Symbolism of Pearls: History & Myths Behind the Pearl

For a long time, pearls have been admired for their beauty and rarity, cultivating a rich history of symbolic meaning that spans multiple cultures and eras.

As treasures from the Earth’s ponds, lakes, seas, and oceans, pearls embody the mystery, power, and life-sustaining nature of water.

Their formation, through a prolonged process within a mollusk shell, makes them a natural symbol of strength, protection, and the potential for enduring, lasting relationships.

Overview

Pearl symbolism also encompasses healing and balance, as well as a symbol of beauty and spirituality. The diverse range of pearl colours, from classic white to rare black, adds another layer of meaning to these organic gems.

For example, white pearls often link with innocence, while pink pearls are a symbol of love and romance. Certain cultures also view pearls as symbols of luck and prosperity, making them treasured tokens and gifts that carry significant and sentimental value.

Eastern philosophies and Western cultures both hold specific meanings for different types of pearls as well.

Throughout history and in modern times, pearls have been highly sought after, both for their unique allure and the associations they carry. Today, we continue to appreciate the meaningful symbolism of pearls and their ability to connect us with the natural world.

Moreover, they also evoke profound emotions and enrich our lives with a sense of timeless elegance, grace, and good fortune.

Here’s the scoop on the symbolism of pearls!

Symbolism of Pearls

History of Pearl Symbolism

In ancient times, the expense of perfect pearls gave rise to their connection with wealth and power.

The search for the perfect pearl, whether natural or farmed, has gone on for centuries, with evidence of pearl cultivation dating back to at least the 13th century CE. 

Many ancient societies also believed that pearls symbolized the moon and were imbued with magical properties. For instance, ancient civilizations, like the Chinese culture, believed that wearing pearls protected a person from fire and dragons.

In contrast, other cultures link pearls with chastity and modesty.

Cultural Significance of Pearls

In Victorian England, small seed pearls were often used in mourning jewelry to represent tears and a symbol of purity of the deceased.

In modern day England, Queen Elizabeth II wore a three-strand pearl necklace. This was a gift from her father, King George VI.

The old saying, “Pearls bring tears,” doesn’t seem to be in keeping with the wisdom and serenity associated with pearl symbolism. However, it’s important to recognize that the symbolism of pearls can vary between cultures and historical periods.

As an enduring symbol of wealth, power, wisdom, beauty, purity, and even luck, pearls continue to hold a special meaning in various societies across the world. In Western cultures, pearls are still valuable for their timeless elegance and the many deep meanings they convey.

Japanese pearl farmer Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl in 1893. In the early days of pearl exploration, real pearls were super rare to find. Mikimoto decided to try culturing pearls.

He was successful in his attempts and created many types of pearls including black and white South Sea cultured pearls. This led to the foundation for modern jewelry production in Japan. 

Pearl Color Meanings

As for pearl color symbolism, different colors represent different meanings:

• White: Symbolizes innocence, purity, and spirituality. White pearls connect with weddings and are a symbol of purity and innocence.
• Black: Represents protection, power, and wealth. Black pearls are rare and unique, thus often seen as a symbol of affluence and authority.
• Pink: Signifies love and romance. Pink pearls are popular in jewelry that symbolizes affection and emotional connections.
• Yellow: Denotes optimism and creativity. Yellow pearls inspire positive thinking and imaginative pursuits.
• Blue: Blue pearls represent calm and tranquility. They can provide strength in someone’s life. 
• Purple: Artistic, wisdom, and complexity. Purple pearls are helpful for those who are teachers and philosophers. 
• Brown: A chocolate, or brown pearl, represents harmony and dependability. They can symbolize comfort since chocolate is a comfort food for a lot of people.

Birthstone

Each month of the year has a gemstone that holds similar qualities to the people with birthdays in that month. These are better known as birthstones.

Some months have more than one birthstone. The three birthstones for the month of June are the alexandrite, the moonstone, and the pearl.

The pearl meaning as the traditional June birthstone is similar to its everyday meaning.

It represents purity, humility, and innocence. This birthstone also means a “sweet simplicity”. 

Different Types of Pearls

Pearls have been treasured for their beauty and symbolism for centuries. They appear in a variety of shapes, colors, and types.

In this section, we will discuss the different types of pearls, including natural, cultured, saltwater, and freshwater pearls. 

Natural Pearls

A natural freshwater pearl forms without any human intervention and is incredibly rare. They form when an irritant, such as a small piece of shell, becomes lodged in the soft tissue of an oyster or mussel.

The mollusk then coats the irritant with layers of nacre, a substance that gives pearls their lustrous sheen, eventually forming a pearl.

Natural pearls come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, black, and gray, depending on the type of mollusk, geographical location, and living creature.

Cultured Pearls

Cultured pearls form when human intervention helps initiate the pearl-forming process. These pearls are typically grown in pearl farms, where a small piece of shell or other irritant is inserted into the mollusk to stimulate nacre production.

Cultured pearls come in a variety of types, including Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls, and more.

While more common than natural pearls, cultured pearls still exhibit the beautiful luster and unique shapes that appear in their natural counterparts.

Freshwater Pearls

As their name suggests, freshwater pearls form in mussels and freshwater mollusk that inhabits freshwater environments, such as rivers and lakes. These pearls have a wide range of shapes and colors, from white to copper and even pastels.

According to the International Gem Society, freshwater pearls can occur in varied and unusual but beautiful shapes, making them a popular choice for unique and distinctive jewelry.

Saltwater Pearls

Saltwater pearls appear in oysters that live in marine environments, such as oceans and seas. They often have a more rounded shape than freshwater pearls and are usually larger in size.

Some well-known types of saltwater pearls include Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls. With their lustrous sheen and classic beauty, saltwater pearls attract people with their elegant appearance.

In summary, pearls are beautiful gemstones that come in a variety of types and colors. From natural pearls to cultured, freshwater, and saltwater pearls, each type has its unique characteristics and appeal.

Symbolism of Pearls in Spirituality

Healing Properties of Pearls

Pearls possess a variety of healing properties that can be beneficial for both physical and emotional well-being. They hold a strong connection to the spiritual realm and are often a symbol of wisdom, purity, and fertility.

• Emotional healing: Pearls instill a sense of calmness and tranquility, easing stress and anxiety. They facilitate emotional balance, helping individuals overcome feelings of fear, anger, or grief.
• Physical healing: Pearls have a link with improved digestion and the strengthening of the muscular system. They are also believed to help with skin health, promoting a radiant, youthful appearance.

Pearl and Chakra Balance

The spiritual meaning of pearls, in practice, is known to impact chakra balance, specifically the Crown, Third Eye, and Heart Chakras. The integration of pearls in meditation or energy work can bring about notable shifts in one’s spiritual journey for inner peace.

• Crown Chakra: Pearls can aid in the connection to higher wisdom and divine guidance, leading to a heightened sense of awareness and spiritual growth.
• Third Eye Chakra: The use of pearls can foster intuition and psychic abilities, allowing individuals to tap into their unconscious mind and explore their own inner wisdom.
• Heart Chakra: Pearls can encourage self-love and compassion towards others, fostering emotional balance and the formation of positive relationships.

Aura energization is another aspect of spirituality that pearls can influence. Wearing pearls or incorporating them into spiritual practices can strengthen and protect one’s aura, promoting overall energetic balance and well-being.

Pearls hold significant spiritual meanings and values, touching various aspects of healing, balance, and spirituality. Their powerful influence on chakra alignment, aura energization, and emotional stability makes them valuable in diverse spiritual contexts.

Pearl Jewelry and Status

Pearl jewelry has a link to wealth, status, and prestige. The rarity and unique beauty of pearls have drawn admiration and desire for thousands of years.

Pearl Necklaces

Pearl necklaces, often the pinnacle of pearl jewelry, symbolize elegance and sophistication. Historically, they have adorned the necks of royalty and high society members, showcasing their prosperity and elevated social status.

A pearl necklace can range from a simple, single strand of pearls to more intricate, multi-strand designs, each reflecting the wearer’s taste and style. They are the perfect piece for anyone trying to show off wealth or dress up a simple outfit.

Pearl Earrings

Pearl earrings are another popular type of pearl jewelry, symbolizing grace and refinement. From classic stud earrings to more elaborate designs with diamonds and other gemstones, pearl earrings can complement and elevate any outfit.

Like necklaces, pearl earrings have been worn by those who wish to showcase their status and affinity for exquisite jewelry. Pearls today still hold the same value and meaning of status as they did a century ago.

Pearl Bracelets

When someone gives you a pearl bracelet, traditionally, it represents love, purity, and wisdom. It can also represent someone caring about you and wanting to express their love in a timeless and unique way.

Furthermore, they want to create a lasting memory with you. 

Pearl in Relation to Other Gemstones

When comparing pearl jewelry with other gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, pearls hold a unique position.

While diamonds are known for their brilliance and durability, and colored gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are prized for their vibrant hues, pearls have a distinct allure due to their natural and organic origins.

Pearl vs Diamond

Diamonds are more durable and have a higher value per carat, but pearls offer a distinct, understated elegance that sets them apart. A piece of jewelry can feature both diamonds and pearls, combining their exquisite qualities into a stunning piece.

Pearl vs Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire

Although pearls do not have the same vivid colors as these precious stones, their beauty appears in their lustrous sheen and the variety of subtle colors they can display.

The unique glow of pearl jewelry can be just as captivating as a vibrant emerald, ruby, or sapphire piece.

Pearl jewelry has remained a symbol of wealth and status throughout history, with pearls representing purity, fertility, and the cycles of life.

The rarity and unique qualities of pearls make them a sought-after addition to any jewelry collection, admired for their elegance and ability to elevate the wearer’s stature.

Legends and Myths of Pearls

There have been reports for centuries due to a myth that pearls are made from a grain of sand but this information is inaccurate.

However, here are some of the cultures and religions that were most impacted by the pearl and its symbolism.

Ancient Greece

In Ancient Greece, pearls link with love and marriage. The Greeks believed that pearls were the tears of joy shed by the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love when she emerged from the sea.

Pearls were often used as wedding gifts, symbols of purity and innocence, and brides would wear pearls on their wedding day.

Ancient Rome

Ancient Romans also valued pearls as symbols of wealth, luxury, and social status. They regarded pearls as a sign of status and authority.

It was believed that pearls were the tears of the sea gods and goddesses or fallen heavenly bodies. The god of fertility, Priapus, wears a necklace of black pearls.

Roman brides often wore pearls as bridal jewelry to signify modesty and faithfulness in marriage.

Chinese and Japanese Lore

In Chinese and Japanese legends, pearls closely link with dragons and the sea. Some ancient myths describe pearls as the finest treasures in a dragon’s collection, while others claim that they form from the tears of mermaids or the moon’s reflection on water.

In Chinese tradition, pearls symbolize the moon. They also link with women and the feminine energy they possess. The ancient Chinese historian, Li Shizhen, wrote about golden pearls found in the South China Sea, which were believed to be created by lightning striking the water.

Akoya pearls are especially prized in Japan, and some believe that they possess mystical qualities.  

In Asian cultures, a flaming pearl represents divine wisdom. In Chinese mythology, it is made of chi, which is the life force and is one of the eight Auspicious objects. 

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, pearls were a symbol of Isis. She is the goddess of healing and life.

The Egyptians often buried loved ones with pearls as a sign of reverence and respect. They also used the mother of pearl in decorative pots and jewelry.

In addition, pearls symbolize wealth and were used by the Egyptians to show their wealth compared to the Roman Republic. 

Hindu and Vedic Texts

The significance of pearls in the Hindu culture and ancient Vedic texts also stands out. Hindu mythology associates pearls with the god Krishna, who is said to have found the first pearl and presented it to his daughter on her wedding day.

Pearls are a symbol of purity, wisdom, and spiritual transformation.

They are often a part of ceremonial jewelry. In addition, they are also gifts for special occasions.

In the Vedic texts, pearls are the birthstone for the Moon, representing the calming energy and emotions associated with it.

Pearl symbolism has been shaped by various ancient cultures and their beliefs, imbuing pearls with rich mythology steeped in love, purity, and mystique. As mentioned, pearls have been associated with myths, the ancient Greeks, Venus, and Hindu traditions.

The lure and value of these treasures from the sea continue to captivate people across the world, with each culture adding an intriguing layer of mystery and reverence to the pearl’s story.

Christianity

Like other religions, Christianity holds value to certain things and references a lot of different things in the Bible. Several stories in the Bible have a pearl in them.

The most famous one is in the book of Matthew in one of the parables of Jesus Christ. The parable is titled “The Parable of the Pearl,” or “The Pearl of Great Price.”

The scripture mentions a merchantman seeking goodly pearls for a great price. The man ended up selling all his possessions for this single pearl.

This parable emphasizes the worth of the kingdom of Heaven, eternal life, and the sacrifice to obtain it. Pearls have a connection with the Virgin Mary since pearls are a metaphor for God’s kingdom.

In The “Fall” in the Book of Genesis, Adam’s tears form the Tigris and Euphrates rivers while Eve’s tears form pearls when they fell into the ocean.

Formation and Care of Pearls

Creation of Pearls

Pearls are unique gemstones that form from oysters and other mollusks as a defense mechanism against a foreign object. When an irritant enters a mollusk’s shell, it secretes layers of a substance called nacre to cover the irritant and protect itself.

Over time, these layers accumulate and form a smooth and lustrous sphere, which is the pearl.

The journey of a pearl begins within the soft tissues of a mollusk. There are both natural and cultured pearls, with different methods of experience in each case.

Natural pearls form spontaneously, whereas, in pearl farms, irritants are intentionally introduced into the mollusks to induce pearl production.

Pearls have been valued for their beauty and symbolism throughout history across different cultures. Ancient Rome considered pearls as a symbol of wealth and a popular fashion accessory.

Pearls have various benefits, such as promoting a healthy muscular system and providing relief from lung diseases. Also, their calming and balancing properties help wearers achieve mental and emotional well-being.

Pearl Care and Maintenance

Taking proper care of pearls is essential to maintain their high luster and longevity. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Avoid exposing pearls to harsh chemicals and cosmetics: Apply perfume, hairspray, and makeup before putting on pearl jewelry to prevent damage.
• Wipe pearls gently: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean your pearls after wearing them. This removes any residue and maintains its luster.
• Store pearls separately: Keep your pearl jewelry away from other gemstones in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box. This prevents them from getting scratched by other jewelry pieces.

Pearls and Gemstones

Pearls are known for their calming effects and the wisdom they symbolize. When combined with other gemstones, they can create unique and powerful combinations.

In this section, we will explore the synergy between pearls and various gemstones, such as amethyst, blue lace agate, citrine, fairy quartz, green calcite, jade, and obsidian.

Amethyst and Pearls

Amethyst, a protective and spiritual stone, is an excellent companion for pearls. Combining pearls with amethyst enhances its calming effects, as well as promoting spiritual growth and protection.

This combination is beneficial for emotional healing, balance, and enhancing intuition.

Blue Lace Agate and Pearls

Blue lace agate is a nurturing and harmonizing stone that pairs well with pearls. The soothing energy of blue lace agate complements the pearls’ calming effects.

Together, they promote emotional balance and support communication, particularly for those seeking wisdom and clarity in expressing their emotions.

Citrine and Pearls

Citrine is a stone of abundance, success, and personal power, making it a strong and dynamic partner for pearls. The combination of citrine and pearls promotes an ideal balance of energy, cleansing negativity from one’s aura, and attracting prosperity.

This pairing is perfect for manifesting goals and enhancing personal empowerment.

Fairy Quartz and Pearls

Fairy quartz (spirit quartz), has uplifting spiritual energy. When combined with pearls, they create a powerful connection to the higher realms and enhance your spiritual growth.

The combination of fairy quartz and pearls supports emotional healing, intuition, and spiritual transformation.

Green Calcite and Pearls

Green calcite is a healing and calming stone that harmonizes well with pearls. Together, they offer emotional balance and invite a healing, nurturing energy.

The pairing of green calcite and pearls opens the heart chakra, promoting self-love, forgiveness, and compassion.

Jade and Pearls

Jade is a stone of prosperity, wisdom, and protection. When combined with pearls, this pairing brings balance to one’s life and enhances spiritual growth.

Pearls and jade share a unique harmony, promoting a deep connection with nature, emotional healing, and luck.

Obsidian and Pearls

Obsidian, a grounding and protective stone, complements the serene energy of pearls. Together, they provide emotional balance, protection from negative energy, and a grounding effect during meditation or spiritual practices.

The combination of obsidian and pearls is beneficial for personal growth and overcoming emotional obstacles.

Final Thoughts

Overall, pearls offer not only an elegant addition to one’s jewelry collection but also a unique and meaningful symbol of strength, protection, and prosperity.

By understanding their formation process and taking proper care of them, you can ensure your pearls remain as beautiful and valuable as the day you acquired them. The oldest pearls tend to carry more value if they are in good condition.

But this depends on a few factors including the type of pearls.

Pearls are a powerful object that appears in a number of cultures and fairytales. Even though this small, shiny object forms inside the shells of mollusks, the symbolic meanings continue to shine even today.

People wear pearls as their birthstones or as a symbol of good luck and new beginnings. You can also find plenty of jewelry pieces with at least one pearl and a few precious gemstones that can make any outfit look elegant for young girls and women.

Get the scoop on more symbolism articles below:

• Symbolism of Emeralds: Healing Properties & Meanings
• Symbolism of Gemstones: Hidden Meanings & Powers
• Symbolism of Salt: Significance in Bible and Scripture

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Thanks for the support!