One of the few organic gemstones widely used in jewelry today, pearls have been used as status symbols in a variety of different cultures for thousands of years. The majority of pearls on the market are cultured and broken up into four major types: Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and Freshwater. Pearls can also be dyed in a variety of colors. Pearls are an alternative birthstone for June and are a common 3rd and 30th year anniversary present.