Pearl: The Complete Guide to June's Birthstone - Gems by Gigi

Pearl: The Complete Guide to June's Birthstone

If you were born in June, pearl is your birthstone — and unlike most birthstones, it isn't mined from the earth. It's grown, slowly and patiently, inside a living mollusk. That origin story is part of why pearls have stood for purity, wisdom, and quiet confidence for thousands of years, and why they're still one of the most requested gemstones for June birthdays, graduations, and summer weddings.

Whether you're shopping for yourself or for someone with a June birthday, here's everything worth knowing before you buy — plus a few of our favorite pearl pieces to shop right now.

Why Pearl Is June's Birthstone

Pearls have been treasured since antiquity, prized in ancient Rome, Egypt, and across Asia long before modern birthstone lists existed. June actually has two modern alternates — moonstone and alexandrite — but pearl remains the classic choice, traditionally associated with calm, integrity, and emotional balance. It's also the gem most linked to milestones: pearls are a popular gift for graduations, anniversaries, and new babies, which makes them a natural choice well beyond just birthdays.

The Different Types of Pearls, Explained

Not all pearls are the same, and understanding the differences makes shopping a lot easier.

Freshwater pearls are grown in freshwater mussels, mostly in China. They come in a wide range of shapes and a softer, more affordable price point than their saltwater counterparts, which makes them a great entry point into pearl jewelry. Our Freshwater Pearl Tanzanite Emerald Iolite Pendant and Freshwater Pearl Gemstone Bangle Bracelet both showcase this versatility.

Akoya pearls are the classic, perfectly round white pearl most people picture when they hear "pearl necklace." Grown in saltwater oysters off the coasts of Japan and China, they're prized for their high luster and symmetry. Our Black Akoya Pearl Jewelry Set is a striking, less-expected take on the classic.

Baroque and Keshi pearls are irregularly shaped, with organic, sculptural silhouettes that have become a favorite among modern jewelry designers. No two are exactly alike. Our Keshi Cultured White Baroque Pearl Necklace is a great example of this trend — minimalist, but with a one-of-a-kind shape.

Mother-of-pearl isn't a pearl itself, but the iridescent inner shell layer the pearl forms within. It's often used as an inlay material, like in our Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wedding Band — proof that pearl jewelry isn't just for women.

How to Choose the Right Pearl Piece

A few questions to narrow it down:

What's the occasion? A birthday gift calls for something different than a wedding day piece. Classic white studs or a solitaire pendant feel timeless for milestone gifts; baroque or colored pearls feel more personal and trend-forward for everyday wear.

What's the budget? Pearl jewelry spans a wide range:

What metal works with their existing jewelry? Pearls pair beautifully with both warm and cool metals, so this often comes down to what they already wear most — yellow gold, white gold, or sterling silver.

How to Care for Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are softer than most gemstones, so a little care keeps them looking their best for decades:

  • Put pearls on last, after perfume, hairspray, and lotion — those products can dull their luster over time
  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove oils and residue
  • Store pearls separately from other jewelry, ideally in a soft pouch, since harder gems can scratch them
  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals — a gentle wipe is really all they need
  • Restring pearl strands every few years if worn often, since the cord can stretch over time

Shop the June Birthstone Edit

A few of our favorites for June birthdays and beyond:

North Star Pearl Stud Earring worn close-up
For an everyday gift
North Star Pearl Stud Earrings — $99
Circle Waves Pearl Moon Pendant worn at the beach
For something with a story
Circle Waves Pearl Moon Pendant — $149
White Gold Garnet Labradorite Black Pearl Iolite Pendant worn at the beach
For the collector
Garnet Labradorite Black Pearl Iolite Pendant — $169
Keshi Cultured White Baroque Pearl Necklace worn on model
For a modern classic
Keshi Cultured White Baroque Pearl Necklace — $299
Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Honolulu wedding band worn on hand
For him
Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wedding Band — $460

Browse all pearl jewelry →


Have a question about which pearl piece is right for you, or want something customized? Reach out to us — we're happy to help.

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