Pearl

Pearls are composed of calcium carbonate, and despite being most famous for their iridescent white colour, they grace the world in every colour imaginable. Natural pearls are formed from the presence of a microscopic irritant in the bodies of some mollusks. These beauties originate in the Persian Gulf, coasts of Sri Lanka and India, the Red Sea, China and Japan. We are going to explore the history behind the use of pearls and how they can benefit us all (even if you are not a June baby).

The History of Pearls

It is thought that pearls were first discovered by those searching for food along the sea shores, with evidence dating back to 420 BC of pearls being used as forms of adornment. Today, this can be seen at the Louvre in Paris, where artefacts of a Persian princesses's sarcophagus contain fragments of pearls.

Legend has it that Cleopatra crushed pearls into glasses of wine to prove to Marc Antony that she could host the most opulent of dinners.

As time passed, pearls grew in popularity and status, with pearls being gifted to Chinese royalty in 2300 BC. In Ancient China pearls symbolised purity.

In Ancient Rome, pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of prestige, leading Julius Caesar to pass a law stating that pearls could only be worn by the ruling class.

With the abundance of natural pearls along the Persian Gulf, pearls became an important symbol in Arab mythology. It was believed that pearls were formed from dewdrops that had fallen into the sea and been swallowed by an oyster.

Pearls were used as protective talismans by knights in the Dark Ages. They wore pearls on the battlefield with the belief that they would be shielded from harm.

The Pearl Age came about in the 15th - 16th centuries, and by the 19th century Western ladies of nobility and royalty began to adorn themselves in elaborate pearl jewellery. This resulted in a sharp decline in oyster supplies, leading to the price of natural prices increasing and the invention of cultured pearls.

Pearl's Energies

Pearls are connected to the lower chakras, but are considered a good tool for balancing the heart, third eye and crown chakras too.

Physical
It is said that pearls are great aids in overcoming lung related diseases, and for healing of the heart, skin conditions, digestive issues and the urinary system. They are said to help the body regenerate and to help in balancing hormones.

Emotional
Pearl is said to be helpful in reducing anxiety and tension, helping to soothe the mind and bring joy the the wearer. Legend has it that pearls can also increase the wearer's loyalty to themselves and others.

Spiritual
Many use pearls to assist in meditation. They are used to access the wisdom of the Goddess in many moon rituals, and are said to be useful in the balancing one's chakras, aura and etheric body.

Encompassing luxury and elegance, and steeped in history, it is no surprise that pearls have become the stone of choice worn by inspirational women.

* This is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.