June Birthstone - Pearl

Since the new month is about to start, I'll be discussing the birthstone for June - the pearl. And with the newest run of June weddings coming up, how apt is it that this traditional wedding accessory is also the birthstone for the month?

Pearls are considered the modern gemstone for those born in the month of June. Other charts also show the moonstone and alexandrite, but the pearl is the main stone associated with June, so I will discuss it for this series.

The meaning of pearl is gem of the sea. Pearl is often used as a metaphor for something rare, fine, and admirable. It has been said that the pearl is a symbol of femininity, preciousness, and purity of heart.

The pearls can be of all types - freshwater, saltwater, faux or cultured. Most pearls sold today have been cultured, which means that some sort of material has been inserted into the mollusk to generate the pearl.

Most people think of cream or white when they think pearls, but all sorts of colors are available from gray, through to yellow pink and other pretty colors. A genuine pearl formed in nature takes many years to produce and only a small percentage of mollusks that do produce pearls have the final product the size and shape needed for jewelry.

As with all gemstones, a pearl has metaphysical and folklore tales attached to it. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy that the Love Goddess shook from her eyes as she was born from the sea. Old Arabian legends say that pearls were made when oysters were lured from the depths of the ocean by the moon and then swallowed moonlit dew drops.

New age thinkers believe that pearls treat digestive disorders and relieve conditions of bloating as well as increase fertility and eases in the pain of childbirth.

This lovely poem speaks about the beauty of the pearl:

By her who is this month was born
No gem save Pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

May Birthstone - Emerald

Since the new month is about to start, I will be writing today about the gemstone for May - the emerald.

The emerald is considered both the modern and traditional birthstone for May. This pretty stone is also known as a birthstone for the Zodiac signs for Taurus and Cancer. Emerald is the only stone, other than the Topaz, which is listed as in all of the ancient birthstone tables. Finally, the emerald is also suggested as an anniversary gift for both the 20th and 35th anniversaries and can be used as an alternate stone for the 55th wedding anniversary.

Photo courtesy of ebay seller BangkokGemMart

Emeralds are mined from what are called "host rocks." They have been mined in many countries around the world, but the most notable mines are those from Columbia. The best locations of Columbian mines are in Muzo, Coscuez and Chivor. Columbian emeralds are especially fine with a very shining emerald green which has very little bluish tint.

As with all gemstones, emeralds have many metaphysical properties associated with them. They are thought to improve intellect and memory and to help with tired eyes and insomnia. Emeralds supposedly give wearers the power to see into the future and are associated with greatness in business. They act as emotional stabilizers and help to release emotional trauma and help to govern perception of other's emotions. And they are thought to be associated with the heart chakra and open the heart up to love, healing and peace.

I just love the color! It feels so tranquil and peaceful to me. This lovely poem aptly describes this birthstone:

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring’s sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.