jewelry history: June birthstones
03. Jun, 2010 
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“By her who in June was born
No gem save pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.”
- From “Gregorian Birthstone Poem”
If you were born in June, your birthstone is pearl…or moonstone…or Alexandrite. Read on to find out more about your birthstone and what it means.
Surprising but cool: birthstones are nothing new. The tradition stretches across time and cultures. Tibetans honour a person’s “mystical birthstone” in a tradition that dates back at least 1000 years, while in Indian Aruveydic philosophy, which is over 1500 years old, every person is assigned a birthstone that corresponds to his or her nature.
June-born Angelina Jolie sports a birthstone necklace of pearls
In the Western Middle Ages, stones were thought to have magical properties linked to the cycles of the zodiac, which were based on the Gregorian calendar (the system we are familiar with today). The powers of a particular stone were heightened during its corresponding month. In 15th century Poland, it was not uncommon for wealthy people to own jewelry in the 12 different stones of the Zodiac, and to rotate them monthly.
In 1870, Tiffany & Co. sought to popularize the birthstone tradition by marketing jewelry to consumers based on their birth month. They published a pamphlet with a Gregorian birthstone poem (excerpted above) and encouraged customers to give birthstone jewelry as birthday and anniversary presents. The tradition caught on and continues to this day.
Natalie Portman (born June 9) poses for Harper's Bazaar in an Audrey-style pearl necklace.
In order to standardize the birthstone system and make the stones relatively equal in value, the association Jewelers of America produced a new list of birthstones in 1812. A notable change to the list was that the June birthstone was changed from the expensive moonstone to the more affordable pearl.
Including birthstones in personal jewelry continues to be a popular way to personalize gifts, and is still considered lucky by many. To score some birthstone jewelry for yourself or someone special, check out our exclusive selection of affordable goods here. And don’t forget to make a wish!
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