What the Cancer Birthstone Color Means

The Cancer Birthstone: Pearl

The pearl is the birthstone for people born under the astrological sign of Cancer, which falls between June 21st and July 22nd. This gemstone is often associated with purity, innocence, and loyalty, making it a popular choice for use in wedding and engagement jewelry.

History and Lore of the Pearl

Pearls have been highly prized for centuries, with the oldest known pearl jewelry dating back to ancient Persia. In ancient Rome, pearls were considered a symbol of wealth and status, and only the wealthiest individuals could afford to wear them. In some cultures, pearls were believed to have medicinal or magical properties, and were used to treat a variety of ailments.

Types of Pearls

There are several different types of pearls, each with its own unique characteristics.

Natural Pearls

Natural pearls are formed spontaneously in the wild when a foreign object, such as a grain of sand, becomes trapped inside an oyster’s shell. As the oyster attempts to protect itself from the irritant, it secretes a substance called nacre, which coats the foreign object and eventually hardens into a pearl. Natural pearls are extremely rare and valuable, and are usually reserved for high-end jewelry.

Cultured Pearls

Cultured pearls are pearls that have been farmed and harvested using a process similar to that used for natural pearls. In this process, a small piece of foreign material is intentionally introduced into the oyster’s shell in order to stimulate the production of a pearl. Cultured pearls are much more common and affordable than natural pearls, and are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors.

Imitation Pearls

Imitation pearls, also known as “fake pearls,” are not actually pearls at all, but are instead made from a variety of materials such as glass, plastic, or ceramic. Imitation pearls are often used in costume jewelry and are much less valuable than natural or cultured pearls.

The Meaning of the Pearl Birthstone

The pearl is often associated with purity, innocence, and loyalty, making it a popular choice for wedding and engagement jewelry. It is also believed to bring good fortune and prosperity, and is sometimes referred to as the “stone of sincerity.” In some cultures, pearls are thought to have calming and centering effects, and are worn to promote inner peace and balance.

The Color of the Pearl Birthstone

Pearls come in a wide range of colors, including white, cream, gold, pink, silver, and black. The most common and classic color for pearls is white, which is often associated with purity and innocence. Black pearls, on the other hand, are considered more exotic and mysterious, and are often associated with strength and power.