History - Myths and Legends

The allure, beauty and luminosity of the natural pearl mystifies us. Long known as the Queen of Gems, the pearl possesses a history far beyond what today's wearer may recognise. A natural pearl necklace has always been a treasure of incomparable value, and is considered the most expensive jewellery in the world. Before the 1900's natural pearls were so rare and expensive that they were reserved almost exclusively for the noble and very rich.  At the height of the Roman empire, when pearl fever reached its peak, it is said that the Roman general Vitellius financed an entire military campaign by selling just one of his mother's pearl earrings.

Societies all over the world valued Pearls

Myths - Ancient cultures believed the pearl contained magical powers

The pearl in some cultures was believed to be the lunar power of the waters, the essence of the moon and the controller of tides. In other cultures it was said to be the embryo of cosmic life, the divine essence, the life-giving power of the Great Mother and the feminine principle of the ocean. Others believed the pearl was the result of lightning penetrating the oyster.  This union of fire and water denoted the ideas of birth, rebirth and fertility. The pearl also symbolized innocence, purity, virginity, perfection, humility and a retiring nature. The "flaming pearl" the union of fire and water is the pearl of perfection in the East. It is the third eye of Siva and Buddha, and is the crystallisation of light, transcendant wisdom, spiritual enlightenment and consciousness.

BELIEFS - The pearl has a unique place, in the different religions of the world

In Buddhism: the pearl and the bodhi tree come together in a common symbolism. Both accompanied Gautama Siddhartha on his way to awakening.  Both also represent the stages which lead to enlightenment and the fusion of the being into the heart of the universal spirit.

In Ancient Civilizations: to all men the pearl is the bringer of immortality. From the beginning of time, pearls have been placed in burial tombs. In the pre-Columbus civilizations of the Americas, China, Africa, Egypt and India, princes and lords would be buried in clothing decorated with pearls. Pearls were also arranged around the inside of the coffin, used to decorate the deceased and were occasionally placed inside the mouth.  The pearls were said to hold within them the principle of life which would carry the deceased to a new destiny, in the cosmos or beyond.

In Christianity: the pearl is identified with Christ. According to the mystical poetry of the early Christians, Mary was likened to the purest of all shells, while Christ was the pearl conceived by a thunderbolt from the heavens. Later, while still associated to the figure Christ, the pearl became a symbol both of Jesus, the Savior and of the fallen soul which would be saved by the misericord of Christ (and of Buddha).

In Muslim Cultures: the pearl represents the Koran and the symbol of paradise. The Muslim faith imagines the Chosen One in his state of beatitude as being shrouded beneath a tent of pearls accompanied by his houri. A symbol of all that is perfect and holy, the pearl is still very much the symbol of the mystical path which carries humankind to heavenly bliss.

Birthstones - Almost all gems are believed to imbue special powers and this is why it is considered lucky to wear birthstone jewellery.

Mystical properties and beliefs about gemstones are well reported.  For example, the amethyst, the gem of the month for February, is said to be a symbol of serenity and peace. It is also reputed to protect the wearer from intoxication. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, singer Roberta Flack and actress Drew Barrymore have amethysts in their birthstone jewelry.