June Birthstone: 3 Options from Pearl to Alexandrite (2025)

June holds a unique position in the birthstone calendar. While most months claim a single gem, June-born individuals choose from three distinct options: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.

This triple designation makes June one of only three months, alongside August (peridot, spinel, sardonyx) and December birthstones to offer multiple birthstone options.

Not sure which June birthstone fits your needs? This comparison table summarizes the key differences to help you decide in 60 seconds.

Still unsure which to choose? Continue reading for detailed guidance, or consult our GIA-certified gemologist for personalized advice.

What makes pearl unique among gemstones? Pearls are the only organic gemstones, formed not through geological processes but within living mollusks.

When an irritant enters an oyster or mussel, the creature secretes nacre (calcium carbonate and protein) in concentric layers. This process gradually builds a pearl over months to years. The natural formation creates pearl's signature luster, a soft, glowing radiance fundamentally different from the brilliance of faceted gemstones.

Cultured pearls comprise over 99% of the market. These pearls undergo the same organic formation but with human-initiated nucleation.

Pearl varieties for June birthstone jewelry:

• Akoya pearls - Classic white rounds from Japan, 6-8mm typical, representing traditional elegance

• South Sea pearls - The largest pearls (10-20mm), white or golden, from Australian waters

• Tahitian pearls - Naturally dark gray to black, never dyed, exclusively from French Polynesia

• Freshwater pearls - Affordable entry point, diverse shapes and colors

Geographic origins: Japan dominates Akoya pearl cultivation (crisp white with rose overtones). French Polynesia exclusively produces Tahitian pearls (naturally dark, never dyed). Australia, Philippines, and Indonesia supply South Sea pearls (largest, most lustrous). China produces the majority of freshwater pearls, offering affordable entry points to pearl ownership.

Treatment considerations: Cultured pearls undergo minimal processing, primarily cleaning and sorting. However, consumers should know that dark "chocolate" or "black" freshwater pearls are often dye-treated. Reputable sellers disclose treatments. Untreated Tahitian pearls command premiums for their natural dark coloration.

Pearl's softness (Mohs 2.5-4.5) requires thoughtful care. Avoid exposure to cosmetics, perfumes, and acidic substances. Wipe pearls gently after wearing to remove oils and perspiration that can gradually dull nacre's luster.

Traditional symbolism: Purity, wisdom and integrity, are the qualities that made pearls the preferred gemstone for brides in Ancient Rome and continue to define their appeal in contemporary jewelry.

Alexandrite is June’s rarest and most valuable birthstone. First discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s, it’s famous for its dramatic color-change effect—green in daylight, red under warm light. One stone, two personalities.

This optical magic comes from trace amounts of chromium in the crystal structure, the same element that gives emeralds their green and rubies their red. The stronger the color change, the more prized the stone.

Geographic considerations for June alexandrite:

• Russia (Ural Mountains) - Original source, now largely depleted, commands premium prices with certified origin

• Brazil - Current major source, typically shows 30-60% color change

• Sri Lanka - Produces fine specimens with strong color change approaching Russian quality

• East Africa (Tanzania) - Newer source with variable quality

Top-quality natural alexandrite can reach several thousand dollars per carat, while Russian-origin stones with exceptional color change can command extraordinary prices. Lab-grown alexandrite, chemically identical, offers a more affordable alternative but doesn’t carry the same investment appeal.

With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, alexandrite is durable enough for everyday wear.

Symbolism: balance, adaptability, and good fortune, a gemstone that reminds us that everything shifts with the light.

Moonstone is June’s third birthstone, loved for its soft, glowing light called adularescence. This dreamy effect looks like moonlight drifting under the surface, created by light scattering between tiny layers of feldspar.

The most prized variety is blue moonstone, typically from Sri Lanka, showing a strong blue sheen over a clear or nearly transparent body. Rainbow moonstone, with its multicolor flashes, offers a more bohemian aesthetic, while cat’s eye moonstone combines adularescence with a rare linear glow.

Moonstone varieties for June jewelry:

• Blue moonstone - Strong centered blue sheen, most valuable

• Rainbow moonstone - Multi-color adularescence, popular for bohemian aesthetics

• Cat's eye moonstone - Rare combination of adularescence and chatoyancy (cat's eye linear effect)

Origins: Sri Lanka produces the finest blue moonstone. India supplies commercial-grade material with a softer glow, while Madagascar is known for vibrant rainbow moonstone. Quality can vary widely, with premium Sri Lankan stones reaching around $50–$200 per carat versus $10–$30 for more common grades.

Most fine moonstone is untreated. Lower-quality pieces may undergo diffusion treatments to boost their sheen, but this is relatively uncommon.

With a hardness of 6 to 6.5, moonstone is best suited for earrings, pendants, or ring designs with protective settings. Its accessible price range makes it ideal for larger, luminous statement pieces.

Symbolism: Traditionally associated with intuition, feminine energy, and emotional balance, moonstone has long been linked to lunar mythology, from ancient Romans who believed it formed from solidified moonlight to Hindu traditions honoring the moon god Chandra.

Each June birthstone carries its own traditional meaning.

Pearl symbolizes purity, wisdom, and integrity. Its formation, beauty created from irritation has long been seen as a metaphor for turning challenges into growth. This is why pearls became the classic 30th-anniversary gift, celebrating the wisdom built over decades.

Alexandrite represents balance, adaptability, and good fortune. Its dramatic shift from green to red reflects duality: growth and passion, logic and emotion. It’s often associated with finding harmony between opposing forces.

Moonstone is linked to intuition, emotional balance, and feminine energy. Across ancient cultures, it was tied to lunar cycles and divine feminine power, and today it’s appreciated for its connection to introspection and inner calm.

These meanings come from cultural tradition rather than science, but many people still choose the June birthstone that resonates most with their personality or life story.

Understanding the dramatic price variation among June birthstones enables informed selection aligned with both aesthetic preference and budget reality.

Pearl pricing (per 16-inch strand):

• Freshwater pearls: $50-$200 (accessible entry point)

• Akoya pearls: $300-$10,000+ (classic white rounds)

• Tahitian pearls: $500-$25,000+ (naturally dark)

• South Sea pearls: $1,000-$100,000+ (largest, most lustrous)

Pearl value depends primarily on luster quality, nacre thickness, surface cleanliness, and size.

Alexandrite pricing (per carat):

• Modest color change (30-50%): $500-$2,000

• Good color change (50-75%): $2,000-$5,000

• Excellent color change (75-100%): $5,000-$15,000+

• Russian alexandrite (certified): $15,000-$50,000+

Alexandrite represents the most expensive birthstone across all months when comparing top-quality specimens.

Moonstone pricing (per carat):

• Commercial grade: $10-$30

• Fine blue sheen: $30-$100

• Exceptional quality: $100-$200

Moonstone represents one of the most affordable birthstone options, allowing significant carat weight within modest budgets.

June's extreme price diversity, from $50 moonstone to $50,000+ alexandrite, represents the widest range in the birthstone calendar.

June birthstones have adorned royalty, Hollywood icons, and modern style leaders for centuries, proving these gems transcend fleeting trends.

Pearl: The Timeless Icon

• Marilyn Monroe - Her iconic triple-strand pearl necklace became signature style, proving pearl's sensuality beyond grandmother jewelry stereotypes. The Japan Mikimoto pearls worn in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes sold for $150,000 at auction.

• Coco Chanel - Revolutionized pearl jewelry by layering multiple strands and mixing real with costume pearls, declaring A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls. Her personal collection featured South Sea pearls valued over $2 million.

• Michelle Obama - Wore double-strand pearl necklace to both inaugurations, cementing pearl's modern elegance and bipartisan appeal.

• Princess Diana - The Royal Family's extensive pearl collection includes seven-strand choker worn with Catherine Walker gowns, now worn by Kate Middleton at state events.

Alexandrite: The Collector's Secret

• Private Royal Collections - Russian Imperial Family owned history's finest alexandrite specimens from Ural Mountain deposits. Catherine the Great's alexandrite brooch (37 carats, 100% color change) remains in Kremlin Diamond Fund, valued over $15 million.

• Elizabeth Taylor - Known gemstone collector owned 12-carat Sri Lankan alexandrite ring, understanding rarity value before mainstream recognition.

• Modern Collectors - Tech billionaires and hedge fund managers quietly acquire investment-grade alexandrite—Sotheby's 2023 auction saw 5.68ct Russian alexandrite sell for $1.1 million ($193,000/carat).

Moonstone: The Bohemian Favorite

• Miranda Kerr - Frequently wears moonstone jewelry from independent designers, aligning with wellness and spiritual lifestyle branding.

• Stevie Nicks - Fleetwood Mac icon's stage costumes featured moonstone rings and pendants, cementing the gem's mystical-bohemian association.

• Indie Bride Movement - Moonstone engagement rings surged 340% on Pinterest 2020-2024 as millennials reject diamond traditions for personalized symbolism.

Select pearl if you value:

• Traditional elegance and timeless sophistication

• Organic beauty with soft, glowing luster

• Classic appeal appropriate for formal occasions

• Willingness to provide careful maintenance

Pearl suits those who appreciate jewelry with cultural heritage and don't require daily-wear durability.

Choose alexandrite if you seek:

• Exceptional rarity and investment potential

• Conversation-starting color-change phenomenon

• Maximum durability (Mohs 8.5) for daily wear

• Unique gemstone virtually never encountered

Alexandrite appeals to collectors and those who value exclusivity above all other factors.

Opt for moonstone when prioritizing:

• Affordability enabling larger statement pieces

• Ethereal, mystical aesthetic

• Spiritual or metaphysical connection

• Artistic, bohemian design expression

Moonstone serves June-born individuals who want distinctive beauty without significant financial commitment.

Consider also the jewelry setting: alexandrite excels in any design due to its durability; moonstone requires protective settings for rings; pearl demands designs that minimize exposure to abrasion and chemicals.

Choosing between three birthstones can feel overwhelming. This decision framework helps you match the right gem to your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Choose Pearl If:

• You want timeless, classic elegance (Audrey Hepburn aesthetic, royal tradition)

• This is for a formal milestone (wedding jewelry, gala events, significant anniversary)

• You appreciate organic beauty and centuries of cultural heritage

• Budget: $300+ (freshwater entry) to $100K+ (investment-grade South Sea)

• You understand maintenance requirements (avoid chemicals, gentle cleaning)

Choose Alexandrite If:

• You seek ultimate rarity (exponentially scarcer than diamond)

• You want a conversation-starting centerpiece (Is that emerald or ruby? Answer: Both)

• This represents an investment purchase (fine alexandrite appreciates 8-15% annually)

• You need daily-wear durability (Mohs 8.5, engagement ring suitable)

• Budget: $2,000+ per carat for quality color-change specimens

Choose Moonstone If:

• You love mystical, bohemian aesthetics (ethereal glow, spiritual symbolism)

• You want affordable statement jewelry (entire piece under $500)

• You value spiritual or metaphysical connection over prestige

• This is for casual or artistic wear (not daily rough-use scenarios)

• Budget: $50-$200 for fine-quality pieces

Still Unsure? Answer These 3 Questions:

1. Budget reality check: Under $500 → Moonstone | $500-$5,000 → Pearl (freshwater/Akoya) | $5,000+ → Pearl (South Sea/Tahitian) or Alexandrite

2. Wear frequency: Daily wear (rings) → Alexandrite | Special occasions → Pearl | Casual/artistic expression → Moonstone

3. Style aesthetic: Classic/formal → Pearl | Modern/edgy/investment → Alexandrite | Boho/spiritual/indie → Moonstone

Need personalized guidance? Schedule a free consultation with our GIA-certified gemologist or explore our curated June birthstone collection to see options side-by-side.