Pearls are one of the modern birthstones for June. They have been recognized since the earliest times as the emblem of purity and modesty. Royal families throughout history and geography have revered the pearl as one of the most valued treasures while collecting and adorning themselves with this lustrous, organic gem. Most commonly found today is the cultured pearl from pearl farms. Pearls are produced by mussels in freshwater lakes or rivers, or by large oysters in the ocean. Freshwater pearls naturally occur in white to pink shades, but are now dyed, heat-treated or irradiated to achieve many fashionable colors. Tahitian pearls come in shades from silver, to green to black and their colors are natural. South Sea pearls range from white to golden shades naturally as well. Both South Sea and Tahitian pearls are prized for their size, luster, and natural color and are considerably more valued than Freshwater pearls because of their comparative rarity.
Topaz is one of the modern birthstones for November, and is also the zodiac stone of Sagittarius, November 23 - December 22. Topaz occurs not only in the transparent yellow, yellow brown, orange brown, and pinky brown, but also in a very light to medium red, very light to light blue, very light green, light greenish yellow, and colorless. Topaz is a hard, brilliant stone with a fine color range, and is very popular in jewelry. Topaz is exceptionally brilliant, known as "The Stone of the Sun", allowing its wearer to place their dreams and wishes into it to be reflected into the universe for fulfillment. True Topaz, the symbol of love and affection, aids in sweetening ones disposition by balancing emotions, while helping to break up stagnant energy in the body. Topaz helps to attract good fortune, happiness, and hope. Topaz supports and increases the power of the 3rd or Solar Plexis Chakra, but influences the other Chakras based on stone's color.