June babies are so lucky, not just because it's the official mango season (yum!), but also because you get to claim not one, not two, but three stunning birthstones! We're talking about the classic pearls, the mystical moonstone, and the dazzling alexandrite (we'll save that chameleon gem for another day).

But wait, two out of these three birthstones have something special in common – they connect to the magic of the moon and water!  Isn't that cool?  

So, let's dive deeper (pun intended!) into the world of pearls and moonstones, shall we?

All About pearl: 

Unlike other gemstones, they aren't minerals, but formed inside oysters and mollusks! Interesting, right? They come in a variety of colors, from the classic white and creamy pinks to deeper yellows, even blacks and greens.

Benefits of pearl:

• Pearls bring good luck, prosperity, and wisdom. Perfect for those important exams or that big presentation coming up!
  
  
• They're also known for their calming and soothing properties, ideal for balancing your inner peace during the monsoon madness.
  
  

Pearl Characteristics:

Mineral: Aragonite

Color: White, cream, pink, yellow, even black!

Mohs Hardness: Not the toughest gem— it's 2.5 on the Mohs scale, so handle with care!

Places mined : The Persian Gulf, Japan, and even closer to home - the Gulf of Mannar in India!

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Planet: Moon 

Element:  Water 

Popular shapes: Freshwater pearls boast a wider range of shapes, including button, oval, baroque, and even near-perfect rounds.

How to Check The Quality Of a Pearl? 

So, how do you pick the perfect pearl? Here's a secret – unlike diamonds, a perfectly round pearl isn't always the best. Look for pearls with a smooth surface, good luster (that beautiful shine!), and a symmetrical shape. The more even the color, the better. 

Here's a secret: real pearls feel nice and cool against your skin, unlike glass imitations. Plus, they have a beautiful luster, a soft glow that makes them look almost alive.

However, there are two major types of cultured pearls. Let's understand the difference: 

Freshwater Cultured Pearls vs South Sea Cultured Pearls

Choosing Your Perfect Pearl

The ideal pearl for you depends on your personal style and budget.  Here's a quick guide:

• For a touch of everyday elegance and a wider color palette, freshwater cultured pearl jewellery is a charming choice.
  
  
• If you seek a statement piece, like a pearl station necklace with unparalleled luster and size, South Sea cultured pearls are the ultimate luxury.
  
  

Think about the occasion: South Sea pearls are ideal for special events or heirloom jewellery. Although both are moderately durable, handle South Sea pearls with extra care.

Did You Know?

Pearls are the only gems that are created within living creatures. 

When a microscopic irritant like a grain of sand gets into an oyster, it starts depositing multiple layers of nacre around it, thereby producing a pearl. Since naturally occurring pearls are rare, most pearls today are cultured, where a foreign object is deliberately introduced into the oyster's shell to accelerate pearl production.

Treatments:

Pearls, unlike mined gemstones, can undergo various treatments to enhance their appearance and durability. Generally, untreated pearls are considered more valuable, but treated pearls can still be beautiful and affordable. 

Listed below are some common treatments:

Bleaching: This lightens the natural yellow or brown body color of some pearls, creating a more desirable white or pastel shade.

Dyeing: Freshwater pearls are often dyed to achieve a wider range of colors, like pink, blue, or black. Treated dyed pearls can be beautiful, but their color may fade over time.

Filling: Some pearls may have minor surface blemishes. These can be filled with a colorless substance to create a smoother appearance.

Irradiation: This treatment can enhance the luster and color of some pearls, particularly those with a dull or uneven appearance.

Caring For Pearl Jewellery:

Regardless of their origin, all pearls require gentle care to maintain their brilliance. Here are some tips:

• Store them separately from other gemstones to avoid scratches.

• Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove sweat and oils.

• Avoid harsh chemicals like perfumes and cosmetics.

• Have them restrung periodically by a professional jeweler.

• Wear them often: Believe it or not, wearing your pearls regularly is actually good for them! Your body's natural oils can help keep them hydrated and lustrous. 

• Don't expose them to extremes: Avoid exposing your pearls to extreme heat (like from a blow dryer) or intense sunlight for extended periods. This can dry them out and cause them to crack.
  
  

All About Moonstone:

Benefits of moonstone:

• Calms anxiety and fosters inner peace. 
• Helps ignite artistic inspiration.
• Sharpens your inner knowledge.
• Promotes balance in all aspects of life. 
• Helps you navigate your feelings with grace.
  
  

Moonstone Characteristics:

Mineral: Feldspar (specifically orthoclase)

Chemistry: KAlSi₃O₈ (Potassium Aluminum Silicate)

Crystal Structure: Triclinic

Color: Colorless to white, with a shimmering play of light called adularescence (usually blue or white)

Mohs Hardness: 6.0 to 6.5 (relatively soft)

Popular Shapes: Mostly cut in cabochon style (smooth and polished dome) to best showcase their adularescence. Other popular cuts include rounds, ovals, and pears.

Places Mined: India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, United States

Zodiac: Cancer 

Planet: Moon 

Element: Water

How To Choose A Good Quality Moonstone? 

Picking the perfect moonstone? Opt for a stone with a vibrant adularescence (the moonstone's glow)that catches the light beautifully– the stronger the adularescence, the more valuable the moonstone.  

The 4 C’s

Color: While many moonstones are colorless or white, some have a body color like peach, grey, or green. The adularescence should be the star of the show, though!

Clarity: Moonstones often have inclusions (tiny flaws) that can affect the adularescence. Some inclusions, like tiny fractures called "centipedes," are considered characteristic of moonstone and don't necessarily detract from its beauty.

Carat: Moonstone size can vary greatly—but prioritise adularescence over carat weight.

Cuts: Moonstone jewellery are typically cut en cabochon (smooth, polished dome) to best showcase their adularescence.

Treatments:

Some moonstones may be dyed to enhance color, but untreated stones are generally considered more valuable.

Caring For Moonstone Jewellery:

Just like pearls, moonstones are a bit on the softer side, so keep them away from scratches, harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. A gentle cleaning with warm water and mild soap will do the trick.

We've only scratched the surface (pun again!) of these fascinating June birthstones, and invite you to explore them in your own way at our website. 

Perfect for exquisite jewellery, if you wish to take your style one step ahead— consider customisations with Angara. Design your dream piece, from a moonstone solitaire ring to multi-stone pearl earrings. Choose the carat weight, metal type, and even add personal touches. So, if you're drawn to the moon's magic, consider adding a piece of pearl or moonstone jewellery to your collection!

Explore Angara's gemstone collection and discover where its magic takes you. Shop now!