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June Birthstone

The June birthstone is the pearl.



Pearls have a long regal history because of the rarity of perfect pearls.

Once only royalty could afford and wore pearl jewelry which was associated with goddesses.

Because the pearl was associated with refinement, they were traditionally worn with only formal wear - special occasions. Today pearls are worn by all ages and with jeans, suites or formal gowns.

The pearl naturally comes in several colors, such as white, gray, black, pink, or yellow. Their value is judged based on the color, shape, and size.

To ancient cultures, the pearl represented the moon and had magical powers over people!!!

Cultured Pearls in USA

Native Americans on the east coast collected freshwater mussel pearls and shells to use for tribute or to decorate their garments.

To develop an appreciation of freshwater pearls one has to be open to the idea that color is more desirable than no color (or white) and that shaped perarls are as desirable as round pearls.

In nature pearls are seldom perfectly round or pur white. Freshwater pearls are noted for their wide range of color: white to dark brown.

They also come in cream, silver, yellow, pink, salmon, red, copper, bronze, lavender, purple, green, and yes, blue.

According to the United States Geological Survey website:

"To date, 31 different States have reported production of freshwater pearls and shell. During 1993, 18 States reported production, they were Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. The bulk of the shell and pearl production came from Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, and Louisiana."

No story is complete without giveing credit to John Latendresse (July 26, 1925 – July 23, 2000) who is known for being the "father of American cultured freshwater pearls". He built a U.S. freshwater cultured pearl farm in Tennessee that attracts tourists to thei day.

Tennessee Pearl Sites and Tours

For the perfect June birthstone take a tour of these sites:

American Pearl Company
The Latendresse Family has been specializing in pearls since 1954. In 1961, John Latendresse founded the American Pearl Company ® in Camden, Tennessee and expanded to Nashville, Tennessee in 1991.

Tennessee River Pearls
Witness a remarkable iridescent product of nature as it emerges from the indigenous Washboard mussel. Tennessee’s Official State Gem.


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Perfect Birthday Celebrations - Homepage for June Birthstone.