Pearls have long been considered a symbol of love, beauty, and luck. Their mystical origins and luminous luster have captivated people for centuries. But are they really lucky? Let’s explore the history, meaning, and folklore around pearls to find out.
The history of pearls
Pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a parasite or piece of sand, gets lodged inside an oyster’s shell. As a defense mechanism, the oyster secretes a crystalline substance called nacre which coats the irritant in layers upon layers of iridescent goodness. This natural process can take several years to occur, which is why natural pearls are so rare and valuable.
Some key facts about the history of pearls:
- Pearls have been treasured since ancient times. They were popular in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, and China.
- Cleopatra was notorious for her love of pearls. She once dissolved a pearl earring into wine and drank it just to win a bet.
- In the Middle Ages, knights wore pearls for protection in battle. Royals wore them to display status.
- Pearls were so valuable they were considered on par with diamonds.
- In the 1500-1600s, America discovered freshwater pearls. Japan perfected pearl cultivation.
- Today, most pearls are cultured, or farmed using human intervention. Natural pearls are incredibly rare.
From ancient royalty to medieval knights, pearls have long served as symbols of wealth, femininity, purity, and power. Their allure only grew once global trade expanded their availability and affordability. Let’s look now at why they became so prized.
The meaning and symbolism of pearls
Why were pearls so coveted across cultures and eras? It comes down to their symbolism:
- Rarity – Natural pearls form rarely, making them precious and desired.
- Beauty – Pearls have an ethereal, luminous sheen.
- Purity – Their white color associated them with purity, innocence, and femininity.
- Wealth – Their scarcity meant they signaled luxury, status, and privilege.
- Wisdom – They symbolized knowledge due to their origins inside oysters.
- Perfection – Pearls are considered organic gems that require no cutting or polishing.
In Greek mythology, pearls were said to be tears of joy shed by the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Ancient Taoists saw pearls as a spiritual conduit. Hindus associated them with purity and prosperity.
Given these positive attributes, it’s no surprise pearls became a popular romantic gift. Suitors would give them as a symbol of perfection, virtue, and deep affection.
Pearls in folklore and superstition
Beyond their role as romantic tokens, pearls took on additional folklore and superstitious meaning over time:
- Protection – medieval knights wore pearls believing they prevented harm.
- Divination – some thought pearls could predict the future if placed on the forehead.
- Fertility – crushed pearls were used in tonics to promote conception.
- Health – powdered pearls appeared in traditional Chinese medicine remedies.
- Luck – pearls were thought to attract good fortune and prosperity.
Specific pearl colors held additional meaning:
- White pearls symbolized purity and innocence.
- Black pearls signified wealth, power, and masculinity.
- Pink or red pearls denoted love and romance.
Pearls were also part of certain taboos:
- Never gift a lover a loose pearl, as this signifies tears or a broken relationship.
- Always present pearls in even numbers to symbolize a balanced marriage.
- Never gift pearls on sad occasions like funerals, as they represent tears.
As we can see, folklore and superstition contributed greatly to the lore and traditions around lucky pearls as gifts.
Are pearls really lucky?
After reviewing the history, symbolism, and folklore, are pearls actually lucky charms? There are a few perspectives on this:
- Historically – Pearls symbolized wealth, status, and privilege. In this sense, they represent good fortune.
- Romantically – They are considered symbols of perfection and purity in relationships. An apt romantic gift.
- Superstitiously – Myths imbued them with the powers of protection, luck, fertility, and health.
- Psychologically – Their beauty elicits positive emotions. They are uplifting and inspire delight.
- Tangibly – There is no evidence pearls magically impart luck. But they look lovely and signify deep affection.
So while pearls have no proven supernatural ability to bring good luck, the folklore surrounding them does suggest they are a meaningful gift.
When should you gift pearls?
If considering gifting pearls, here are some traditional occasions they work well for:
- Weddings – Symbolizes purity, fidelity, and prosperity for newlyweds.
- Anniversaries – Denotes lasting romance and commitment.
- Birthdays – Milestone birthdays are popular for pearl gifts.
- Graduations – Represents wisdom gained.
- Engagements – Shows intention to marry.
- Mother’s Day – Honors maternal love and connection.
- Valentine’s Day – Conveys deep affection and admiration.
Pearls also make lovely, personalized push presents or baby shower gifts to celebrate a new mother and baby.
Here are some guidelines around gifting pearls:
- Give them in even numbers – solo pearls represent tears.
- Aim for high quality – opt for shiny, blemish-free pearls with good luster.
- Consider a necklace – easy to wear and display.
- Know proper care – store them separately to prevent scratches.
- Include a pearl cleaning cloth.
- Save loose pearls for proposals – when presenting the question of marriage.
How much do pearls cost?
Pearl prices vary tremendously based on many factors:
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Freshwater cultured | $50 – $300 |
| Akoya cultured | $300 – $600 |
| Tahitian black cultured | $600 – $3,000 |
| South Sea white cultured | $500 – $10,000 |
| Natural | $1,000 – $100,000+ |
In general, factors impacting pearl value include:
- Origin and type – region, saltwater vs. freshwater, color
- Size – larger pearls cost exponentially more
- Shape – round is ideal; irregular is cheaper
- Surface – clean and blemish-free commands higher pricing
- Luster – high shine increases value
- Nacre thickness – thicker layers mean better brilliance
- Rarity – natural pearls are astronomically expensive
As we can see, pearl pricing runs the gamut. But there are affordable options like freshwater strands that still make lovely gifts. With proper care and storage, these less expensive pearls can last years.
How to care for pearls
Caring properly for pearls helps maintain their beauty and value over time. Here are some tips:
- Avoid chemicals – hairspray, perfume, chlorine, and other chemicals can damage pearl nacre.
- Store separately – pearls scratch easily, so don’t let them rub against other jewels.
- Wipe gently – after wearing, use a soft cloth to remove oil and dirt.
- No ultrasonic cleaning – intense vibrations can crack the nacre.
- Use pearl cleaner – special detergents help dissolve oil and grime.
- Don’t use water – moisture erodes the organic coating of pearls.
- Avoid harsh impacts – drops, bumps, and improper storage can chip or crack them.
By keeping pearls in a soft pouch, cleaning them with care, and separating them from other gems, you can help them retain their luster for years to come.
Conclusion
So are pearls a lucky gift? Historically, symbolically, and psychologically – yes! They represent deep love, commitment, and personal growth. And while they may not supernaturally impart good fortune, they do signify happiness and mark momentous occasions with beauty and elegance.
If looking to convey affection, celebrate milestones, honor relationships, or uplift someone you care about, consider the gift of pearls. Their luminous shine and rich folklore make them a meaningful, memorable token of positivity and prosperity.