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Pearls are known as "mermaid's tears" and are very familiar in Japan.
Alexandrite, the magical gemstone that changes color depending on the light source


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Gemstone Name | Pearl | alexandrite |
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Mineral Name | - | Chrysoberyl |
Japanese name | Japanese Pearl | Chrysoberyl |
Origin of the name | Pearl means a round ball found in rivers or the sea, and beautiful things are called "pearls." The English word "pearl" comes from the Latin word "Pirurla" (European pear). | It was named after the son of the Russian emperor at the time, Alexander II. |
color | White, black, pink, grey, etc. | Color changes depending on the light source. Blue-purple to deep green to red-purple |
Mohs hardness | 2.5 | 8.5 |
Origin | Japan, Indonesia, Tahiti, etc. | Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, etc. |
Stone meaning | Purity, health, longevity, wealth | Health and Wealth |
effect | Mental stability and protection from evil | Personal Growth |
Maintenance | Wipe with a soft cloth/Store separately away from direct sunlight | Add mild detergent to lukewarm water and clean with a brush/Ultrasonic cleaning |
others | Not only are they used for ceremonial occasions and unlucky years, but recently they have also come to be used casually. High-quality pearls are given special names such as Tenjo and Hanadama (Akoya pearls), Aurora Phoenix (South Sea white pearls), Peacock and Lagoon (South Sea black pearls). | One of the three major rare stones. Also known as emerald by day and ruby by night. |
The birthstone for June is the pearl, which is also familiar in Japan.
Pearl necklaces used to be a standard for formal occasions, but in recent years they have become popular as a fashion item for everyday use, and even for men. In addition to being the June birthstone, pearls are also designated for the 30th wedding anniversary. While other gemstones are naturally occurring,Pearls are cultured and are the result of years of hard work and refinement of culture techniques.That's it.
The other one isOne of the three major rare stonesAlexandrite was newly designated as the birthstone for June at the end of 2021, and is a popular gemstone among both men and women. Its color changes depending on the light source, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of the gemstone.
Here are some of the birthstones for June.
▼If you want to know more about other birthstones, click here
1.Pearl
Characteristics of pearls

There is not just one type of pearl (genuine pearl); they are produced all over the world and come in many varieties.
① Akoya pearls
Pearls, also known as "Wadama" (Japanese pearls), have been loved in Japan since ancient times. It is well known that Kokichi Mikimoto, the founder of MIKIMOTO, was the first person in the world to successfully cultivate pearls.
They are mainly produced in Mie and Ehime prefectures and exported all over the world. The maximum size is about 10 mm, and anything over 9 mm is quite expensive.
②South Sea Black Pearl
Speaking of black pearls, here they are. They are also called "Tahitian pearls" and, as the name suggests, are harvested from black-lipped oysters produced in Tahiti.
③South Sea White Pearl
South Sea white pearls are harvested from white-lipped oysters in the South Pacific. White-lipped oysters are divided into silver-lipped and gold-lipped, and the largest can grow up to 30cm. They live in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Golden pearls harvested from gold lips have an attractive lustrous golden color.
④Freshwater pearls
While Akoya and South Sea pearls are harvested from seawater, these pearls are harvested from freshwater oysters in lakes and other locations. They used to be farmed in Japan, but now most are from China. They are generally more affordable than other pearls, and come in a variety of colors and shapes.
⑤Mabe Pearl
Mabe pearls have a unique luster and are popular among many people. They are harvested from Mabe shells and have a distinctive shape that resembles a pearl split in half. They come in a variety of shapes, not just round, and are cultivated on Amami Oshima.
⑥Poppy Pearl
Named for their resemblance to poppy seeds, poppy pearls are not round because they have no seed, and come in a variety of shapes and colors.
It is a product of chance, formed when the nacre wraps around the oyster to protect it from any foreign objects that may get inside.
The origin of pearls
Pearls have been loved since ancient times, appearing in Greek mythology and loved by Queen Elizabeth I. Recently, members of BTS and BIGBANG have been wearing pearl necklaces, which has sparked their popularity as a fashion item for men. The appeal of pearls is that they can be worn not only with formal attire, but also casually.
The effect of pearls
Amulet for unlucky yearsMany people purchase pearls as a gift.
In addition to warding off evil, it is said to stabilize the mind and give vital energy. It is said that Emperor Qin Shi Huang also loved to drink pearls in hopes of attaining immortality.
It is recommended for those who are in an unlucky year or who are seeking mental stability.
Caring for your pearls
▼ Caring for pearls
Houjudo also carries a wide selection of pearl jewelry. Please check out their website.
▼Pearl jewelry is here
We have a special article on pearls, so please take a look at it.
2.alexandrite
Characteristics of Alexandrite

The mineral name is chrysoberyl, the same mineral as February's birthstone, chrysoberyl cat's eye, and is characterized by its hardness.
The main production area is the Ural Mountains in Russia, but it is also found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and other places, but Russian gemstones are considered to be the most beautiful and valuable.
Origin of Alexandrite
The effect of Alexandrite
It balances the mind and gives inner strength.Personal growthIt also purifies and energizes your energy, aiding in creativity and new ideas.
Recommended for those who work in creative jobs or who wish to improve their mental health.
Caring for Your Alexandrite
If the stains continue to get bad, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a small amount of neutral detergent (dishwashing detergent). Then, dip a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) in the detergent and gently scrub the item. If you scrub the item, the prongs that hold the alexandrite in place may come loose, so it's important to scrub the item in a scrubbing motion. Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the item with lukewarm water. We also recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner to remove any fine dirt.
Houjudo also has a wide selection of Alexandrite jewelry. Please check out their website.
▼Alexandrite jewelry is here