June Birthstone

Physical Compounds And Meanings Behind Pearls

Pearls on the market today fall into three categories, natural, cultured and imitation. Composed of calcium carbonate, natural pearls are formed when an irritant-usually a parasite of some kind, works its way into the oyster, mussel or clam. As a defence mechanism, the mollusc will release a fluid known as ‘nacre’ to coat the irritant.

From there, an exquisite pearl will form. Cultured pearls undergo the same process as natural pearls, however, instead of a parasite, a bead or piece of shell known as the ‘Mother of Pearl’ is surgically implanted in the organism. Imitation pearls are formed when a glass bead is dipped into a solution that is usually made from fish scales. 

Throughout history, pearls have gained many significant meanings. Many attribute peals to symbolise elegance, romance, virtue, purity, incorruptibility and wisdom. Pearls were also believed to provide protection, while also attracting good luck and wealth. In some cultures, pearls are also seen as a sign of fertility and a long happy life. They were also believed to represent the moon, this is likely due to a pearl’s large white orb appearance that is very reminiscent of the moon.

In many Christian societies, pearls are thought to have formed when Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden. It is said that when they were banished they began to cry and their tears were turned into pearls. On the contrary,  in ancient folklore where pearls were said to harbour medicinal and healing properties that would help ward off evil spirits and negative energy.

In early Chinese civilisation, black pearls were seen as a symbol of wisdom that formed inside of a dragon’s head. The Chinese also believed that these pearls would protect them against fire and dragons, however, the only way they could get their hands on these precious stones if they took on the ferocious beast and won. In Persian culture, pearls were thought to form when a rainbow appeared after a storm. A pearl’s natural imperfections were even believed to be the result of thunder and lightning. 

The History Of Pearls

Officially the oldest stone in the world. Pearls have a history that dates back to 2300 BC, where they were presented as gifts to members of the Chinese royal family. Meanwhile, in Ancient Rome, pearls were highly regarded as a status symbol, so much so that Julius Caesar even passed a law prohibiting everyone but the ruling classes to wear the precious spherical stone.

During the dark ages, knights would often wear pearl jewellery on the battlefield, believing that it would keep them safe from harm. According to legend, Cleopatra crushed a pearl into a glass of wine just to prove to her lover Antony that she could put on the most lavish dinner of all time.  

The discovery of pearls in Central and South America during the 15th and 16th century led to what is referred to as the ‘pearl age’ due to a spike in demand for precious stones during this time. In Western Europe, pearls were extremely popular among royals and ladies of nobility who wore extremely elaborate pearl earringsbrooches and pearl bracelets.

By the 19th century, the demand for pearls was so high that the world’s supply began to dwindle. This would all change in 1893 when Kokichi Mikimoto, the son of a Japanese noodle maker placed a small shell into an oyster, creating the world’s first cultured pearl. 

The world’s fascination with pears continued into the 20th century and peaked during the roaring 20s as long strings of pearls were popular among flapper girls. Fashion designer Coco Chanel would then popularise pearl jewellery in the 1930s with her signature pearl pendants. Later, First Lady Jackie Kennedy and a bevy of Hollywood stars including Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor would spearhead this trend throughout the 50s and 60s. 

Where Do Pearls Come From?

Unlike other gemstones which are retrieved deep within the earth’s crust, pearls are farmed from the ocean which means their location isn’t centric to a particular region. There are, however, several countries that are known for their cultured pearls, these include China, Japan, Australia, the Cook Islands, Indonesia and French Polynesia.

The largest pearl ever found was discovered by a Phillipino fisherman off the coast of Palawan Island in the Philippines. Weighing over 34 kilograms and worth an eye-watering $130 million, the man found the monstrous pearl inside of a giant clam. He then took it home and placed it under his bed for safekeeping as he believed it would bring him good luck. Though, this theory was tested several years ago when the man’s tiny house burnt down. Fortunately, the man and the pearl both survive the blaze.

Our Favourite Pearl Jewellery Picks

No longer restricted to formal wear, natural and cultured pearls are as at home in the office as they are on the dance floor. Check out our favourite pearl pendants, pearl bangles, pearl rings and more June birthstone jewellery.

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