Pearl History

Pearls have long been the subject of countless tales of history, beauty, myth and elegance.  As one learns more about the history and of pearls, they will quickly come to appreciate and see much more in each and every pearl they come across.  Historically, you may envision ancient Persian fishermen crying out in astonishment when they discover a pearl in an oyster, England’s Queen Elizabeth I showcasing her pearl-studded adornments, or Cleopatra dissolving one of her pearl treasures in a glass of wine.  It is this past fascination that has built the aura and elegance of pearls into the fashion and appreciation seen around society today.

Along with the great history of pearls, there is the mystery behind this gem.  How did the natural formation come to be and how would others have ever figured out the cultured process that produces the beauty seen in pearls everywhere.  Pearls were one of the first gems valued by people.  A pearl could actually be worn and admired without any additional finishing and polishing required by other gems.  With its mysterious source in the body of an animal, early civilizations believed the pearls to have magical powers.  With these beliefs of mythical powers (health, eternal youth, vitality, marital bliss, etc), humans were determined to collect all of the pearls that they could.  Most religions also adorned their churches, temples and shrines with pearls.