June birthstone (pearl/pearl & alexandrite)

Pearls have been used since ancient timesMermaid's Tears"A gift from the sea, beloved by people. Its soft and elegant beauty has been cherished by the Japanese since ancient times, and now it is loved by people all over the world. In addition to being worn at formal occasions such as weddings and funerals, it is also a popular item as a gift for June's birthstone and as a charm against evil."
There isn't just one type of pearl (genuine pearl); they are produced all over the world, and there are many varieties.

① Akoya pearls
Pearls, also known as "Wadama," have been cherished in Japan since ancient times. It's a well-known story that Kokichi Mikimoto, the founder of MIKIMOTO, was the first in the world to successfully cultivate pearls.
They are mainly produced in Mie and Ehime prefectures and exported all over the world. The largest size is about 10mm, and those larger than 9mm are considerably more expensive.

② South Sea Black Pearl
When it comes to black pearls, this is the one. Also known as "Tahitian pearls," as the name suggests, they are harvested from black-lipped oysters found in Tahiti.

③ South Sea White Pearl
South Sea pearls are harvested from Pinctada maxima oysters in the South Pacific. These oysters have a silver lip and a golden lip, and can grow up to 30 cm in size. They inhabit Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Golden pearls, harvested from the golden lip plant, are attractive for their lustrous golden color.

④Freshwater pearls
While Akoya and South Sea pearls are harvested from saltwater, these pearls are collected from freshwater mussels such as the Hyriopsis schlegelii in lakes. They were previously cultivated in Japan, but now most are imported from China. Generally, they are more affordable than other pearls and are characterized by their wide variety of colors and shapes.

⑤ Mabe Pearl
Mabe pearls, with their unique luster, have many fans. Harvested from the mabe oyster, they are characterized by their shape, which resembles a pearl split in half. They come in various shapes, not just round, and are also cultivated on Amami Oshima Island.

⑥ Poppy Pearl
Poppy pearls are named for their resemblance to poppy seeds. Because they are nucleated, they are not round and come in a variety of shapes and colors.
It's an accidental product, formed when the nacreous layer of pearl oyster shell surrounds the inside of the oyster to protect foreign objects that have entered it.

The word "tama" originally referred to round beads found in rivers and the sea, and the most beautiful ones were called "shinju" (pearls). The English word "pearl" comes from the Latin word "pirurla" (pear), which refers to the shape of pearls. In Japan, pearl ornaments have been used since ancient times, and some are even preserved in the Shōsōin Treasure House.
Pearls have been cherished since ancient times, appearing in Greek mythology and being beloved by Queen Elizabeth I. Recently, they've gained popularity as a men's fashion item, thanks to members of BTS and BIGBANG wearing pearl necklaces. The appeal of pearls lies in their versatility; they can be worn not only with formal attire but also with casual wear.

The meaning of the stone is "Purity, health, longevity, wealth".
A protective charm for the year of misfortuneMany people purchase pearls for this reason.
Besides warding off evil, pearls are also believed to stabilize the mind and provide vital energy. It is said that Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, also drank pearls in his desire for immortality.
This is recommended for those in their unlucky year or those seeking mental stability.

Pearls are versatile and suitable for various occasions, but they are sensitive to acids and other chemicals, so be sure to wipe them with a soft cloth after use. Also, always store them separately from other jewelry. Ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended. For more detailed information on pearl care, please refer to our separate article.
▼Pearl care

Alexandrite is considered one of the three rarest gemstones due to its rarity. Its most distinctive feature is that its color changes depending on the light source.Color change effectIt is called the emerald of day and the ruby ​​of night. It appears green in natural light or under fluorescent light, but changes to a reddish-purple color at dusk or under candlelight. Because it is a prime example of a gemstone with a color-changing effect, this phenomenon is called the alexandrite effect.
The mineral is called chrysoberyl, and it is the same mineral as chrysoberyl cat's eye, which is the birthstone for February. It is characterized by its hardness.
The main source is the Ural Mountains in Russia. While it is also found in other places such as Brazil and Sri Lanka, Russian varieties are considered the most beautiful and valuable.

Alexandrite was named after the Russian Emperor Alexander II. It was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s on April 17th, the Emperor's birthday, and was therefore named after him.

The meaning of the stone is "health/wealth".
In addition to restoring emotional balance, it also gives inner strength.Personal growthIt encourages this. It also purifies and revitalizes energy, helping you gain creativity and new ideas.
This is recommended for people in creative fields or those seeking personal growth.

Alexandrite is a hard stone with a Mohs hardness of 8.5. Therefore, it is an ideal gemstone for use in jewelry. After wearing it, wipe it with a soft cloth before storing it.
If the stone becomes very dirty, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) in the detergent and gently dab the stone to clean it. Avoid scrubbing, as this may cause the prongs holding the alexandrite to loosen. The key is to dab the stone. After washing, rinse it with lukewarm water. Using an ultrasonic cleaner is also recommended to remove any remaining dirt.