The Meanings and Myths of Pearls

The Symbolism, Myths and Meaning Behind The Pearl

Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experience, bring wealth, protection and luck. Known for their calming effect, they can balance one's karma, strengthen relationships and keep children safe. The Pearl is also said to symbolize the purity, generosity, integrity and loyalty of its wearer.

Throughout history there have been many cultural myths and folklore surrounding this ancient gemstone of the sea...

Ancient Myths of The Pearl

- Early Chinese civilization considered black pearls a symbol of wisdom and thought them to be formed within a dragons head. They believed that one had to slay the dragon to gather these pearls, which once full-grown, were carried between the dragon's teeth.

- The Japanese once believed that pearls were created from the tears of mythical creatures such as mermaids, nymphs and angels.

- One Persian legend tells how pearls were created when a rainbow met the earth after a storm, imperfections in a pearls appearance were thought to be the result of thunder and lightning.

-The ancient Egyptians prized their pearls so much they were buried with them. Cleopatra reportedly dissolved a pearl from one of her earrings in a glass of either wine or vinegar, depending on the source, and drank it. She did this just to show Mark Anthony that she could devour the wealth of an entire nation in just one gulp.

The Colors of Pearls

"All art is autobiographical; the pearl is the oyster's autobiography." ~Federico Fellini

• A blue shaded pearl means you'll find love.
• Black or gold pearls symbolize wealth and prosperity.
• Pink tinted pearls are associated with success; you'll earn fame and good fortune.
• Brown (chocolate) pearls stand for practicality, our masculine side, dependability, stability, harmony, and offer protection and comfort.
• White pearls portray innocence, beauty, purity and new beginnings.

Black Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

-Tahitian black pearls are extremely rare and there are many Polynesian legends surrounding this opalescent gem.

- According to one myth, Oro, (the god of peace and fertility), is believed to have visited the earth on a rainbow to offer a magical oyster called "Te Ufi" to the Polynesian people. When Oro discovered the beautiful black pearl that appeared from within this oyster he offered it to the princess Bora Bora as a symbol of his love.

Another romantic tale tells of how when the full moon bathes the dark ocean with beams of light it attracts the oysters below to the surface shimmering with heavenly dew. In time, the drops of dew polish the black pearl with colorful hues of blue, green, gold and pink.

Tahitian Cultured Pearl with Diamond Accent Pendant Necklace - 01NN62

Tahitian and Diamond Shepard Hook Earrings - 12RR33

Weddings, Pearls and Love

-Ancient Greek legend thought that pearls were tears of the gods. They also believed that wearing pearls would prevent women from crying on their wedding day.

-Hindu folklore speaks of pearls as dewdrops that fell out of the night and into the moonlit sea. One of the earliest accounts of pearls found in weddings comes from the Hindu story of Krishna (or Vishnu) who plucked the first pearl from the depths of the ocean and gave it to his daughter Pandaia on her wedding day as a symbol of love, union, and purity.

Pearls in Religion

- One of the earliest religious accounts of the pearl, claims that after being cast out of Eden, it was Adam and Eve's tears that created a lake of pearls. The white pearls were believed to be from Eve's tears and the black from Adam. It is further said; that because a man is better able to control his emotions he shed fewer tears than Eve which explains the rarity of the black pearl.

-Christians and Hindus adopted the pearl as a symbol of purity, thus the tradition of a bride wearing pearls on her wedding day continues on even today.

- By the middle ages, pearls were considered sacred Christian objects due to this association with religious purity. Early Christians even described the Holy Grail as being covered in pearls to make the holy water pure.

-The Koran speaks of pearls as one of the great rewards found in Paradise, and the gem itself has become a symbol of perfection.