June is one of the unique few months with multiple birthstones. Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone – each June birthstone has its own distinct beauty and history.
Each June birthstone carries its own story. Pearl has long been linked with purity, humility and innocence, which is why it remains a favourite for weddings, christenings and milestone gifts. Moonstone is associated with love, passion and good fortune, and many cultures have treasured it as a talisman for new beginnings.
Alexandrite is the most recent addition to the family. Because its green and red colours echoed those of Imperial Russia’s military, it quickly became a symbol of good fortune and prestige. Today its remarkable colour change is often read as a sign of balance and adaptability, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone starting a new chapter.
Few months offer as much variety. The palette runs from the soft whites, creams and pinks of pearl to the floating blue sheen of moonstone and the dramatic green-to-red shift of alexandrite. Pearls also occur in silver, golden and dark grey to black tones, so there is a shade to suit every skin tone and every colour of metal.
This range is one reason June’s gems are so popular for personalised jewellery. You can choose a classic strand of pearls, a glowing moonstone pendant or a rare alexandrite ring and still be wearing the stone of your birth month.
A unique gem born within the shells of molluscs. What sets pearls apart is their organic origin; they are formed from layers of nacre, a substance secreted by molluscs to coat irritants. This process results in a gem that is not only beautiful but also rich in history and rarity, qualities that elevate it to the status of a true gem.
Did you know? The largest pearl ever recorded, The Giga Pearl, is the world’s largest certified natural blister pearl. Its recorded weight is a staggering 27.65 kg, which is four times larger than the Pearl of Lao Tzu, which is the second biggest pearl to be recorded. The Giga Pearl is thought to be over 1000 years old!
From their ancient allure to their organic beauty, pearls have been prized for over 6,000 years, making them one of the oldest known gems in human history. With such a rich legacy, it’s no wonder they continue to offer a timeless elegance that’s hard to match.
The truly exceptional alexandrite is a part of the chrysoberyl family. Although the classic colour change is from green to red or purplish-red, some alexandrites may also exhibit hues such as yellowish-green in daylight, transitioning to brownish-red under incandescent light.
First discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s and named after Tsar Alexander II, alexandrite is prized for its rarity, beauty, and unique colour-changing properties. While sources now include Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa, high-quality examples remain extremely scarce.
Fun fact: Alexandrite’s green and red hues reflect the colours of Imperial Russia’s military, which led to it being regarded as a symbol of good fortune and prestige.
With its fascinating optical qualities and rich history, alexandrite is a truly distinctive gem for those born in June.
Moonstone, the third June birthstone, is easily one of the most enchanting gemstones. A member of the feldspar group, moonstone is prized for its display of labradorescence, a soft, billowy light that seems to glow from within. Colours range from colourless to soft hues of grey, peach, green, and blue, with top-quality stones displaying a vivid blue sheen.
Named for its moon-like lustre, this gem has captivated for centuries. The ancient Romans associated it with the goddess Diana, while in Indian tradition, it is a sacred stone believed to offer protection.
Recognised in gemmological circles since the 18th century, fine moonstone is sourced from Sri Lanka, India, and the USA. While widely available, high-grade specimens with exceptional clarity and a strong sheen remain highly sought after by collectors.
Fun fact: Folklore says moonstone can draw lovers together and heighten intuition—no wonder it carries such mystical charm.
Ethereal, historic, and full of meaning, moonstone is a dreamy pick for June babies, symbolising emotional balance and inner strength.
With three gems to choose from, finding the right June birthstone comes down to personal style and how the piece will be worn. Pearl is the classic choice, loved for its soft lustre and timeless elegance. Alexandrite is the rarest of the three and a durable option for everyday rings, while moonstone suits anyone drawn to a softer, more ethereal glow.
Pearl and moonstone are relatively delicate, so they are best set in earrings, pendants or protective settings and stored away from harder gems. Whichever June birthstone you choose, it is worth asking for an independent gemmological report so you know exactly what you are buying. For further reading, the Gemological Institute of America’s guide to June birthstones is an excellent resource.
Garnet |
Amethyst |
Aquamarine |
Diamond |
Emerald |
Pearl |
Ruby |
Spinel |
Sapphire |
Opal |
Citrine |
Zircon |
The three gems differ greatly in durability, so each June birthstone needs slightly different care. On the Mohs scale of hardness, pearl rates just 2.5 to 3, moonstone 6 to 6.5 and alexandrite 8.5. A little attention will keep all three looking their best for generations.
Pearl: put your pearls on after applying perfume, hairspray and cosmetics, and wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after each wear. Store them separately from harder gems and metal jewellery so they do not scratch.
Moonstone: clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, because moonstone can crack when exposed to high heat.
Alexandrite: with excellent toughness, alexandrite is well suited to rings worn every day. Warm, soapy water is the safest way to keep it bright.
To learn more about what makes a fine pearl, the GIA’s guide to pearl is a helpful place to start.
Pearl, alexandrite and moonstone are all widely imitated. Laboratory-grown alexandrite, imitation pearls and glass sold as moonstone can be very difficult to tell apart from natural gems without specialist equipment, and the difference in value can be considerable.
An independent gemmological report documents exactly what you have, giving you confidence when buying, selling or insuring a piece. European Diamond Reports offers a loose gemstone report for unset stones and a jewellery report for finished pieces. If you need a valuation, our jewellery appraisal service can help.
June has three birthstones: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Pearl is the best known of the three, while alexandrite and moonstone offer striking alternatives for anyone who prefers more colour or a contemporary look.
Birthstone lists have been updated over time. Pearl and moonstone both appeared on the standardised list adopted by American jewellers in 1912, and alexandrite was added in 1952. The result is a wider choice of colour, style and budget for people born in June.
Alexandrite is by far the rarest. Fine natural stones with a strong colour change are extremely scarce, particularly in larger sizes, and they command some of the highest prices of any coloured gemstone.
Alexandrite is the most practical option for rings worn daily, thanks to its hardness of 8.5 and excellent toughness. Pearl and moonstone are softer, so they are better suited to earrings, pendants and occasional wear.
