History of the Engagement Ring - Part 1
Different from most other months, June has the unique characteristic of having two different birthstones. We can see the more classic take on birthstones represented in the Pearl and a more modern view represented in the modern gemstone of Alexandrite. Either way, between Pearl and Alexandrite Jewelry, June birthdays have two really amazing gems that are unique compared to other stones.
Alexandrite - June's Modern Birthstone
While pearl may be the most famous of June's birthstone, Alexandrite is the most modern and has a color changing feature that is rarely seen in any other stone. This unique ability and the rarity of this stone defines the birthstone, which has been said to strengthen intuition, aid creativity and expand the imagination.
Alexandrite's Unique Ability
This 'chrysoberyl' birthstone and it's chameleon-like ability to change colors have been astounding to many since it was first found in Russia in 1831. The stone appears to be either a sea-foam green or blueish color in daylight, but when put under incandescent light (like your light bulb - electric light), it changes to a purplish or red/pink color. This can be seen because of the "spectrum of color" that incandescent light shows versus others and it is absorbed and reflected differently in Alexandrite.
Why does Alexandrite Change Color?
We would love to have an easy explanation for the color change, but as you'd might expect, it is much more in-depth than that. As we stated above, the reasoning is because the birthstones chemical structure and absorbs and reflects light differently. If you stick with us on this we are going to get a little bit more scientific so... BEWARE! TECHNICAL JARGON AHEAD!!
To get a bit more background on the Alexandrite, it is a trichroic gemstone meaning it has 3 different and distinct optical directions. This allows for different colors to be seen from different directions of viewing the stone. Although this does not explain the color change it helps to give us an understanding on how the gem can have multiple 'colors' in the same light at times. The color change is a result of having chromium +3 ions in it's chemical structure and how they reflect and absorb light.
In short, the chromium level that is found in alexandrite is balanced right between the levels in both ruby and emerald. This gives the stone the reddish ruby colors when in incandescent light, and the green emerald colors when in natural light. We could get more technical on the nanometers, how humans see light reflected off the gem... but we are gonna leave that up to alexandrite.net if you are looking for any more advanced information.
Pearl - June's Classic Birthstone
Pearl is seen as one of the most traditional gems for jewelry. For centuries it has been used as a precious stone and has had meanings from mythological and more. Many different cultures have used this stone for jewelry because of it's natural beauty and refined look. The unique feature of the pearl is that it is the only gem to be formed by a living creature, no other gem can make that claim. This unique formation is what gives pearls the ability yo come in many different colors, shapes and sizes.
Shapes and Colors
The pearl is such a versatile gem that for anybody with this birthstone, they can find a pearl that is just as unique as they are. With the varying shades and colors, pearls have always and still are the best gems that can compliment any skin tone and complexion. The colors of pearls is vast and expansive. From white to beige and from gray to black, this birthstone has the ability to come in almost any color whether it comes naturally or is dyed.
With the many different colors and shapes of pearls, this adds an obstacle for the jeweler. Finding pearls that match flawlessly in shape and color can be tough to find. Each strand of pearls must be looked at with a keen eye and expert knowledge.
Types of Pearls
While a pearl may seem pretty simple, there are many different kinds of pearls. First that comes to mind is the classic round white pearls, although the most famous it is not the only kind. Every step of a Pearls journey helps to change and define it's outcome. A few of these factors are: Type of Oyster, Water Cleanliness, and the location it is formed.
From a natural pearl to a cultured pearl, each type of pearl has a unique look, shape, color and polish to it. The most sought after pearl would be a South Sea Pearl, however the classic and most popular pearl that everyone pictures in their head is the Akoya pearl. A few of the different types of pearls are:
South Sea
Akoya
Tahitian
Fresh Water
Hanadama
Cultured
If you are looking for more information on either of these 2 birthstones, be sure to reach out to us at 815-469-2929, or send us an email! If you would like to see either of these two gems in person, stop in at our store at 19991 S. La Grange Road in Frankfort, IL and view the pearls and Alexandrite that we have in our showcases!