“The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.”
Grace Kelly
WHY ARE PEARLS BELIEVED TO BE SO PRECIOUS?
Pearls were one of the first gemstones to ever be worn, and have been in demand for a significant amount of time. Let’s go through why they are so precious, and how they have stayed so popular throughout decades:
1. PEARLS HAVE TO BE CREATED BY LIVING CREATURES
Despite popular belief, pearls are actually classified as a gemstone. But unlike other gemstones that are formed and mined from the earth, pearls are formed and found within various species of molluscs – making them the only gem that is produced by a living creature.
The reason why pearls are so precious is precise because they are produced by these living organisms. A pearl is formed when an irritant finds its way into the soft tissue of a mollusc, which then gets coated with something called nacre – this is the same material that the insides of their shells are made from. After layers upon layers of nacre, a pearl is formed.
2. PEARLS CAN TAKE A LONG TIME TO FORM
The pearl-forming process can take anywhere from six months to two years, and since this process involves a living organism, the results are not always consistent and sometimes these pearls are damaged before they get harvested, often by predators. After harvesting, pearls are then graded according to their size, shape, colour, nacre quality, surface quality, as well as their lustre value.
Natural pearls can be found in a variety of colours including the traditional white colour, as well as black and other colours like purple and pink – however, these are more common for freshwater pearls.
THE BELIEFS BEHIND EACH COLOUR OF PEARL
As you can see, pearls come in an endless array of colours, with each pearl displaying layers of different hue colours. Here are the different colours pearls can come in, their symbolic meanings and the pearl beliefs behind each colour:
WHITE PEARLS
When people think of pearls, they often think of the classic white pearls that have been adored for centuries. The belief behind these pearls is that symbolize innocent beauty and new beginnings, which is why they are often used for bridal jewellery. In fact, the ancient Greeks believed white pearls would even produce harmony within marriages.
Pearl studs or a small strand of Akoya pearls can offer a classy but minimalistic look that will add a touch of sophistication and luxury to your wedding look without getting in the way of your dress.
BLACK PEARLS
Black pearls are among the rarest of pearls, with the Tahitian black pearl being the most prized. The pearl belief behind these black pearls is that they are associated with a special and everlasting love, and legend says that Oro, a Polynesian god of fertility and peace, even gifted a black pearl to his beloved.
These black pearls are both mysterious and beautiful and can offer an aura of independence and strength to those who wear them. This makes them a great accessory for those looking to add a bit of edge to their style.
PINK PEARLS
Pink pearls are often very subtle in colour, giving them a look of both elegance and femininity, and they are believed to often represent success, luck, and good fortune. This makes them a perfect gift for graduation as they come with a promise of a bright future.
One of the most common ways to wear pink pearls is through pink pearl rings, although they are also seen in necklaces and earrings sets.
GOLD or CHAMPAGNE PEARLS
Gold pearls, also one of the most sought after and valuable pearls, and the pearl belief behind these is that they represent wealth and prosperity. These pearls are also believed to bring clarity in difficult situations and are often gifted when a special occasion occurs. This includes being gifted in marriages to bless couples with a happy marriage, after the birth of a child to ensure luck and prosperity, and more.
These pearls are among the largest pearls produced and are often worn as statement pieces in jewellery such as brooches or necklaces.
