“From the sea I bring you treasure my love, the bounty from Neptune's domain. With his blessing, I bring a purse full of pearls.” - Christos Andreas Kourtis

There’s a reason the word “pearl” is synonymous with something rare, refined, and deeply treasured. As June’s most iconic birthstone, the pearl holds a unique place in the world of fine jewelry. Unlike other gemstones formed beneath the earth, pearls are born from the sea — luminous, organic, and naturally elegant.

Pearls evoke a quiet luxury filled with meaning, making them the perfect gift for a loved one who shares a June birthday. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, marking a milestone, or simply sharing something beautiful, gifting June’s birthstone, pearl, is a gesture of grace, love, and timeless sophistication.

Let’s explore what makes the pearl so special — from its rich symbolism and history to modern-day gift ideas and care tips — in this updated and expanded guide to June’s most beloved birthstone.

Why it's the Pearl, of course! But, did you know that June is one of only three months with multiple birthstones? June offers the Pearl, the Moonstone, and the rare, and precious color-shifting Alexandrite. While each has its own unique allure, the pearl is by far the most traditional and universally recognized June birthstone. In fact, when most people ask, “What is the June birthstone?” the most common answer is: pearls.

As the primary June birthstone, pearls have captivated jewelry lovers for centuries. Their gentle shimmer, delicate color range, and organic origins give them a character unlike any other gemstone. In the world of birthstone jewelry, pearl reigns supreme for June — a true symbol of natural elegance and meaningful beauty.

Pearls have long been celebrated not only for their beauty, but for their deeper emotional and cultural symbolism. Often associated with purity, wisdom, loyalty, romance, fidelity, tradition, and serenity, pearls have graced the necks of queens, brides, and style icons throughout history.

In ancient Roman and Greek mythology, pearls were believed to be the crystallized tears of joy shed by Aphrodite, the goddess of Love.

In other cultures like the Polynesians, Oro, the Polynesian god of peace and fertility descended from the heavens on a rainbow intending to gift the black pearl to the people of Polynesia. Instead, he encountered Princess Bora Bora and instantly fell in love with her. He gave the Tahitian pearl to the Princess as a symbol of his ever-lasting love. For this reason, Tahitian pearls are symbolic of eternal love.

According to South Sea legend, the goddess of the Moon would come down to the sea to bathe at night. Her light would fill the oceans with her bright, ethereal light, attracting the oysters to her. For heeding her call, she blessed the oysters with drops of her divine light, which coalesced within the oysters as shimmering black pearls. Polished by the passage of time, this heavenly light holds its moonlit radiance within the pearl and wraps the pearl in gorgeous iridescent shades of green, blue, and pink. 

Across time and continents, one thing remains true: pearls symbolize the best of human connection:

Love. Honor. The Legacy of Memory.

That’s why they make such profound gifts, especially for a June birthday. You’re not just giving jewelry — you’re giving meaning.

June is a month of gentle transitions — from Spring to Summer, from school year to graduation season, from cool breezes to sun-warmed days. It’s also one of the most popular months for weddings. This seasonal backdrop sets the stage perfectly for the pearl: a gem that embodies new beginnings, beauty, and tenderness.

Pearls are closely tied to femininity, renewal, and love, making them a natural fit for June. Their soft glow feels in harmony with the energy of early summer. They are not too bold, not too quiet, just effortlessly beautiful. That’s what makes pearls such a meaningful June birthday gift. Whether given to a friend, a mother, a partner, or a daughter, pearls reflect care, sentiment, and lasting elegance.

Unlike most gemstones, which are formed by heat and pressure beneath the earth, pearls are the only gemstones created by living organisms. When an irritant enters the interior of a mollusk, it begins to coat the invader with layers of nacre — the same substance that gives pearls their unmistakable luster.

Today, most pearls are cultured, meaning they’re grown with human assistance in farms around the world. But they’re no less real or valuable for it — in fact, cultured pearls have enabled a level of quality, sustainability, and variety that’s elevated pearl jewelry to new heights.

Here are the main types of pearls you’ll find in June birthstone jewelry:

Understanding the types of pearls can help you choose the right piece based on personality, style, and occasion. Learn more by reading our comprehensive Pearl Education Guide, and specifically:

The Insider's Guide to Cultured Pearl Types

When it comes to pearl jewelry gifts for June birthdays, the options are as versatile as they are beautiful. From timeless classics to personalized pieces, pearl jewelry is a meaningful way to honor a birthday, a graduation, or a significant life moment.

Choosing the perfect June Birthstone Pearl Gift often depends on your relationship to whom you’re giving the gift to. Whether they’re a husband, a wife, a daughter, a Mom or a friend, we’ve got a quick breakdown of all the best choices for every relationship.

There’s something magical about the way pearls feel on the skin — cool, weighty, and alive with luster and shimmering iridescence. Pearl jewelry is timeless because it doesn’t chase trends; it sets them. From Coco Chanel to modern muses, pearls have always represented a blend of sophistication and soul.

Some of the most famous pearls throughout history are:

Pearls also carry emotional resonance, of course. These precious gems are often gifted to commemorate life’s milestones — weddings, graduations, anniversaries, and, of course, birthdays.

A Pearl Necklace or a pretty Pearl Ring becomes more than a piece of jewelry; it becomes part of a memory, a story, a legacy.

Whether you’re starting a pearl tradition or continuing one, you're giving more than a gift. You're giving a moment captured in elegance.

So what do you give when you’re looking for the perfect piece of June gemstone jewelry?  

Pearls are perhaps one of the most versatile gemstones you can wear. Simultaneously elegant and casual, pearls can be worn to any occasion and with any outfit ...

From your favorite Little Black Dress to jeans and a sweater, pearls always look amazing.

Choose from a classic White Pearl Necklace to simple Pearl Earrings, modern Pearl Pendants, long Pearl Rope Necklaces and more.

I have a few recommendations regarding the most popular types and styles, so you’re sure to give a gift that’s both memorable and cherished for a June baby:

Pearls are delicate — not in strength, but in temperament. With a little mindful care, your pearl jewelry will stay lustrous for generations.

• Last on, first off: Pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Avoid perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays.
• Store flat: Store in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box. Avoid hanging strands, which can stretch the silk thread.
• Clean gently: Use a soft, damp cloth after each wear. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.
• Restring regularly: For frequently worn pearl strands, restring every 1–2 years to maintain strength and security.

We have a few more tips and guidelines for how to carry for your pearls properly. Read:  Pearl Care 101

To give a pearl is to give more than just a beautiful object — it’s to offer something with depth, with memory, with emotional resonance.

A pearl is a whisper of the ocean, a symbol of love, and a celebration of someone’s inner light. It’s a gift that carries meaning, not just for the moment, but for a lifetime.

Whether you're shopping for a birthday, a graduation, an anniversary, or a wedding, June's Birthstone, Pearl, is always appropriate, always elegant, and always unforgettable.

Because the most meaningful gifts are the ones that last.

PurePearls.com offers tons of resources dedicated to giving you the inside information you need to make an informed decision before you purchase your pearls.

How To Pick the Perfect Pearl Necklace Length

Freshwater vs Akoya Pearls: Which Pearl Type is Best

The Expert's Guide to Pearl Sizes