Those of you born in June are lucky as this is the month of not one, not two but three fabulous stones! In modern history Pearls, Moonstones and the rare Alexandrite are all associated with this month. In our first Gemstone Edit blog post, we introduce you to the pearl.
Thanks to the Netflix phenomenon, ‘The Crown’, pearls are having a renaissance – and refreshingly so. Pearls were previously associated to women of an older age with a middle or upper class social standing – and, in some cases royalty – but that is all in the past. Pearls have been revived! They are fashionable, have been refreshed and are now more playful than ever. Just look at our Adira collection for proof!
Pearls are a timeless classic and will always have someone to wear them. They can compliment a look, add elegance and even be the showstopper of your outfit. They are a diverse and adaptable gemstone, which is they are so popular. Take our Ayana collection for example; the pieces are a fresh take on “something new, something blue” and have been inspired by brides for brides on their big day. The rose motif that features within the designs is symbolic of love and union, and has been complimented by fresh water pearls that are set in a dainty yet romantic setting. Pearls will forever complete a bridal look, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t wear these pieces of jewellery in your every day life.
Legends of the pearl
Many legends telling of how the pearl was first created exist, but our favourite is the Persian legend. This legend says that the pearl was created when a rainbow met the earth after a storm, with the imperfections of the pearl’s appearance coming as the result of thunder and lightening. This shows that, just like humans, pearls were created under duress and their imperfections, like us, reflect their beauty.
When we take a look at Ancient Greek legend, they believed that the pearl symbolised tears of the gods. They also believed that, if a bride wore pearls on her wedding day, it would prevent her from crying.
In Hindu folklore, they speak of pearls as dewdrops that fell out of the night sky and into the moonlit sea. It is actually from the Hindu story of Krishna (or Vishnu) where one of the earliest accounts of pearls and weddings derives from. They say he picked 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.
About the pearl
The pearl is the gemstone of the 3rd and 30th anniversary and is known to give the wearer a sense of calmness and centred-ness. Pearls promote faith, loyalty, truth and purity and can enhance personal integrity.
Did you know pearls have been used in a number of cultures to help women connect with their “inner goddesses” and help to obtain the ultimate “feminine energy”?
When compared to other gemstones, pearls are unique. The pearl is found within the earth and has an organic origin, created when a very small fragment of rock, sand grain or parasite enters an oyster or clam and irritates the mollusk. The mollusk then responds to this by coating the foreign material with layer after layer of shell material.
Pearl colours and their meanings
Interestingly, pearls come in a variety of colours and each symbolise a different meaning:
- Blue pearls – the wearer will find love
- Black or gold – wealth and prosperity
- Pink – success, fame and good fortune
- Brown – practicality, masculinity, dependability and harmony
More specifically, the white fresh water pearls that feature within our collections symbolise beauty, purity and new beginnings. Each day we embark on is, in itself, a new beginning. So wear your pearls with pride this June and beyond.
And, if we can’t persuade you that pearls are great, then listen to Jackie O who said that “pearls are always appropriate”.
