June stands unique in the calendar of birthstones, offering a trio of distinct gems: the organic pearl, the ethereal moonstone, and the rare color-changing alexandrite. Each stone carries its own history, geological origin, and symbolic weight, yet they share a common thread of elegance and personal significance. The designer Kendra Scott has drawn upon this rich heritage to create a collection that celebrates these gems, translating their inherent beauty into contemporary jewelry designs. This article explores the history, properties, and care of these three June birthstones, with a specific focus on how they are presented in Kendra Scott's celebrated collections.
The June Birthstones: A Trio of Distinct Gems
June is one of the few months associated with three distinct birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. While pearls and moonstones have long been revered for their ethereal beauty, alexandrite is a rarer and more modern addition to the birthstone tradition. Each of these gems carries its own symbolism and gemological traits, making them perfect for personal adornment and meaningful gift-giving. Kendra Scott's June birthstone collection showcases the elegance of these three gems in a range of styles that appeal to both classic and contemporary tastes, whether crafted in silver or gold.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Pearls
Pearls have been cherished across cultures and centuries for their natural elegance and association with purity, wisdom, and femininity. In ancient Rome, pearls were considered sacred and were worn by the elite as symbols of power and divine favor. Their journey through history is marked by their use in royal adornments and their status as a symbol of wealth and status. In the context of Kendra Scott's designs, the pearl—or more accurately, the ivory mother-of-pearl used in her collections—carries forward this legacy of timeless beauty. The Cailin and Elisa collections, for example, feature pendants in ivory mother-of-pearl, which are offered in both silver and gold finishes. These pieces are designed to be versatile, suitable for both casual and formal occasions, and they serve as a lasting reminder of the month's natural and cultural heritage.
Moonstone
Moonstone, with its captivating play of light, has been associated with lunar cycles and intuition. Historically, it has been linked to romance and emotional balance. The stone's ethereal glow, which seems to dance across its surface, has made it a favorite among jewelers and gem enthusiasts. Kendra Scott incorporates moonstone into her designs to highlight its unique optical properties. The company's commitment to creating pieces that are both stylish and functional is evident in the way they incorporate moonstone into their designs. The pendants and earrings in the collection can be styled in a variety of ways, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rarer gemstone, first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1930s. It is renowned for its unique color-changing properties, shifting from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. This remarkable phenomenon has made it a symbol of transformation and adaptability. While not as prominent in Kendra Scott's current offerings as pearls and moonstone, alexandrite is a meaningful addition to the collection. Kendra Scott's alexandrite jewelry is designed to highlight the gemstone's color-changing effect, which is best observed under different lighting conditions. The company's designs ensure that the gemstone is the centerpiece, with the setting and metalwork enhancing its natural beauty. Alexandrite jewelry from Kendra Scott is ideal for those who appreciate the rarity and symbolism of this gemstone.
Geological Formation and Sources
Pearls
Pearls are organic gemstones formed within the soft tissue of a living mollusk. Unlike most gemstones, which are mined from the earth, pearls are created through a biological process. When an irritant, such as a grain of sand, enters the mollusk's shell, it secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, eventually forming a pearl. Natural pearls are exceptionally rare, and most pearls on the market today are cultured. The sources do not provide specific geographic locations for pearl formation, but they do note that Kendra Scott often uses ivory mother-of-pearl, which is derived from the inner lining of mollusk shells and shares a similar luster and texture with natural pearls.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a variety of the mineral feldspar. Its characteristic adularescence—the soft, glowing light that appears to move across the stone's surface—is caused by the intergrowth of two different feldspar minerals. Moonstone is typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The sources do not specify the geographic origins of the moonstone used in Kendra Scott's jewelry, but the stone is historically associated with Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl. It is primarily found in Brazil, India, and Madagascar, with the most famous deposits located in the Ural Mountains of Russia. The refractive index of alexandrite ranges from 1.74 to 1.78, and it has a specific gravity of 3.71 to 3.73. These properties make it distinct from other gemstones and contribute to its unique optical characteristics. Alexandrite is also relatively rare, which contributes to its high value.
Gemological Properties
The three June birthstones differ significantly in their physical and optical properties, which influence their use in jewelry and their care requirements.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Refractive Index | Specific Gravity | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl | Calcium carbonate (aragonite or calcite) with conchiolin | 2.5 - 4.5 | 1.490 - 1.685 | 2.71 - 2.83 | Organic origin; exhibits luster and orient; sensitive to acids and abrasion. |
| Moonstone | Potassium aluminum silicate (feldspar) | 6.0 - 6.5 | 1.518 - 1.526 | 2.56 - 2.63 | Exhibits adularescence; can be prone to cleavage. |
| Alexandrite | Beryllium aluminum oxide (chrysoberyl) | 8.5 | 1.74 - 1.78 | 3.71 - 3.73 | Exhibits strong pleochroism and color change; very durable. |
Note: The table above synthesizes standard gemological data for these minerals. The specific properties of the stones used in Kendra Scott's jewelry may vary based on quality and treatment.
Kendra Scott's June Birthstone Collection
Kendra Scott has long been celebrated for her ability to blend natural beauty with modern design. Her June birthstone collection showcases the elegance of pearls, moonstone, and alexandrite in a range of styles that appeal to both classic and contemporary tastes. Whether crafted in silver or gold, each piece in the collection is designed to highlight the unique properties of the gemstone while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.
Pearls in Kendra Scott Jewelry
Kendra Scott's pearl jewelry is a testament to the timeless beauty of this organic gemstone. Her designs often feature ivory mother-of-pearl, which shares a similar luster and texture with natural pearls but is more durable and easier to care for. The Cailin and Elisa collections, for example, feature pendants in ivory mother-of-pearl, which are offered in both silver and gold finishes. These pieces are designed to be versatile, suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Moonstone in Kendra Scott Jewelry
Moonstone's ethereal glow is perfectly captured in Kendra Scott's designs. The company's commitment to creating pieces that are both stylish and functional is evident in the way they incorporate moonstone into their designs. The pendants and earrings in the collection can be styled in a variety of ways, making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Alexandrite in Kendra Scott Jewelry
While alexandrite is a rarer gemstone, Kendra Scott has included it in her June birthstone collection to showcase its unique color-changing properties. Although not as prominent in the company's current offerings as pearls and moonstone, alexandrite is a meaningful addition to the collection, representing transformation and adaptability. Kendra Scott's alexandrite jewelry is designed to highlight the gemstone's color-changing effect, which is best observed under different lighting conditions. The company's designs ensure that the gemstone is the centerpiece, with the setting and metalwork enhancing its natural beauty. Alexandrite jewelry from Kendra Scott is ideal for those who appreciate the rarity and symbolism of this gemstone.
Care and Maintenance of June Birthstone Jewelry
Proper care and maintenance are essential for preserving the beauty and longevity of June birthstone jewelry. Given the softer nature of pearls and the sensitivity of moonstone, it is important to handle these pieces with care and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Caring for Pearl Jewelry
Pearls should be stored in a soft cloth or jewelry box to prevent scratches and damage. They should be cleaned gently with a soft, lint-free cloth and should not be exposed to perfumes, lotions, or other chemicals, which can dull their luster. It is also advisable to avoid wearing pearl jewelry in chlorinated or salt water, as these can erode the nacre and weaken the gemstone. Pearls should be removed before engaging in physical activity or sleeping, as this can cause them to become dislodged or damaged. Regular inspections for loose settings or signs of wear are recommended to ensure that the jewelry remains in good condition.
Caring for Moonstone Jewelry
Moonstone is relatively durable but should still be handled with care. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can affect its color and luster. Like pearls, moonstone should be cleaned with a soft, lint-free cloth and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals. Due to its cleavage, moonstone should be protected from hard impacts.
Caring for Alexandrite Jewelry
Alexandrite is the most durable of the three June birthstones, with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale. It can be cleaned with warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. However, like all fine jewelry, it should be stored separately to avoid scratches from other pieces. While alexandrite is resistant to most chemicals, it is still best to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes, which could potentially affect its color-change properties over time.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures, the June birthstones have been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties.
- Pearl: Often associated with purity, innocence, and wisdom. In many traditions, pearls are believed to attract wealth and good fortune and are thought to have calming properties.
- Moonstone: Traditionally linked to the moon and feminine energy, moonstone is associated with intuition, emotional balance, and new beginnings. It is often considered a stone of love and romance.
- Alexandrite: As a stone that changes color, alexandrite is seen as a symbol of duality, transformation, and adaptability. It is believed to bring joy and good fortune to its wearer and is associated with strengthening intuition.
While these beliefs are part of the rich lore surrounding these gems, they are not based on scientific evidence. Kendra Scott's jewelry allows wearers to connect with these symbolic meanings through elegant design and the inherent beauty of the stones.
Conclusion
The June birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—offer a diverse and fascinating palette for jewelry design. From the organic luster of pearls to the celestial glow of moonstone and the transformative color change of alexandrite, each gem tells a unique story. Kendra Scott's collection successfully captures the essence of these stones, creating pieces that are both modern and timeless. By understanding their history, properties, and care requirements, enthusiasts and collectors can appreciate these gems on a deeper level and ensure that their jewelry remains beautiful for generations to come. Whether chosen for personal wear or as a meaningful gift, June birthstone jewelry serves as a lasting connection to the natural world and the cultural heritage of these remarkable gems.