June Birthstones Explained: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone

June is one of the few months with more than one birthstone, and each gem tells a completely different story. From the soft glow of pearls to the color-shifting magic of alexandrite and the ethereal light of moonstone, June’s birthstones are more than just beautiful, they’re rich in meaning, rare in character, and full of personality.

Pearl

Pearls are unlike most gemstones. While others form deep within the earth, pearls are naturally formed inside living mollusks, residing in water. Layer by layer, they grow around a small irritant, something as simple as a grain of sand, until a smooth, glowing surface appears. This slow, delicate process gives pearls their signature softness and timeless appeal. Their gentle glow, often referred to as “luster,” is what sets them apart. Rather than sparkle, pearls reflect light calmly and subtly. This has made them symbols of purity, calm, and wisdom in cultures around the world.

Pearl necklaces remain a favorite for their simplicity and elegance. Whether worn as a single strand or a modern design, they sit close to the skin and feel naturally graceful.  Pearl earrings, on the other hand, are timeless accents that can feel classic or contemporary depending on the style.
Pearl rings are a graceful alternative to traditional gemstone styles. Their soft glow brings a sense of calm and sophistication, making them ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions. Often set in minimal designs, a pearl ring can feel modern, vintage, or even symbolic, depending on the setting. Because pearls are organic, wearing one on your hand feels more connected to nature and personal meaning than most stones. They're also perfect for ring sets, pairing beautifully with diamond bands or simple gold rings to create a layered, elegant look.

Source Mikaela Round Pearl and Diamond Ring

What is Mother of Pearl?

Mother of Pearl, also known as nacre, is the inner layer of the shell where pearls form. It has a soft, iridescent surface that reflects many colors when it catches the light. While it isn’t a pearl itself, it shares the same material and glow. Mother of Pearl is often used in jewelry, watch dials, and decorative pieces. Its shimmer is more subtle than a polished gemstone, but that’s what makes it appealing. Mother of Pearl is often associated with protection, balance, and emotional harmony. It’s thought to bring a sense of peace and support during times of change. In simple terms, it’s seen as a calming stone, one that softens stress and brings things back into balance.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is one of the rarest and most fascinating gemstones in the world. Known for its color-changing effect, it appears green or bluish-green in daylight and shifts to reddish-purple under warm, indoor lighting. This unique optical property makes alexandrite feel almost alive, responding to its surroundings with subtle beauty and constant surprise.

Because of its changing colors, alexandrite is often associated with duality, transformation, and balance. As a June birthstone, it carries meaning tied to personal growth, adaptability, and inner strength. It's a stone for those who see the world from more than one perspective, people who embrace change rather than resist it. Due to its rarity, natural alexandrite is extremely valuable and often found in very small sizes. Mined in places like Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Russia, genuine stones are prized by collectors and gem enthusiasts. However, most alexandrite used in jewelry today is lab-created, meaning it’s grown in a controlled environment but shares the same chemical structure and color-changing properties as the natural stone. For example, lab-grown alexandrite rings are more accessible without compromising on their visual effect or meaning. Alexandrite rings are totally opposite to traditional diamonds, because an alexandrite ring stands out with personality and depth. It feels romantic without being predictable, and its changing color becomes a quiet, personal detail known mostly to the wearer.

Source: Kite Lab Alexandrite Engagement Ring

Moonstone

As a June birthstone, moonstone is often linked to intuition, emotional balance, and inner clarity. Moonstone has always been connected to the moon and the idea of calm, change, and inner peace. Many people see it as a gentle, protective stone, especially during new beginnings or emotional shifts. Among the different types, rainbow moonstone stands out for its flashes of color that appear when the stone catches the light, often showing hints of blue, pink, or even green. This subtle rainbow effect gives the stone a magical feel and adds even more personality to each piece. It’s a favorite for those who want something just a little more unique, while still keeping that soft, elegant look.

Source: Enya Rainbow Moonstone Leaf Diamond Engagement Ring

Moonstone rings have a soft, natural glow that makes them easy to wear every day, but also special enough for meaningful moments. They look beautiful in simple or vintage-style settings and are often chosen as an alternative to traditional engagement rings for people who prefer something subtle, symbolic, and unique. Because of its delicate nature and luminous appearance, moonstone pairs well with soft gold tones and complements other stones in stackable ring sets. Whether worn alone or layered, it adds a quiet sense of character and meaning to any collection.

A Month, A Choice

Whether you love the soft shine of pearls, the changing colors of alexandrite, or the gentle glow of moonstone, June gives you more than one way to express yourself. Each stone is special in its way, so you can choose the one that feels right for you. It's not just about birthstones, it's about finding something that fits your style and meaning.