June is a unique month when it comes to birthstones—it boasts not one, but three stunning options: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Whether you’re purchasing a meaningful gift or treating yourself, it’s important to know how to spot authentic gemstones and avoid imitations. Each June birthstone has unique features and potential pitfalls when buying.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to identify real June birthstones and give you expert tips to make confident, informed purchases.
Understanding June’s Three Birthstones
Before you dive into gemstone shopping, here’s a quick overview of what makes each June birthstone unique:
- Pearl: An organic gem formed in mollusks, known for its soft luster and creamy appearance.
- Alexandrite: A rare, color-changing gemstone that shifts from green in daylight to red or purple in incandescent light.
- Moonstone: A feldspar mineral with a mystical shimmer called adularescence, appearing as a glowing sheen on the stone’s surface.
How to Tell If a Pearl Is Real
1. The Tooth Test
Gently rub the pearl against the edge of your front teeth. A real pearl will feel gritty or sandy, while a fake (usually glass or plastic) will feel smooth.
2. Shape and Surface
Natural and cultured pearls are rarely perfectly round. Real pearls have slight surface imperfections and irregular shapes, whereas imitations are usually uniform.
3. Luster
Real pearls have a deep, inner glow—a soft, multi-layered shine. Fake pearls often look dull or overly glossy, like plastic.
4. Drill Holes
Check the drill hole: on real pearls, holes are usually small, neat, and show layers of nacre. On fakes, you might see chipped coating or a glass/plastic core.
How to Identify Genuine Alexandrite
1. Color-Change Effect
The defining feature of real alexandrite is its ability to change color depending on the light source. Genuine stones shift from greenish-blue in daylight to reddish-purple under incandescent light. If a stone doesn’t shift color at all—or does so dramatically and unrealistically—it may be synthetic or a lookalike.
2. Rarity and Price
Alexandrite is extremely rare, especially in larger sizes. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Most “alexandrite” jewelry on the market is actually synthetic corundum or color-change garnet/spinel.
3. Lab Certification
Due to its value and rarity, always request a gemological certificate from a trusted lab (such as GIA or IGI) when buying genuine alexandrite.
How to Spot a Real Moonstone
1. Look for Adularescence
Real moonstone will have a soft, glowing light that moves across the surface as the stone moves. It should appear milky with a bluish or white sheen, not glittery or sparkly.
2. Check the Clarity
Authentic moonstone often has inclusions or internal lines, called centipedes, that are visible under magnification. Completely clear “moonstones” are likely imitations or another type of feldspar.
3. Price and Transparency
High-quality moonstones with strong blue adularescence are rare and more expensive. If you’re offered a “perfect” moonstone at a low price, it might be glass or synthetic lab material.
General Buying Tips for All Gemstones
✅ Buy From Reputable Sellers
Purchase from well-known jewelers or gem dealers with good reviews and return policies. If you’re shopping online, look for sites with transparent product descriptions and certification.
✅ Ask for Certification
Gemstones, especially alexandrite, should come with a gemological certificate. This verifies authenticity and describes the stone’s origin, treatment (if any), and quality.
✅ Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices
Authentic gems have value. While pearl and moonstone can be more affordable, real alexandrite is among the most expensive gemstones per carat. Steep discounts or suspiciously cheap prices usually mean imitation.
✅ Consider Treatments
Ask if the gem has been treated. Pearls may be dyed, alexandrites may be synthetic, and moonstones might be coated or enhanced. Knowing the treatment doesn’t make a gem fake, but it affects value and care.
Conclusion
Buying June birthstone jewelry is a special experience—but it pays to know what you’re looking for. From the grit of a real pearl to the mesmerizing shift in alexandrite, and the glow of moonstone, spotting genuine stones involves a combination of knowledge, observation, and trusted sellers.
If you’re ever in doubt, consult a gemologist or certified jeweler—because a real gem is always worth the extra care.
