June Birthstone – Pearl Jewelry

June 18, 2009 | By | Reply More

Tahitian black pearl ringThe lovely pearl is the June birthstone, as well as the astral stone for Gemini and Cancer. The illustrious gem has a long and storied history, and is the oldest known gemstone to be used in jewelry.

Though no one knows when oysters first began forming pearls, the first known use of the pearl in jewelry was around 500 B.C.;  remnants of a pearl earring were found inside the sarcophagus of a Persian princess, now on display at the Louvre.  Civilizations have been built on the wealth from pearls, Cleopatra drank a pearl to prove her love, and St. Augustine  even declared that the pearl be reserved as the gemological symbol of Jesus Christ.   During the Roman civilization, only the royalty and aristocracy were allowed to wear pearls, adding to their prestige and desirability.

Even the Bible mentions the pearl nearly ten times, the most famous reference being in regards to the Pearl Gates of Heaven:Tahitian pearl necklace AAA

“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”  Revelations 21:21

The other famous biblical pearl reference appears in Matthew 7:6 , where the pearl is a symbol for religion:

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

Throughout the centuries the pearl has served as  a symbol of purity, religion, perfection,  virtue, wealth and innocence.  It was also revered as the most precious gem until the diamond was Pink pearl and diamond earringsdiscovered in the 1700s, and is still the only gem created by a living creature.  Though today most pearls are cultivated by placing an irritant inside the oyster (thus stimulating the formation of a pearl), they are still incredibly precious and sought-after for their beauty and uniqueness. No two pearls are alike, which is why they make such special jewelry pieces.

Apples of Gold is excited to introduce a wealth of gorgeous new pearl jewelry to our collection. From stunning Tahitian pearl rings and earrings to breathtaking diamond and pearl necklaces and bracelets, our pearl jewelry makes a lovely gift for June birthdays… and just about any other occasion as well.

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Category: Jewelry History

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