The Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June.

"Pearls of Wisdom" Here are some interesting explanations and facts from the world of pearls:

Natural Pearls:
A natural pearl is one that occurs with no interference from humans. A pearl is a hard, rounded object produced by certain animals, primarily mollusks such as pearl oysters. Pearls can be used in jewelry and also crushed in cosmetics or paint formulations. Pearl is valued as a gemstone and is cultivated or harvested for jewelry. Natural pearls generally cost up to seven figures. Not cheap!!"

Cultured Pearls:
Currently 99.9 per cent of pearls sold are cultured. An oyster is implanted with a tiny irritant which activates production of a substance called Nacre. It can take 2 years for the oyster to produce a pearl!

Freshwater Pearls:
Cultured pearls produced in fresh water. These are cheaper because they posses a thinner nacre, but also with freshwater, up to a dozen pearls can be cultured in one shell; with marine pearls it's one at a time.

Mabe Pearls
These are dome shaped pearls produced by placing a hemisphere-shaped piece of plastic against the side of the shell interior. The pearl builds up over the plastic and is cut back from the back wall of the shell.

South Sea Pearls
The Queen of cultured pearls formed in the Pinctada Maxima oyster. Found mainly in Australia and Indonesia. Not cheap!