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June Birthstones - Alexandrite, Pearl and Moonstone

by Judy Ellis
June is here which means summer sun, vacations, and fun! If your birthday happens to fall in the month of June, chances are you enjoy barbecues, outdoor activities, and fun in the sun!

This month's birthstone is a very beautiful one.. much like the summer sun... it changes colors and has many beautiful properties.
Alexandrite:

Alexandrite changes color, resembling emerald or ruby depending on light.

Rarely seen in person due to its scarcity.

Discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830, named for Czar Alexander II.

Became a national favorite matching imperial red and green colors.

Original mines closed after decades, now yield few carats yearly.

Newer sources in Brazil (1987), Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Zimbabwe lack the vivid Russian color change.
Judy Ellis's June Birthstones - Alexandrite, Pearl and Moonstone - , General Education, Design, , Alexandrite
Additional June Birthstones

Pearl:

Pearls have been treasured as adornments for centuries.

They were among the favorite gems of the Roman Empire, and during Tudor England, the 1500s became known as the Pearl Age.

What makes pearls unique is that they come from living sea creatures.

Unlike other gems, they require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty.

In the early 1900s, the first successful commercial cultivation of round saltwater pearls began.

Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the jewelry market.
Judy Ellis's June Birthstones - Alexandrite, Pearl and Moonstone - , General Education, Design, , Pearls
Moonstone:

Moonstone is June's third birthstone, named by Pliny for its moon-phase-like changes.

This belief persisted beyond the 16th century.

Known for adularescence, a floating play of light; some show star or cat's-eye effects.

Sacred in India, displayed on yellow for holiness, believed to hold a good-fortune spirit.

Feldspar family gem in green, blue, peach, champagne colors from igneous/metamorphic rocks.

Prized Sri Lankan sources; also India, Australia, US, Myanmar, Madagascar.
Judy Ellis's June Birthstones - Alexandrite, Pearl and Moonstone - , General Education, Design, , Moonstone

Materials

Alexandrite Cubic Zirconia
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Pearls
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Sterling Silver Bead with Pave Moonstone 15mm - Pack of 1
K9-134
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $70.97
  • Gold Club Price: $53.23
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Sterling Silver Bezel Connector Rainbow Moonstone Pear 10X7mm - Pack of 1
K4-81
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.06
  • Gold Club Price: $4.55
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Sterling Silver Pendant Charm w/Pave Diamonds & Rainbow Moonstone 38x8mm - Pack of 1
K1-109
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $69.07
  • Gold Club Price: $51.80
Out of Stock
White Moon Stone Cabochons
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Peach Moon Stone Cabochons
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4mm Round Cubic Zirconia Complete 12 Birthstone Set
E10-1G
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.00
  • Gold Club Price: $4.50
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6mm Round Cubic Zirconia Birthstone Set
E10-1H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.06
  • Gold Club Price: $9.05
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8mm Round Cubic Zirconia Complete 12 Birthstone Set
E10-1I
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $23.74
  • Gold Club Price: $17.81
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Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
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Bench Tools
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Design, General Education

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