Pearl

*Birthstone for June        Calcium Carbonate         Hardness: 2.5 - 4.5

A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. Most pearls on the market today are cultured or grown in freshwater bodies. Natural pearls consist of 100% shell nacre, the substance the animal secretes which produces the pearl. Cultured pearls use a non-pearl body with an outer layer of nacre. A pre-formed bead is inserted into a host oyster, a few layers of nacre are secreted and adhere to the bead over a period of 6 to 24 months at which point the pearl is removed.

Biwa Pearl - Elongated shape, grown in Lake Biwa, Japan

Coin Pearl - Flat and round coin shaped Pearls

Mabe Pearl - Shell nacre w/ backing layer (dublet)

Blister Pearl - Shell nacre w/ backing layer (dublet) and a noticable blister like bump

Astrological Sign of: Cancer, Gemini

A stone of sincerity, Pearl brings truth to situations and loyalty to a cause. It is believed to increase fertility, ease childbirth and to provide a reflection of the self through the eyes of others. Pearl symbolizes purity and can stimulate that condition in ones body and mind. It also signifies faith, charity, and innocence, enhances personal integrity, and helps to provide a focus to ones attention.