The Gemini Birthstone and for the 1st, 12th and 30th Wedding Anniversary jewelry
By her who is this month was born
No gem save Pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
What are Pearls?
What exactly are Pearls? The definition of a Pearl is as follows:
- The word Pearl is derived from the Latin word "pirum" which means "pear" which reflects the shape of the gem. A smooth lustrous round structure having a brilliant luster, with varying tints, found inside the shell of a mollusk such as an oyster, clam or mussel
- They are formed due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle
- Natural Pearls are either saltwater found in gulfs, bays, seas and oceans or freshwater found in rivers and lakes
- Cultured - Cultured pearls are produced when man has introduced an irritant into the oyster or mussel and these are then harvested from their saltwater or freshwater environments. Kokichi Mikimoto was the Japanese man credited as the creator of the cultured pearl
- Imitation pearls are not grown in a mullusk i.e. oyster, clam or mussel and are therefore not considered as pearls
- Pearls are graded and priced according to their lustre, shape, colour, surface and size
The Colors of Pearls
Pearls come in a wide range of natural colors and shades. The type of oyster or mussel determines the color together with the geographical areas where the different molluscs will produce different colors. Iridescence is the pearly lustre caused by the effect of colors which may be like those of the rainbow or a combination of colours such as pink, blue, green, and silver.
- Natural (not dyed) colors are white, pink pearls, lilac, cream, grey, black and gold
- Pink pearls are extremely popular
- The Silver-lipped oyster is found in the South Sea around Australia which produces large white and silvery white South Sea pearls
- Natural black are rare and are grown in the black-lipped oyster - Tahitian pearls. The colors of Tahitian pearls range from black, light black/silvery and dark grey. The rare peacock green color is also referred to as a black pearl. The cheaper black pearls, especially freshwater, are usually dyed
- The Dark Akoya pearl may be blue or other dark colours
- Gold pearls or golden pearls are the colors are found in the South Sea
Where are Pearls found?
Natural Pearls are found in the waters of the following countries:
- Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Mannar, the South Pacific, the Gulf of California, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast of Mexico, Europe, Japan and Australia
Names, Types and Makes of pearls - The Akoya Pearl, the Mikimoto pearl and Tahitian Pearls
Some pearls are referred to by specific names:
- South Sea pearls - famous for their gold colors
- The Akoya Pearl is famous for their blue colors - from the Akoya oyster and are cultured seawater pearls produced in China and Japan. The Japanese Akoya pearl (cultured) have brilliant lustre and a higher quality than Chinese Akoya pearl
- Persian Gulf Pearls, Oriental, are some of the finest natural pearls
- Tahitian pearls - famous for their natural black colors
- Mabe pearls are grown in Japan, Indonesia and Australia. Mabe pearls are cultured pearls grown against the inside shell of an oyster rather than within the oyster’s body producing a flat back pearl which are often used in earrings
- The Mikimoto pearl are a leading brand. The company was founded by Kokichi Mikimoto who was the Japanese man credited as the creator of cultured pearls
- Lake Biwa Pearls which are freshwater pearls grown in Japan
Birthstone Facts and Information about Pearls
The following list provides Birthstone facts and information about the Pearl:
- The Pearl is the birthstone of the month of June
- Pearls are also the anniversary gemstone for the 1st, 12th and 30th year of marriage
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Gemini dates: May 21 - June 20
- Gemini - The Third Sign of the Zodiac: The sign of the Twins
- Ruling Planet of Gemini: Mercury
- Alternate Birthstones of Gemini: Emeralds, Alexandrite, Agate and Ruby
Symbolism, Significance and Properties of the Pearl
The properties with which the Pearl is associated are as follows:
- Loyalty, faithfulness and friendship
- Modesty, chastity and purity
- The Pearl is also used to enhance personal integrity
Healing Properties of the Pearl
The healing properties of the Gemini birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to:
- Heart, spleen, stomach
- Intestine & ulcer problems
Pearl Jewelry
Pearl jewelry is extremely popular especially for those nearest and dearest. The tradition of giving gifts of jewelry containing these stones dates back thousands of years. The gemstone, or birthstone Pearl is believed to conduct the energies of the planet Mercury with which it is sympathetic and that wearing jewelry containing the gemstone will focus the energies of the planet and sign through the gem. All different types of jewelry containing Pearls are available including:
- Rings
- Brooches
- Pins
- Cufflinks
- Bracelets
- Pendants
- Earrings
- Necklaces
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