Pearl is the Birthstone for June

For those celebrating a birthday in the month of June, Pearl is the traditional birthstone.

South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings at Fourtane $16,500

Timeless, demure and elegant pearls are one of the world's most highly regarded gemstones. The humble beginnings of a pearl start when a single grain of sand or shell becomes lodged within the soft tissue of a living mollusk and over the years a protective substance called nacre is produced. Layer upon layer of nacre coats the intrusive sand or shell and creates a lustrous pearl. It takes approximately eight years for a natural pearl to form.

72 inch Baroque Pearl Strand Necklace at Fourtane $12,500

Natural pearls are extremely rare. Divers harvest pearls in the Persian Gulf, the South Pacific Islands, Australia, Japan and China. Cultured pearls account for 90 percent of the pearl industry. The value of a pearl is determined by size, shape, color, quality of surface and luster.

"Salavetti" multi-colored pearl and black diamond ring at Fourtane $18,000

Sumptuous pearls are regarded as one of nature's great treasures and are a symbol of purity and unblemished perfection in virtually every culture. It is the oldest known gem and for centuries was considered the most valuable. In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, pearls were at the height of royal wedding fashion and everyone from the bride to her male guests was adorned in glowing pearls.

Antique Pearl Pendant circa 1880 at Fourtane $5,500

"Who comes with summer to this earth

And owes to June her month of birth

A pearl should wear against her skin

Who's innocence many a heart will win"