Why does June have 3 Birthstones?

Those with a birthday in June are spoiled for choice when it comes to birthstones with not one, not two, but three stunning options; Pearl, Moonstone and Alexandrite.

Read on for why June is blessed with these three birthstones and what meaning or significance each option has for the wearer.

What is June’s Birthstone?

That depends on who you ask and where you are. There are several systems for birthstones - modern and ancient as well as US and UK. Modern birthstone lists are a 20th Century development. Whereas ancient birthstones can be traced back to the 15th century.

With several lists to work from, it isn't surprising then that some months have more than one birthstone. Especially where an ancient birthstone was so rare it was not widely available for use in jewelry.

Pearl

Pearl, including closely related Mother of Pearl, is the Ancient Birthstone for the month of June. Before pearls could be easily cultured, they were exceedingly rare with a price tag to match - the preserve of royals and the very wealthy. Want to know more about these lustrous beauties? Check out our guide to pearls here.

Moonstone

For the time that Pearl was only an option for the rich or royal, Moonstone was also added as birthstones for June so those born in this month had a birthstone they could own.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite, a beautiful gemstone discovered in 19th Century Russia, was added to the U.S. list in the 1950s. This modern birthstone is also incredibly rare, making it more expensive even than diamond. Rarely found in jewelry outside a museum these days, more affordable lab varieties mean June babies don’t have to miss out.

What meaning do June’s Birthstones have?

There is no one set meaning behind the choice of Pearl, Moonstone or Alexandrite as June’s Birthstone. Over time, they have come to represent various traits and values which the wearer might find appealing.

Pearl

Pearls have a long association with purity, integrity, and love. They only gemstone made by a living creature, they form inside the shells of molluscs. Their association with purity most likely comes from their aquatic origins. In Ancient Greek culture, pearls were treasured as the tears of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite.

Moonstone

Moonstone is so called for its smoky appearance in the light. Believed to represent feminine energy, Moonstone has long been associated with the inner ethereal, or spiritual, world. In Ancient Rome it was believed that the stone was made from crystalized moonlight, hence its name.

Moonstone is the most popular birthstone today in Germany or Switzerland. It's often chosen by wearers for its symbolism of strength and balance, as well as its historic association with royalty.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is believed to bring good luck to the wearer, due to its rarity and color changing capability. Previously believed to only be available in Russia, in the mid-20th Century, deposits were found in Brazil. As the newest addition to the June birthstone list, this gemstone does not have a long history of symbolism. However, it’s reputation as a gemstone that can change color depending on the light gives it an air of magic, creativity and flexibility.

Want your own June Birthstone to treasure?

With so many options June babies may have a hard time narrowing down which birthstone is for them. We would be happy to help select the perfect choice for you or a loved one with a birthday in June.