The birthstone for June, pearls are the only gemstone formed by a living creature. They shimmer in a range of colors, including lavender, gold, peach, and silver–though they’re most commonly a white or cream color. Delicate and bright, pearls came to symbolize innocence and purity for many cultures throughout history. They are a traditional gift for brides on their wedding days.
Pearls are first written about by a historian in China.
Pierre Cartier successfully offered natural pearl strands for a 5th Avenue mansion in New York City in 1917.
Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultures a pearl in Japan.
The pearl's luster gives the pearl its richness of color and reflective surface.
The most value is placed on the pearls with the least amount of blemishes.
The highest value is for round pearls, but symmetrical drops are also valuable.
The type of mollusk that made the pearl is the factor in how large the pearl will be.
