Gem(s) of the Month~Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone

It is not surprising that the month of June, associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini, has three beautiful gemstones to chose from.  The oldest gemstone would be the lustrous pearl.  They are unique because they are the only gem that is fostered from the sea.  They were a favorite adornment in the roman empire, Tudor England and the 1500s were also known as the pearl age.  The ancient greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy formed by the goddess Aphrodite.  

Alexandrite is the newest gem addition and is relatively modern in comparison.  It was discovered in 1831 and named after the Czar Alexander II.  It is an extremely rare form of chrysoberyl and has unique color changing qualities.  It can change from a rich lovely green in natural light to a purplish red color in incandescent light.  It is an extremely rare gem and is quite expensive so many jewelers stock up on synthetic gemstones (Which are the man made alternative to the natural material, still possessing the same physical , optical and chemical properties as the natural stone.)

Finally the moonstone, one of the most sacred gemstones in India.  The gem is believed to house a spirit that brings good fortune.  Moonstones can range in color from shimmering shades of peach, champagne, blue and green.  They often have a cats eye like sheen to them.  For healing qualities the moonstone is excellent to balance hormonal and digestive systems purging the body of toxins an has been beneficial for women during pregnancy and childbirth.

I love reading about the stories and healing properties associated with gemstones.  I am currently working on a collection that will feature raw gemstones.  It is fun to incorporate a little bit of history and mythology into my creations.  Here is a sneak peek of that collection.