Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl with an unusual color change. Legend tells us that Alexandrite was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830, on Czar Alexander II's birthday. The alexandrite's color changes dramatically. To see the color change, put the stone in a spotlight or incandescent light to see the brown and red colors; then put the stone under fluorescent or daylight to see the green or blue-green color.

The better the quality of the stone, the more dramatic the color change will be!

Pearls, gifts from the sea, are an ever-popular special gift for the June birthday person. Pearls come in a variety of shades from creamy white to blush pink. They also come in a range of sizes up to 10 millimeters. Meant to be worn next to the skin, pearls enhance every wearer.

If you want to read more about pearls, consider reading The Book of the Pearl: The History, Art, Science and Industry of the Queen of Gems, by George F. Kunz and Charles H. Stevenson. Their book discusses the history and form of pearls, face and lore on pearl farming, and the mystical and medicinal properties of pearls. The book is available through Dover Publications.