June has two birthstones: the pearl — the only gemstone created by a living organism — and alexandrite, a remarkable colour-changing stone that shifts from green in daylight to red under incandescent light.
Gemstone
Pearl & Alexandrite
Colour
Pearl: white, cream, pink, black | Alexandrite: colour-changing green to red
Hardness
Pearl: 2.5–4.5 Mohs | Alexandrite: 8.5 Mohs
Symbolism
Purity, wisdom, and transformation
Pearls have been treasured for millennia as symbols of purity and elegance. Unlike other gemstones, pearls require no cutting or polishing — they emerge from the oyster with their characteristic lustre intact. The finest pearls display a rich, mirror-like lustre with subtle overtones of pink, silver, or green.
Alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830, it was named after Tsar Alexander II. Its remarkable colour-change effect — green in daylight, red under incandescent light — is caused by the way chromium absorbs light.
Both stones make exceptional jewellery. Pearls are perfect for classic, timeless designs — stud earrings, pendants, and strands. Alexandrite, due to its rarity, is a collector's stone that makes an extraordinary centrepiece for bespoke rings and pendants.
Pearl earrings and pendants are timeless gifts — our Hatton Garden workshop can create bespoke pearl jewellery to your specification. For alexandrite, contact our gemmologists to source this rare stone for a truly unique commission.
June has two birthstones: pearl and alexandrite. Pearl is the classic choice — the only gemstone created by a living organism. Alexandrite is a rare colour-changing stone that appears green in daylight and red under incandescent light.
Pearls are soft (2.5-4.5 Mohs) and not recommended for engagement rings that will be worn daily. They are ideal for earrings, pendants, and occasion rings that receive gentler wear.
Natural alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Fine specimens with strong colour change can exceed £10,000 per carat. Lab-created alexandrite offers the same colour-change effect at a fraction of the price.