Pearl itself is a mixture of a mineral and an organic material found in the living tissue of a shelled mollusk. It’s also commonly known as the 30th-anniversary gem for couples. Pearls are also one of the oldest and most desired gemstones in the world. They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors and can be very versatile when it comes to jewellery.
Known as one of the most precious gems ever discovered, it has been revered for over 6,000 years. The timeline of its discovery goes behind recorded history, but it’s thought that the first humans to hold Pearls were on the shores of India.
They are 100% natural and the only gem that grows in a living creature. They are renewable, unlike mined gemstones, which once removed from the ground, no more will ever be formed. Each pearl is unique, one-of-a-kind.
Pearls rank among the most popular gems in the world. With a serene beauty, they make perfect complements to flashier gems. Yet, they also possess an elegance that can shine alone. Of course, their distinctive appearance and watery origins have inspired pearl symbolism and lore for centuries.
However, there’s a major difference between pearls and other well-known gems like diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. While these others form as minerals underground, these have organic origins. They form within various species of freshwater and saltwater mollusks. Simply put, pearls are gems but not stones. However, the ancients made little distinction between them and actual stones.
Since first discovered, they have been objects of great admiration. When human beings began to appreciate natural objects for their beauty and give them symbolic meaning, they began using pearls as ornaments.
Pearls are for everyone
They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. They mix well with most metals and other gems, especially jade, onyx, lapis, malachite, and chalcedony so there’s certain to be something special for everyone from men, and women to children. Women have always enjoyed the beauty and sophistication of pearls, and Add-A-Pearl necklaces have been a time-honored tradition for baby girls for over 100 years.
Today, men are embracing them as an accessory of choice extending beyond the traditional use in cufflinks, tie tacks, or bracelets. It’s not uncommon to see men wearing pearl chokers or single pearl earrings.
Symbols of love
Because of their timelessness, pearls have always been considered a symbol of one’s beliefs and values, like beauty, completeness, purity, happiness, love, chastity, perfection, power, truth, and wisdom. Known for their calming effect, these are believed to balance one’s karma, strengthen relationships and keep children safe.
More specifically, pink pearls symbolize success, fame, and good fortune, and black or gold pearls represent wealth and prosperity. Ancient Greek legend thought that they were the tears of the gods. They also believed that wearing pearls would prevent women from crying on their wedding day. One of the earliest religious accounts of the pearl claims that Adam and Eve wept after they were cast out of Paradise, creating a lake of pearls.
The white pearls were believed to be tears Eve shed and the black pearls were Adam’s. Other versions of the story surmise that men are better able to control their emotions, so Adam wept fewer tears than Eve. This parable explains the rarity of black ones. They have long been considered gifts of love. They are the birthstone for June and a gift for the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries. Occasions such as newborns, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, milestone achievements, and special occasions are marked with the giving and wearing.
Alternate gems for Millennials and Gen-Z
Pearls are organic and the only gem that grows in a living creature. They do not need any special cutting or faceting to reveal they’re true beauty. They are renewable, unlike mined gemstones, which – once removed from the ground – will never be formed again.
Each pearl is unique and one-of-a-kind. Unlike gemstones that are mined, pearl production preserves the natural environment. In addition, they are grown on farms where workers mine the riches of the sea instead of laboring under oppressive often dangerous conditions common in mining operations.
Pearls of all types grow in the sea and varying sizes, shapes, and colors are readily available to appeal to individuality and shoppers looking for something unique. They make an excellent option for engagement rings, pendants, or earrings. The options for styles are infinite, and their prices are more affordable than many other gemstones. They have a special appeal to the younger generation whose tastes tend towards subtlety in their jewellery. Millennials and Gen-Z continue to prefer less flashy, sparkly gems. Its subtle allure fits the changing tastes perfectly.
Why is a pearl so valuable?
They are unique in that they exhibit very high levels of each of the value factors – size, shape, luster/nacre thickness, surface cleanliness, and rarity. They are one of the only gems in the world formed inside living organisms.
Pearls make for a sustainable jewellery business. Two-thirds of the fine jewellery consumers surveyed own at least one piece of pearl jewellery. Pearls are the third most popular gem for self-purchase, after diamonds and sapphires, and the second most popular after diamonds to give as a gift.
Spiritual meaning of pearls
According to history and myths, these are symbolic of wisdom gained through experience. The gems are believed to offer protection, as well as attract good luck and wealth. They are well-known for their calming effects. Pearls have a way of bringing balance to your karma. Moreover, they speak of the wearer’s purity and integrity.
What do pearls symbolize in a woman?
Power Pearls are now being worn by women of every age as a symbol of confidence, prestige, and personal strength. From politics to fashion to the Hollywood big screen, these are turning heads for all the right reasons.
These gems also have the ability to calm and balance. No matter how chaotic life gets, they will be there to bring it all to peace. They will keep you firmly anchored to reality and not allow you to become cynical. They are known to enlighten and enrich no matter how they are used.
Natural vs Cultured Pearls
Natural saltwater pearls are organically created whereas cultured ones are created when the mollusk is introduced to an irritant by human intervention as a method of encouraging the pearl to form. Cultured ones are still considered true pearls, but natural ones are obviously much rarer and therefore have a special quality to them.
On the other hand, cultured ones are curated in a carefully looked-after environment which gives the mollusk and the pearl a chance to thrive. These cultured ones can appear larger, more luscious, and higher in quality when compared to those born naturally in sometimes testing conditions. If you find a perfect pearl it is most likely a cultured pearl rather than one found by pearl divers. Freshwater pearls are the white pearls that you often see in classic pearl jewellery.
Mother-of-Pearl
Mother-of-pearl gems are those that are full of shimmering iridescent pearl color and seem to dance in the light. Mother of Pearl is also called Nacre and is the material found in the inner shell layer of some mollusks.
This pearlescent material is used to make jewellery that is formed from pure imagination and is fascinating to look at. They are known for their ability to awaken dormant dreams, encourage psychic connection, and their protective qualities against negativity.
Healing Energy of Pearls
Just like all precious gemstones and crystals out there, pearls come cloaked in their own healing energy too. They are known as introspective gems, which means they guide us back into ourselves and show us our own sense of sublime wisdom. Yet, the luminous pearl doesn’t stop there. This pretty orb is brimming with benefits for the body, mind, and soul.
Physical Healing
The pearl is all about balance and it reflects this in the harmony it brings to the body. For those who feel physically off-kilter, this wonderful gem will bring you back into strong stature. Pearls are excellent for lung issues, they help reduce the effects of asthma and bronchitis, and they heal all your essential organs like the heart, liver, and kidney.
They have a sedative effect on the body too, meaning that you get a good night’s shuteye, calm overactive adrenal glands, and let go of hypertension and headaches. They are also said to be beneficial for pregnant women and new mothers thanks to all their fabulous feminine energy.
Mental & Emotional Healing
Along with bringing our hormones into balance and ensuring our body is finding that sweet spot between ride and rest, pearls love to lend a hand when it comes to soothing our emotions. Known as a stone of inner wisdom, pearls help us to find the confidence we need to be our own advocates in the world. They also lighten the mind and our mood meaning that we feel a bright spell of optimism and ease wash right over us. Pearls help us to let go of anxiety, nervousness, and that negative inner voice. They inspire sincerity, loyalty, and truth – not just to others but most importantly, to ourselves.
Metaphysical Properties
With such an emphasis on balance and wisdom, it’s no surprise that the pearl connects deeply with the third eye chakra. The third eye chakra is the gateway to our inner well of knowledge. It awakens our intuition, helps us find clarity, and illuminates darkened corners so we can see ourselves fully and with fine-tuned understanding.
Pearls also help protect us as they are exceptional at absorbing negative energy and keeping our auras pure and clear.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to organic gemstones we can’t get enough of pearls. Carrying with it the freshness and flow of the sea and the synergy of being born from another creature’s actions, brings a unique and special energy with it. The pearl has long been an ancient fascination. Forever valuable and filled with all those nurturing vibes that come from the sea, the moon, and the earth – pearls encapsulate balance, purity, and the wisdom we keep within.
