10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Pearls and Birthstones

For centuries, birthstones have been given as gifts to celebrate a person's birthday. But how did the tradition of birthstones come about? It happened long before the jewelry industry got involved.

Some religious scholars point to the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament where Aaron-the first high priest of Israel and Moses' older brother-wore a silver breastplate beset with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel.

The first century Jewish historian, Josephus, was later credited with making the connection between the 12 months of the year, the 12 signs of the zodiac and the 12 gemstones in Aaron's breastplate.

Fast-forward to 15th century Poland where wearing the gemstone of the month became in vogue. It was believed that wearing a birthstone during its related month would enhance the magical healing properties of that gemstone. To really maximize a gem's properties, they would own the whole collection and rotate them by month. (Which sounds like a clever jewelry marketing ploy.)

In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers (Jewelers of America) released its official birthstone list that is still widely used and accepted. That brings us to today and June's birthstone, the lovely pearl.

10 Pearls of Wisdom

June actually has three official birthstones: pearl, moonstone and Alexandrite.
The pearl is also the birthstone for the Sun Signs Gemini and Cancer.
Alexandrite is named after the Russian tsar, Alexander II, and was the national stone of old Imperial Russia
Pearls are organic gemstones created when a tiny irritant such as sand enters a mollusk's shell. The mollusk secretes nacre to coat the object. The layers of which become a pearl.
Most people believe pearls were the world's first precious gem because they arrive perfect out of the shell.
You can tell if a pearl is real by sliding it across your teeth. If it's gritty, it's probably real.
Pearls have experienced resurgence in popularity and come in many different colors and shapes.
90% of pearls are cultured, meaning they are made by mollusks under controlled conditions, but are difficult to differentiate from naturally occurring pearls.
Alexandrite is said to strengthen the intuition and imagination of its wearer.
The largest natural pearl was discovered in Patterson, NJ!