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Cultured Pearl: June's Gemstone

A pearl is the product of an oyster»s defense mechanism. When a foreign irritant is introduced naturally or by man (cultured), the oyster immediately surrounds it with layers of a substance called nacre. This forms the exquisite gemstone known as pearl. Pearls come in a wide range of colors from delicate rose white to black. They should be relatively free from skin blemishes. The more perfectly round the shape the better. The higher the luster or ñorient,î the more valuable the specimen. Besides the popular round shape, there are stylish mabe (large hemispherical cultured pearls), fresh water (elongated in interesting shapes and colors), and South Sea (large cultured pearls 10 mm and up from Australian and Indonesian waters), to name a few.

The oriental pearl is known as the gem of the moon. They have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity. They have also come to symbolize a happy marriage.

Pearl is the official birthstone of the month of June. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.

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This website is dedicated to the memory of Dana Holm Howard (1953-2000).