birthstone—the pearl—isn’t a stone. It’s actually made by a living creature, the oyster (or another freshwater or saltwater mollusk). When an irritant (like a grain of sand) enters the oyster’s shell, a layer of nacre (a protective secretion from the oyster) covers the sand and a pearl begins to form. The more layers of nacre, the larger the pearl. They’re relatively soft (2.5-4.5 on the Mohs scale), and delicate, so they need to be handled correctly. Pearls can range in color from white, to gold, to silver, to cream, to black, depending on its host mollusk.

Natural vs cultured

Natural pearls are, well…natural. They’re also very rare today, especially high quality versions. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are formed when an irritant is placed (or injected) into the oyster and nacre grows around it. It can take 5-10 years for a cultured pearl to form.

Pearl facts and symbolism

• Ancient Greeks believed pearls were the hardened tears of joy of Aphrodite, the goddess of love; a Chinese myth says they were raindrops swallowed by oysters.
• To prove her love for Marc Anthony, Cleopatra dissolved a pearl in wine and drank it.
• Wearing your pearl birthstone is said to protect you from evil and bring you good fortune.
• Pearls, often seen as a sign of modesty and purity, are the jewelry of choice for most brides.

Taking care of your pearls

According to Pearls.com, you should follow the “golden rule of pearl care”: Last thing on, first thing off. Since they’re relative soft, leaving them till last gives your perfume a chance to dry and minimizes contact with your makeup—or banging on furniture or sinks as you’re getting dressed.

• Always store pearls in a soft cloth or pouch to protect them—don’t wrap them in plastic.
• If something drips on your pearls, use a very gentle soap, rinse well, and dry them thoroughly.
• It’s good to wear your pearls…the oil from your skin can actually protect them!
• Don’t wear your pearls when you’re exercising.

How to buy pearls

Pearls are classified by several factors: origin, size shape, thickness of the nacre, color, luster, and surface clarity. It’s also important that a set of pearls match one another with all these factors. Jewelers.org has a good guide on what to look for.

Let’s close with a quote from Coco Chanel: “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” I agree. And if you have new or inherited pearls that need a new or updated appraisal, let me know—by email (aimee@ambappraisal.com) or by phone at 617-304-0174. And have a wonderful June!

Brilliantly yours, Aimee