Pearls - History and Usage

Oct 9
08:48

2012

May Yeates

May Yeates

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The history of pearls began centuries ago. Find out more about the history and acknowledge the symbol which it symbolizes.

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Hundreds of years ago and also,Pearls - History and Usage Articles since olden days, pearls have already been a terrific symbol of blemish-free flawlessness. For the record it's regarded as the oldest gem in the world and for a long time it's deemed very precious.

Pearls are organic gems; they're usually created inside mollusks including oysters and mussels. They're formed every time a tiny stone or a bit of sand comes into the mollusk’s shell. An element called nacre layers the irritant and so pearl is created. The process usually takes several years.

Pearl as birthstone

It's the official birthstone for the month of June since 1912.

More about pearls

The Latin word for pearl is perna which basically means “unique”. This provides everyone an idea that NO pearls are exactly the same. Initially, pearls were symbolic of the moon and it was believed to have had magical powers. In Rome in fact, only specific individuals with distinct ranks were permitted to put on pearl jewelry.

Types of pearls

1.    Natural - Those are pearls devoid of human interference

2.    Cultured - These are foreign substances injected into a living oyster

3.    Baroque - Those who have unusual shapes

4.    Biwa - Irregular shaped and only seen in Lake Biwa, Japan

5.    Freshwater - Those created in fresh water mollusks and looks like puffed rice

Bridal pearl jewelry sets for weddings

Not till myths about pearls bringing misfortune on a bride’s wedded life came out, pearls were in the beginning thought to be a perfect wedding gift. It's considered as symbol of purity and innocence. Ancient Greeks believed pearls should be part of a wedding. It's considered to be a “wedding gem”, due to the fact it helps ensure marital bliss and stops brides from crying - which is the opposite of the myth perpetuating about pearls these days.

Ancient laws on pearls

Going back to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, Europeans were fashionably imaginative about pearls. They made use of this as a personal ornament. Both men and women’s garments were designed using the same. With that said, European countries have fixed their laws concerning who could and couldn't wear it. Examples are teachers and lawyers - they can't put on fringes or chains with pearls.

Pearls and Fashion

Being accepted as symbolic of elegance and purity, Pearls are known to be a woman’s top secret charm. It is the queen of all the gems, it is even more inexpensive than diamonds so each woman who aspires to use or have the same can acquire one and don it. Just like any other gemstones, pearls may be fashioned into earrings, pearl necklaces and bracelets. A lady looks very sophisticated and beautiful with pearls.

Pearls represent a woman, a new bride and a mommy. They're created and made over the years. That is precisely why pearls are considered a perfect example of a woman and her heart. It has different colors, shapes, sizes but the final point here is it ought to be taken good care of by whomever owns it.

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