If you were born in the month of June, the beautiful pearl is your birthstone

White pearls symbolize innocence, beauty, sincerity, and new beginnings. This is why the white pearl a true classic for bridal jewelry and it's the most common pearl in jewelry designs today. 

The inner glow (orient) of pearls is thought to tap inner wisdom and nurture love. Not only is the pearl the birthstone for the month of June, the pearl is also the gemstone for the Zodiac sign of Cancer, and also represents the third wedding anniversary.

Proper Care of Cultured or Freshwater Pearls

Pearls are soft and should be treated delicately. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or steamers. Wipe gently with a soft cloth after each wearing. For a more thorough cleaning, use mild soap and water. If knotted, make sure the cord is completely dry before wearing. Human skin oils are one of the best things for pearls. Pearl owners should wear their pearls often enough to keep them looking lustrous. 

Avoid using perfumes, colognes or lotions on the skin that pearls will be touching, the gems will absorb the harmful chemicals they come into contact with. 

Even mild acids, such as citrus oil, can dull the surface of pearls. Your beautiful pearls should be the final thing you do when dressing for work or an event and the first thing you do at the end of your day.

An organic gemstone, what are pearls?

Pearls are one of a few natural or organic gemstones that also include coral, amber, jet and mother-of-pearl. Pearls are produced by the pearl oyster and the freshwater pearl mussel. Natural pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a tiny shell bead, is placed within the oyster or mussel. These water creatures reduce that irritation by coating it with nacre. Layers of nacre create the subtle iridescence and visual depth in pearls called "pearlescence". Natural or "wild" pearls are rare and valuable, so most pearls today are cultured. Saltwater oysters usually only generate a single cultured pearl at a time, while the much larger freshwater mussels can produce up to 20. The layers of nacre will form a spherical, oblong or irregular-shaped (or "baroque") pearl. It takes roughly 3 to 7 years for mollusks to produce a single pearl. Most natural and cultured freshwater pearls are found in the waters of Japan, China and the South Seas; however, many are harvested along the coasts of Australia and the rivers of Austria, France, Scotland and Ireland. Cultured freshwater pearls are also grown along the Mississippi River in the United States.