June birthstone (Pearl/Pearl & Alexandrite)

Pearls have been used since ancient times.Mermaid's TearsIt is a gift from the sea that is loved by people and is said to be "the beauty of nature." Its soft and elegant beauty has been favored by Japanese people since ancient times, and now it has come to be loved by people all over the world. In addition to being worn at weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies, it is also a popular item as a gift as the June birthstone and as a talisman against evil spirits.
There is not just one type of pearl (genuine pearl); they are produced all over the world and come in many varieties.

①Akoya 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 largest size is about 10mm, and anything over 9mm is quite expensive.

②South Sea Black Pearl
Speaking of black pearls, here they are. Also known as "Tahitian pearls," they are, as the name suggests, harvested from black-lipped oysters found 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 two types: silver-lipped and gold-lipped, and the largest can grow up to 30cm. They are found 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 habitats. They were previously cultivated in Japan, but now most are produced in China. They are generally more reasonably priced than other pearls and come in a variety of colors and shapes.

⑤ Mabe pearl
Mabe pearls have a unique luster and are popular with many fans. They are harvested from mabe shells and are characterized by their shape, which 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 pearl oyster to protect it from foreign objects that get inside.

Tama (玉) refers to the round beads found in rivers and the sea, and the most beautiful of these were called "pearls." The English word "pearl" comes from the fact that they resemble the shape of the Latin word "pirurla" (European pear). Pearl ornaments have been used in Japan since ancient times, and some are stored in the Shosoin Repository.
Pearls have been loved since ancient times, appearing in Greek mythology and beloved by Queen Elizabeth I. Recently, members of BTS and BIGBANG have been wearing pearl necklaces, sparking a surge in popularity as a men's fashion item. The appeal of pearls is that they can be worn not only with formal attire but also casually.

The stone's word is "Purity, health, longevity, wealth".
A talisman for unlucky yearsMany people purchase pearls as a gift.
In addition to warding off evil spirits, pearls are also said to stabilize the mind and give vital energy. It is said that Emperor Qin Shi Huang also loved to drink pearls in the hope of attaining immortality.
Recommended for those in unlucky years or those seeking mental stability.

Pearls are useful in a variety of situations, but they are sensitive to acids and other chemicals, so be sure to wipe them with a soft cloth after use. Also, do not store them with other jewelry; always store them separately. Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. We have a separate article outlining detailed care for pearls, so please refer to it as well.
▼Care for pearls

Alexandrite is considered one of the three rarest stones due to its rarity. Its most notable feature is that its color changes depending on the light source.Discoloration effectIt is called "emerald by day and ruby ​​by night" and appears green in natural light or under fluorescent lighting, but changes to reddish purple at dusk or under candlelight. This phenomenon is called the alexandrite effect, as it is a representative color-changing gemstone.
The mineral name is chrysoberyl, the same mineral as February's birthstone, chrysoberyl cat's eye, and is characterized by its hardness.
The main source of gemstones is the Ural Mountains in Russia. They are also found in Brazil and Sri Lanka, but the gemstones from Russia are considered to be the most beautiful and highly valued.

Alexandrite was named after Tsar Alexander II of Russia, after it was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s on April 17th, Tsar Alexander's birthday.

The stone's word is "health/wealth".
It balances the mind and gives inner strength.Personal growthIt also purifies and energizes the body, aiding in creativity and new ideas.
Recommended for those who work in creative fields or who wish to improve their mental health.

Alexandrite is a hard stone, with a Mohs hardness of 8.5, making it an ideal gemstone for jewelry. After wearing it, wipe it with a soft cloth and store it away.
If the stains continue to get severe, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent (dishwashing liquid). Then, dip a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) in the detergent and gently tap the surface to clean. If you scrub the surface, the prongs holding the alexandrite in place may come loose, so it's important to tap the surface. Once you've finished cleaning, rinse with lukewarm water. We also recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner to remove any fine dirt.