June Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, & Moonstone

June, a month of blooming flowers and sun-drenched days, is the home of three romantic birthstones. June’s birthstones are pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Each has timeless beauty and unique characteristics that make them a beautiful centerpiece for custom jewelry.

Pearl: Nature's Timeless Elegance

Pearls have captivated hearts for millennia with their luminous beauty and timeless elegance. Formed within certain mollusks, pearls are born from the delicate alchemy of nature. When an irritant infiltrates the mollusk's shell, it responds by secreting layers of nacre, gradually enveloping the intrusion and transforming it into a pearl. Nacre is what forms Mother of Pearl, which can be used in jewelry such as these men’s wedding rings.

Pearls have adorned the necks, ears, and wrists of queens, empresses, and goddesses throughout history. From Cleopatra to Coco Chanel, pearls have been revered for their understated elegance. Their timeless appeal transcends trends and fads, making them a beloved choice for bridal jewelry. At Staghead Designs, we have a variety of pearl engagement rings, as well as pearl necklaces, that with proper care, will stand the test of time and become cherished heirlooms.

Despite their enduring beauty, pearls possess a delicate nature that requires gentle care and attention. As a rule of thumb, pearl jewelry should be the last piece put on and the first removed, protecting them from the harsh chemicals found in perfumes, cosmetics, and hairsprays. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, pearls rank at a 2.5, placing them as a delicate gemstone. This means that pearls are very soft and can be easily scratched. By handling pearls carefully, we ensure that their luster and radiance endure for generations.

Our 14k gold cultured white freshwater pearl necklace: 

pearl necklace on woman

Alexandrite: A Color-Shifting Gem

Alexandrite, the chameleon of the gem world, mesmerizes with its rare ability to change color depending on the light. Nicknamed the "emerald by day, ruby by night," alexandrite shifts between shades of green, blue, purple, and red depending on the light. This color shift is caused by two different phenomena: the alexandrite effect and pleochroism.

The alexandrite effect is caused by one specific trace element: chromium. Chromium ions absorb yellow and dark blue light very well, but are not as good at absorbing red, green, and lighter blue light. This is why alexandrite appears more red in warm lighting. The second, separate phenomenon that causes color change in alexandrite is called "pleochroism." Pleochroism is a term used to describe stones that appear multiple different colors based on the angle light enters a stone. Depending on the angle, alexandrite can appear green, blue, or red. For more details on these effects, take a look at our blog that dives into the traits of alexandrite.

At Staghead Designs, we almost always work with lab-grown alexandrite unless a natural Earth-mined alexandrite is requested. Alexandrite is an excellent center stone for use in engagement rings due to its durability. It sits at an 8.5 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.

As the birthstone of June and the official gem of the 55th wedding anniversary, alexandrite holds special significance for those born in this month and those celebrating decades of love and partnership. Its  mesmerizing color-changing properties make it a stunning choice for engagement rings and wedding bands. View our alexandrite engagement rings here.

Our "Lucy in the Sky" alexandrite engagement ring:

purple alexandrite engagement ring

Moonstone: Enchanting Beauty

Moonstone, with its ethereal glow and mystical allure, evokes the enchanting beauty of the moonlit night sky. Believed by ancient civilizations to be solidified moonbeams, moonstone has been revered for its magical properties and otherworldly charm. From ancient Rome to the Renaissance era, moonstone has adorned jewelry, amulets, and talismans, serving as a symbol of intuition, passion, and inner reflection. 

Moonstone is known as the stone of new beginnings, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life’s changes, a reference to the lunar cycle. Many believe that moonstone has natural healing powers and helps individuals to process change. Wearing moonstone jewelry is one method of keeping the stone closeby, with hopes that its healing effects are more powerful as it is worn.

In the Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, moonstone experienced a resurgence in popularity, with artists and jewelers incorporating it into their designs. Today, moonstone continues to have a timeless appeal, making it a popular choice for modern jewelry designers. At Staghead Designs, our moonstone engagement rings and moonstone men’s wedding bands are an extremely popular choice. Our couples love the romantic and gentle look of moonstone.

Our Men's "Artemis" wedding ring with moonstone & alexandrite:

men's ring with moonstone and alexandrite

June Birthstones in Engagement Rings

Pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone each tell a story as unique as the individuals who wear them. Pearls, steeped in history and elegance, are timeless treasures, their luminescent beauty enduring through the ages. Alexandrite, with its enchanting color-shifting properties, embodies the magic of transformation. Moonstone, reminiscent of moonlit skies and ancient mysticism, promises new beginnings and inner reflection, offering strength through life’s changes.

At Staghead Designs, we are passionate about crafting engagement and wedding rings with materials that are meaningful to you. Many are inspired by their birth month and seek a June birthstone engagement ring. Whether it's the classic look of pearls, the mesmerizing colors of alexandrite, or the ethereal charm of moonstone, our engagement rings embody the spirit of romance and individuality. As we continue to honor tradition while embracing alternative design, our commitment remains the same—to create bespoke jewelry that reflects your personality and the love you share.

Browse our pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite engagement rings today, or get in touch with our custom ring design team to start your dream ring today!