Pearl

A June birthstone, pearl is a recognized gift for the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries. Pearls are most commonly thought of as being round and white, but contrarily they come in many shapes and colors. Oval, tear drop, and free form are among the various shapes that pearls can form into. Colors of the pearl can range from cream, peach, cinnamon, gold, blue-grey and black. A pearls color is a combination of its body and overtone color (orient). Pearls are available in both saltwater and freshwater varieties. Five factors determine value: luster, orient, surface cleanliness, shape and size, as well as availability with saltwater production far less than freshwater. Pearls are commonly bleached to achieve uniform color. Some are dyed to get black, grey, blue, rose and golden hues as well as fashion colors.