According to history and myth, pearls symbolize the wisdom that is gained with experience. According to Indian Vedic texts, the pearl comes from Earth’s waters and heaven’s powers and gets fertilized by the flash of lightning. Pearl is believed to be the daughter of the moon. As per Western astrology, the pearl is associated with the planet Venus, as the goddess of love, who also came from the sea.
Because of the pearl’s irregular shape and origin, they are associated with water too. Some cultures say that pearls are nothing but the tears of gods. And some say pearls originated when Eve cried after being banished from Eden.
Varieties of Pearl
1. Mother of Pearls
It is an iridescent substance inside the mollusk shell. When mollusks secret nacre and pearl forms inside the shell, nacre also gets to the surface of the shell, which results in the shiny finish known as the mother of pearl. It is composed of the same materials as pearls, like aragonite, and is thus strong and iridescent. Like pearls, no two mother of pearls look identical. Every piece of it is unique. It is soft enough to be engraved into different forms of jewelry like pendants, watch dials, or even rings. It mostly acts as a decorative inlay.
2. Fresh Water Pearls
The pearls are formed using fresh water mussels. They are exclusively produced in China, but on a limited scale in the USA and Japan. We get a wide range of colors and shapes in fresh water pearls with a fine luster and texture, and that’s why they are most liked by jewelry designers and customers. They come in baroque shapes or near-round shapes.
3. Salt Water Pearls
The pearls are found in ocean and sea oysters as they need a saline water environment for their formation. One shell contains only one pearl. They come in three types:
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A. Japanese Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are produced extensively in Japan and China in the colder months of December and January. These are considered the best on the market because of their round shape, white color and fine luster. They have a wide range of colors like; rose, silver, white, gray, gold and cream. They come in various sizes between 5.5 mm and 11 mm.
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B. Tahitian Pearls
The Tahitian pearl is produced in French Polynesia, around Tahiti Island. Due to their origin they have found Tahitian name for themselves. They are black in color so they are known as the black pearls also. They get their black color from the black lip oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, that’s where they come from. Tahitian pearls come in range white to black colors with undertones of green pink or yellow. They are very vibrant, extremely rare and considered one of the most beautiful kinds of pearls. Their size ranges from 8 mm to 18 mm.
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C. South Sea Pearls
A South Sea pearl comes from gold-lipped' Pinctada Maxima oysters. They also have golden mother of pearl lip on their shell. Due to its attractive color and luster it is one of the most sought after pearls. They come in colors that vary from pale gold to pink gold and green gold to intense gold. The size ranges from 6 mm to 11 mm.
Properties of Pearl
1. Physical Properties of Pearl
We mostly think of pearls as round, small beads in white or ivory-color but the fact is pearls aren’t limited to that appearance that we commonly see, but actually come in multiple hues and shapes. Some pearls are larger than others, and some pearls are in darker tones. Along with white and ivory, pearls can be found in hues of blue, green, pink, peach, purple, gray, gold, and black.
Pearls are gems with a glossy texture and lustrous appearance. They can vary in size from quite small to much larger. All pearls are not spherical, they are mostly non-spherical, baroque, elongated, oblong, or free-form. Every pearl is unique and Many large pearls on display at museums are of completely different shapes, which can’t be defined by one term.
Pearl scores 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is a relatively soft organic gemstone. One needs to take care of it from accidental hits, cleaning agents, and cosmetics with harsh chemicals, including perfumes, body lotions, and hair sprays.
2. Healing Properties of Pearl
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a. Physical Healing via Pearl
The pearl helps in creating balance and harmony in the body. For people who feel physically tired, this gem can help you gain back the strength in your body. They are used to treat lung disorders like; asthma and bronchitis. In addition to that, diseases of the kidney, liver, and heart are also treated with this gem.
Pearls help with sound sleep too, by creating a sedative effect. This results in taking care of adrenal glands, headaches, and hypertension as disturbed sleep or lack of proper sleep is the reason behind the majority of illnesses in the body.
Pearls are associated with the moon and feminine energy. For women who suffer from hormonal imbalances, an irregular menstrual cycle can restore their balance. Due to their feminine energy, they are beneficial for fertility issues, pregnant women, and new mothers.
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b. Emotional Healing
Pearl will help you stabilize your emotions that experience change with the moon cycle. It would bring you hormonal balance and ensure an uplifted and healthy mood by having the right amount of rest and the right amount of activity. It is also associated with inner wisdom that comes with experience. It clears the mind and makes us confident. One feels free from anxiety, nervousness, and lack of self-love. If you are an overly sensitive person who is bothered by even minor changes in your environment, you should definitely consider wearing pearls.
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c. Metaphysical Property
Every gemstone is associated with a chakra or point in our body, and the pearl is no different. It is connected to the third eye chakra. By activating that, it brings balance and wisdom to the wearer. The third eye chakra is responsible for our inner well of knowledge. It channelizes our sixth sense/intuitive abilities, bestows us with clarity in thoughts and actions, and that helps us see ourselves and others with fine understanding and perspective. This gem also protects us from negative energies in our surroundings.
Using Pearl
Pearls were used in powdered form in medicines, paint, and cosmetics, but now we use them mostly in jewelry. As they carry such beautiful luster, you can’t help but adorn yourself with classic pearl necklaces and dainty drop pearl earrings. All stones work best when they come into direct contact with the skin. Pearls can be with you forever and can heal you, given the condition that you take care of them properly. Save your pearl jewelry from extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals. The best way to take care of your pearl is to wear it often, as its contact with the body’s natural oils will help them maintain their luster.
Pearl in Legend and History
Ancient Japanese Legend
According to Japanese myth, pearls were tears of mythical creatures like; nymphs, mermaids, and angels.
Ancient Persian Legend
The Persian pearl myth says, the pearls were created when, after a storm, a rainbow met the earth. Thunder and lightning cause the imperfections in pearls.
Ancient Egyptian Legend
According to an Egyptian legend, pearls were buried with the body. The famous pearl story is about Cleopatra. She owned two of the famous pearls in the form of pearl earrings. She took one pearl, put it in vinegar, and gulped it down to show Mark Anthony that she could host the most expensive dinner.
Pearl as a Birthstone
Pearls are the traditional birthstone of June births, individuals falling under the Gemini zodiac sign. The stone serves well to Gemini’s curious nature. It enhances their wisdom and adaptability and makes them grasp their power. They also feel more affectionate after wearing the stone.
Care and Cleaning of Pearl
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To clean your pearls, wipe them with a soft cloth. It will help remove any substances that may have built up on the stone throughout the day.
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To remove strong and visible stains, clean the stone with a damp cloth. Mix a solution of lukewarm water with mild soap and dip a soft cloth in it and use it to wipe the pearls. Dipping a pearl necklace or other pearl jewelry in water isn’t needed as that can weaken the silk thread.
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Let your pearls dry completely before you store them.
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At least once a year, take your pearl jewelry to your jeweler to get its integrity checked. They have experts to give your pearls a thorough, safe cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Pearls are one of the organic gemstones that carry the purity and freshness of the sea. Also, pearl has been one of the most fascinating stones since ancient times. They are timeless, forever valuable, and carry the nurturing vibes of the sea, the moon, and the earth. Wearing pearls brings only good things, like innocence, balance, and wisdom.