Pearl History

 

The pearl, June's month stone, is a jewel, which is respected worldwide. Moreover, long known as the "Queen of Gems," pearls possess a history and allure far beyond what today's wearer may recognize. No one will ever know who were the earliest people to collect and wear pearls. Throughout much of recorded history, a natural pearl necklace comprised of matched spheres was a treasure of almost incomparable value, in fact the most expensive jewelry in the world.

The Romans had a special preference for these rare sea treasures. Cleopatra's famous decomposition of a pearl in wine, was more a demonstration of the Egyptian wealth, than to impress Markus Antonio. From the legend it is known, that pearls have mystic forces and curative characteristics. The Roman women slept with a pearl under the bed, to have sweet dreams, and sewed also one in their clothes.

Asian cultures used pearls in the medicine against eye, heart and fever complaints. In China and India, people believed that pearls bring internal peace in body and spirit. Also the Europeans believed that pulverized pearls healed heart-, spirit- and nerve-diseases. Before the creation of cultured pearls in the early 1900s, natural pearls were so rare and expensive that they were reserved almost exclusively for the noble and very rich.

Perhaps pearl farms gave pearls to an extended mass. Now we see pearls almost as accessories, relatively inexpensive decorations to accompany more costly gemstones. A jewelry item that today's working women might take for granted, is more affordable.