June's Birthstones — Exploring Peals, Alexandrites & Moonstones

We love it when the calendar ticks over to a new month. The 1st of every month heralds in a new birthstone. If you are lucky enough to be born in June you have three stones to choose from: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone.

So what is so special about each of these stones?

Pearl 

Appearance — Pearls are organic gemstones formed within mollusks. They are known for their lustrous and smooth surface, which can come in various colours, including white, cream, pink, and black.

Significance — Pearls are associated with purity, wisdom, and loyalty. They have been valued for centuries for their elegance and natural beauty.

Alexandrite

Appearance — Alexandrite is a rare and unique gemstone known for its remarkable colour-changing ability. It appears green in daylight and changes to red or purplish-red under incandescent light.

Significance — Alexandrite symbolises balance, creativity, and good fortune. Its ability to change colour is often seen as a metaphor for adaptability and transformation.

Moonstone

Appearance — Moonstones are characterised by their ethereal, milky sheen known as adularescence, which creates a glowing effect. They can be found in colours like white, grey, blue, and peach.

Significance — Moonstones are linked to intuition, inspiration, and emotional balance. They are believed to have a calming and healing effect.

We are often asked if pearls can be used in the creation of an engagement ring. Pearls can be a beautiful and unique choice however, there are several factors to consider before making a decision to choose a pearl for your forever ring.

Pros of Pearl Engagement Rings 

Elegance and Uniqueness: Pearls offer a classic, timeless beauty that can set an engagement ring apart from the more common diamond rings.

Variety — Pearls come in various colours and types, including Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and freshwater pearls, providing options for customisation.

Cons of Pearl Engagement Rings

Durability — Pearls are relatively soft compared to other gemstones, ranking about 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. They can be easily scratched, chipped, or damaged with daily wear, which is a significant consideration for an engagement ring intended for everyday use.

Maintenance — Pearls require more care to maintain their lustre. They are sensitive to chemicals, including those found in everyday products like lotions, perfumes, and household cleaners.

Setting Protection — To protect a pearl in an engagement ring, the setting must be designed to offer additional protection, such as a bezel setting or protective prongs, which can affect the overall design.

If you are still keen to have pearl in your engagement ring here are some tips to consider

Type of Setting: Choose a setting that offers protection to the pearl, such as a bezel or halo setting.

Combining with Other Gemstones —Consider a design that incorporates pearls with other gemstones, such as diamonds, for added durability and sparkle.

Regular Maintenance — Be prepared for regular maintenance and gentle cleaning to keep the pearl looking its best.

Quality of the Pearl — Look for high-quality pearls with good lustre, smooth surface, and minimal blemishes.

Alexandrite & Moonstones

Alexandrite and moonstones are two of the most enchanting gemstones that can add a touch of magic to any jewellery collection. Alexandrite, renowned for its mesmerising colour-changing properties, shifts from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, making it a dynamic and intriguing choice for jewellery. Moonstones, with their ethereal adularescence that casts a soft glow reminiscent of moonlight, offer a serene and mystical allure. At Morgan & Co on the Sunshine Coast, we love crafting unique jewellery pieces with these captivating gems. Imagine a stunning alexandrite pendant or dress ring that dazzles with different hues depending on the light, or a delicate moonstone pendant that shimmers softly against the skin. From elegant earrings to bespoke necklaces and timeless bracelets, the possibilities are endless. These gemstones are perfect for creating one-of-a-kind pieces that are as unique as the wearer, each telling its own story through the play of light and colour.

It is very rare that alexandrite or moonstones are requested to be set into an engagement ring; however, either stones can be placed within the engagement ring band as a special hidden stone. We do not use pearls as hidden stones due to the explanation above. 

Conclusion

While pearls can make a stunning and unique choice for an engagement ring, they do require careful consideration due to their softness and need for extra care. If you or your partner loves the look of pearls and is willing to take the necessary precautions to protect them, a pearl engagement ring can be a beautiful and meaningful option. However, if durability and low maintenance are top priorities, you might want to consider other gemstones.

Happy Birthday to all our June babies out there and please get in touch for a studio consultation at our Buderim jewellery shop! 

With Love,
Laura x