June Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite & Moonstone Jewellery Guide
June Birthstone Jewellery: Pearls, Alexandrite and Moonstone
June is one of the few months with more than one recognised birthstone. Pearl, alexandrite and moonstone each bring a different look, budget and level of durability, so there is plenty of choice if you are buying for a June birthday, an anniversary or a meaningful everyday piece.
For a month by month overview, see the Birthstones by Month guide. If you enjoy the stories behind designs, the Jewellery Symbolism Guide is a nice companion read.
Table of Contents
- History of June’s Birthstones
- What Are the June Birthstones?
- Pearl Meaning and Jewellery
- Alexandrite Colour Change Gemstone
- Moonstone Glow and Symbolism
- June Birthstones in Vintage and Antique Jewellery
- Care in Brief
- FAQs
- You Might Also Like
- Final Thoughts
- About Ps Its Vintage
- References
History of June’s Birthstones
Pearls are one of the oldest gems used in jewellery and were treasured long before modern birthstone lists were created. Moonstone has a strong link with Art Nouveau and later revival styles, while alexandrite is a relatively recent discovery from the nineteenth century that became known for its dramatic colour change.
Modern birthstone charts usually give June three stones so there is a mix of organic, classic and more unusual options. In antique and vintage jewellery you will mostly encounter pearls and moonstone, with alexandrite and colour change stones appearing more often in later pieces.
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What Are the June Birthstones?
Most modern lists recognise three June birthstones.
Pearl. An organic gem formed inside oysters or mussels. Pearls are classic in strands, studs, rings and seed pearl details on older pieces.
Alexandrite. A variety of chrysoberyl that changes colour under different light. It can shift from greenish tones in daylight to reddish or purplish indoor hues.
Moonstone. A feldspar gemstone with a soft sheen that appears to float beneath the surface. It is popular in flowing, romantic designs.
In practical terms, pearls and moonstone are more delicate and often better suited to earrings, pendants and occasional rings. Alexandrite is generally tougher and can work well in rings that see more frequent wear. If you are choosing a June birthstone ring, it helps to think about daily routine as well as colour and symbolism. For sizing help, you can use the Ring Size Calculator.
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Pearl Meaning and Jewellery
Pearls are probably the best known June birthstone. Before diamonds were widely available, fine natural pearls were among the most prized gems in royal and high society jewellery. Today most pearls on the market are cultured, but they still feel timeless in studs, pendants, bracelets and rings.
Symbolically, pearls are often linked with calm, wisdom and a sense of steady, settled energy. Many people choose them for wedding jewellery, milestone birthdays and pieces that mark life events.
Natural, cultured and imitation pearls. Antique and vintage pearl jewellery can include a mix of natural pearls, cultured pearls and imitations. Natural pearls form without human help and are rare, especially in larger sizes. Cultured pearls are grown with human assistance and now make up most of the market. Imitation pearls are usually glass or plastic beads with a coating and sit in a different price bracket.
Buying pearl jewellery secondhand. When you look at a preloved pearl piece, check the surface in good light, especially around drill holes. Fine pearls show a smooth, even lustre and subtle overtones. Heavy scratching, flaking or chalky patches suggest wear to the nacre. On strands, knots between pearls and secure clasps are important, and many older necklaces benefit from professional restringing.
Wearability in everyday life. Pearls are softer than many gems and can scratch if they rub against harder stones or metal edges. As a simple rule, put pearls on last and take them off first. Wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, keep them away from hairspray and perfume and store them separately in a pouch or lined box. Pendants and earrings usually need less care than pearl rings and bracelets worn every day.
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Alexandrite Colour Change Gemstone
Alexandrite is the most dramatic of the June birthstones. It is known for its colour change, often appearing green or blue green in daylight and shifting towards reddish or purplish tones under warm indoor light. This makes it a fascinating choice if you like stones that look different in changing conditions.
Natural, synthetic and simulant stones. Natural alexandrite is rare and can be very expensive, especially in larger sizes with strong colour change. Over time, different alternatives have appeared. These include synthetic alexandrite grown in a lab, other colour change synthetics sold as alexandrite lookalikes and glass or coated stones that give a similar effect. Some antique and vintage pieces described as alexandrite actually contain colour change synthetic sapphire or spinel rather than natural chrysoberyl.
Practical buying notes. With a preloved alexandrite piece, it is sensible to ask whether the stone has been tested and whether it is natural, synthetic or another colour change gem. Colour change quality also matters. Some people prefer a strong shift between day and indoor light, even if there are inclusions. Others are happy with a gentler change if the overall look suits their style and budget.
Wearability. Alexandrite is relatively hard and often a good option for rings that are worn frequently, as long as the setting is secure and you avoid hard knocks. Cleaning with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush is usually sufficient, and it is best to avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes.
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Moonstone Glow and Symbolism
Moonstone is perhaps the most romantic of the June birthstones. It is a variety of feldspar that shows a soft, floating sheen when cut and polished. In some stones this looks like a cool blue glow, in others it appears milky or with gentle peach and grey tones. The effect is most visible in cabochon cuts, where the dome shape lets the light roll across the surface.
Symbolically, moonstone is often linked with intuition, emotion and gentle protection. It became especially popular in Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts jewellery, where jewellers used its glow alongside flowing lines, natural motifs and delicate metalwork.
Buying moonstone secondhand. In vintage and antique pieces, moonstone is commonly set in silver or gold as cabochon rings, pendants and bracelets. When you look at a piece, check the surface for scratches or dull patches, as moonstone is softer than many coloured gems. A bezel or rub over setting can offer more protection in rings than very open claws. Try moving the stone under light and see whether the sheen sits pleasingly across the centre rather than disappearing at one side.
Wearability in everyday life. Moonstone is usually more robust than pearls, but it still benefits from a bit of care. It is often better in earrings and pendants for daily wear, or in rings that you take off for heavier tasks. Clean gently with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and store moonstone away from harder stones such as garnet, sapphire and diamond to avoid scratching.
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June Birthstones in Vintage and Antique Jewellery
June birthstones show up in different ways across jewellery eras.
Pearls in Victorian and Edwardian designs. Seed pearls were used heavily in Victorian and Edwardian pieces, often in floral wreaths, star motifs and crescent moons. Later, cultured pearls appear in simple mid century strands, classic stud earrings and understated rings in yellow gold.
Moonstone in Art Nouveau and later revival styles. Moonstone was a favourite with Art Nouveau designers, who paired it with silver, gold and enamel in flowing, nature inspired settings. You will also see moonstone in Edwardian and later revival pieces, sometimes combined with tiny diamonds or seed pearls.
Alexandrite and colour change stones. Genuine antique alexandrite is rare, particularly in British and Irish jewellery. More often, older rings and pendants described as alexandrite contain synthetic or other colour change stones that were popular in the twentieth century. These can still be collectable, but pricing and description should reflect what the stone actually is.
With all three June stones it helps to read descriptions carefully, look for hallmarks and maker’s marks on gold and sterling silver pieces and ask for more information if stone type, age or origin matters to you. Secondhand jewellery often offers very good value for quality materials, but it is always worth pausing to check condition and details before you decide.
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Care in Brief
Good care helps June birthstones stay looking their best, especially in older settings.
Pearls. Keep pearls away from perfume, hairspray and household cleaners. Wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, let them dry flat and store them in a pouch or lined box. Strands that are worn often will need occasional restringing.
Alexandrite. Clean alexandrite gently in lukewarm water with a little mild soap and a soft brush, taking care around claws and accompanying stones. Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes and check settings regularly so the stone stays secure.
Moonstone. Clean moonstone with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths and gritty pastes. Remove moonstone rings for jobs where they might be knocked and store pieces away from harder gems to reduce the risk of surface marks.
As a general rule, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are best avoided for pearls, moonstone and older or unknown settings. A simple hand clean is usually the safest option for vintage and antique jewellery.
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FAQs
What are the main birthstones for June?
Most modern birthstone lists give June three stones: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Traditional lists tend to focus on pearls and moonstone, with alexandrite added later as a rarer colour change option.
Why does June have more than one birthstone?
Early birthstone lists were refined over time by trade groups who wanted to offer more choice in colour, availability and price. Pearl and moonstone were adopted first for June, with alexandrite introduced later to provide a different look and feel.
Which June birthstone is best for everyday ring wear?
Alexandrite is usually the most robust choice for daily rings. Moonstone can work for regular wear if the setting is protective and you are careful. Pearls are happiest in earrings and pendants or in rings that are worn more occasionally, as they can scratch and lose lustre if knocked about.
Are pearls in vintage jewellery natural or cultured?
Both exist. Some older high jewellery pieces contain natural pearls, but many antique and vintage items on the market today use cultured pearls, especially in later twentieth century designs. It is safest to assume a pearl is cultured unless there is paperwork or a report that says otherwise.
How can I tell if an alexandrite in a vintage ring is real?
Colour change on its own is not enough to confirm natural alexandrite. Many older pieces use synthetic colour change stones or other simulants. Look at how the stone is described, ask whether it has been tested and consider whether the price matches a natural stone or a synthetic or simulant. For important purchases a gemmological report is well worth considering.
Is moonstone suitable for an engagement ring?
Moonstone can be used in engagement style rings, but it is softer than many traditional engagement stones. A protective setting and mindful wear are important. If you prefer a ring you never need to remove, a harder gemstone may be more practical for everyday life.
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You Might Also Like
- Birthstones by Month: Complete Guide
- September Birthstone Jewellery: Sapphire Guide
- October Birthstone Jewellery: Opal and Tourmaline Guide
- How to Tell if Vintage Jewellery Is Real: A Simple Guide
- Jewellery Symbolism Guide: Meaning Behind Popular Motifs
Final Thoughts
June’s birthstones give a generous amount of choice. Pearls feel calm and classic, moonstone brings a soft, shifting glow and alexandrite adds a rare colour change for anyone who enjoys something a little different. When you balance symbolism, durability and how you plan to wear the piece, it becomes much easier to decide which stone is right for you.
When you are ready to explore options, you can start with the Rings collection or keep an eye on New Arrivals for June birthstone pieces as they appear.
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About Ps Its Vintage
Ps Its Vintage is independently run and specialises in preloved, vintage and antique jewellery. Every piece is chosen for its character, quality and symbolism, with a focus on hallmarks, makers and meaningful design. Whether you are exploring June birthstones or choosing a piece to mark a milestone, this guide is here to help you choose with confidence.
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References
- GIA – Birthstones by Month overview
- GIA – Pearl: overview and care
- GIA – Alexandrite: colour change and properties
- GIA – Moonstone: history and characteristics
- Gem-A – Birthstone Guide: June and pearls
- Gem-A – Gem focus articles on moonstone and feldspar group gems
