Have a birthday coming up? Then look no further than June’s lustrous birthstone: Pearl. With a sheen you could get lost in, pearls have a unique glow that seems to emanate from within. Their layered texture, called ‘nacre’, makes them the only gem in the world created by a living creature. Explore the wonders of the sea with 77’s pearl collection: specially crafted for a June birthday gift that will elevate this (often overlooked) gem to its rightful position among precious gems.
A Bright History
A long held tradition, our fascination for pearls dates back millennia. Landing in Central America in 1492, Christopher Columbus recorded native tribes wearing pearls as ornamental jewellery. Historians have also found some pearl jewels dating back 2206 BC in China.
Due to the sheer scarcity of natural pearls, and to accommodate the rise in demand for pearl jewellery, a Japanese entrepreneur named Kokichi Mikimoto was the first to successfully culture pearls in 1893. Since then, pearl farms have become the main source of the world’s pearl production, with many varieties and colours appearing on the market.
By honouring centuries of tradition and craft, we look to magnify the natural beauty of pearls and incorporate them into our daily lives. Each pearl has been carefully selected for its lustre and sheen, and makes for a truly precious gift.— Anna Byers, Head DesignerHow are Pearls Formed?
Unlike mineral gems, such as diamonds or sapphires, pearls are the only gems created by a living creature. Many types of molluscs create pearls, however, pearls worn in jewellery are mostly cultured in oysters or freshwater mussels.
To create a pearl, a small irritant is introduced into the oyster or mussel. The natural response for the animal is to create protective layers around the irritant, called ‘nacre’. Usually, the irritant is tissue from another mollusc attached to a small bead. The tissue promotes the secretion of nacre, which in turn envelops the bead. Nacre is made of a carbon-based mineral called Aragonite and an organic secretion called Conchiolin that binds the mineral together.
A pearl retrieved from a mollusk, showing the similar nacre finish of both the pearl and the inside of the shell. Photo by Didier Descouens, Museum of Toulouse.Over the course of a few months or several years, depending on the type of molluscs, a delicate sphere forms inside the animal. Due to the layers of nacre deposited, a pearl’s surface reflects light in such a way to create incredible iridescence and lustre.
Once a pearl is harvested, the oyster or mussel can either be re-sealed with another bead, or eaten and recycled for its shell. It is thought that the procedure doesn’t hurt the animal, as oysters and mussels do not have a nervous system.
The Symbolism of Pearls
Pearls, as June birthstones, are often connected to elegance, purity and innocence: as such, they are traditionally gifted as wedding presents. In ancient folklore, pearls were also known to offer the wearer long life and prosperity.
Pearl jewellery also marked noble status, offering women a way to assert their position in society. In Renaissance Europe, for example, ornate pearl necklaces were reserved for women of high rank. One of the world’s most famous pearls, La Peregrina, has a history that spans almost 500 years, and was worn by Spanish monarchs and more recently Elizabeth Taylor. These adornments were more than displays of beauty: they were powerful markers of identity and privilege in a world where women's voices were often overlooked.
Elizabeth Taylor wearing La Peregrina pearl in Anne of a Thousand Days. Screenshot ImageThe Best Pearls For a June Birthday Gift
A pearl’s beauty is defined by its mirror-like sheen. By contrasting a pearl’s soft contour with discrete diamond accents, the 77 collection emphasises the play of colours found in natural gems: a June birthday gift that catches the light whichever way you turn.
The Minimalist’s Dream
Tesora DropsA minimalistic approach to pearl jewellery, the Tesora Drops redefine timeless elegance. Mesmerising yet discrete, this piece is set with two matching Akoya pearls that can be removed from the hoops for added versatility.
The Can’t-Go-Wrong Classic
Tesora Round NecklaceThe true essence of simplicity, this necklace will become a staple in any jewellery collection. Decorated with a hint of diamond sparkle, this is your go-to June birthstone gift.
The Showstopper
Cyrene DropsA tribute to the bright heritage of pearls, the Cyrene Drops offer a contemporary note to century-old brilliance. Set with South Sea pearls, the rarest type in our collection, this June birthday gift stands out through its brilliant diamond accents and signature floral design.
