Pearl Meaning, symbolism, and myths — Ocean Jewelry (2024)

Pearls are dainty, pale, shiny, round, and precious objects that effortlessly steal our interest. Since ancient times, pearls linger in our imagination and beliefs. To the extent that most of us believe pearls hold deep meanings, such as purity, balance, and wisdom.

What are the origins of pearl’s meaning, you may wonder? How have they gained fame around being good luck and wealth omen? How and why do people believe they have calming effects or offer balance to our karma? What are the myths and truths around this precious gemstone?

In this post, you’ll discover the various meanings of pearls and why this fascinating gemstone captivates our attention.

OCEAN’S NOTES: loyalty and purity are one of the widespread pearl’s meanings. Hence pearl earrings and necklaces are a sought bridal gift.

Browse pearl jewelry >

How are pearls made?

Pearls originate when a bit of sand gets stuck in an oyster’s shell. The sand irritates the oyster, which creates a nacre to coat the irritant. Layers and layers of nacre build up, creating a larger and larger pearl over time. Perhaps this is the primary source of pearls’ deep meaning.

Pearls are unique among gems because they develop underwater instead of on the earth. They have a distinctive shine and are unlike sparkles, such as diamonds or other gemstones.

What is the spiritual meaning of pearls?

Wisdom from time and experience: a pearl takes years to form. It comes from the constant effort and time an oyster puts into changing something painful into a beautiful and bearable outcome.

Wisdom comes from time and effort invested in learning from mistakes and turning them into something positive. Pearls teach us to use unavoidable pain to gain insight and create beauty.

A symbol of wealth and good luck: These shining white gems have always been rare, and in the past, divers braved the waves in search of oysters harboring the coveted pearls. Divers could search for years without success. Hence, finding a pearl was good luck.

Pearls were once so rare that only royalty wore them. Some royalty wore fake pearls because not even they could command enough of the gems to adorn their jewelry and crowns. Therefore, wearing pearls was a sign of wealth and social status.

A symbol of love and affection: Ancient cultures and beliefs offer different meanings to pearls while inking it to love. Greeks believed pearls were God’s tears, and wearing them on the wedding day would prevent tears from falling.

Tahitian mythology conveys that Oro, the God of peace and fertility, came on a rainbow to bring a magical oyster to earth. As a symbol of his love, he offered the black pearl inside to Princess Bora Bora.

Because they are white, pearls have long symbolized purity, pure love, and fertility. That is part of why pearl necklaces are so popular with brides.

Different types of pearls and their meaning

The ocean offers us a medley of lives and species, and pearls are a great example of this diversity. We can find pearls of different colors, sizes, shapes, and origins.

Tahiti Black Pearls: This exotic and exquisite gemstone originates from the Pinctada Margaritifera (a type of oyster) and is extremely rare. Although generally black, it can have different color variations depending on the light. Rare and royal, Tahiti Black Pearls are sought by many. It symbolizes wealth, hope, fertility, and peace.

Natural Pearls vs. Cultured Pearls: natural pearls occur from the organic process of an oyster enclosing a grain of sand in its body. Cultured pearls, however, receive the human intervention.

Mother-of-Pearl: are formed by Nacre, a material produced by some mollusks as a layer of their shells. Mother of pearls are sturdy, resilient, and brilliant. People believe they help revive dreams, boost psychic powers, and protect wearers against negativity.

You may also like: What is abalone?

To wrap it up

Pearls are a symbol of wisdom, luck, purity, and love. Like other precious stones and crystals, they contain powerful energy and abilities. That is why some believe pearls have the power to heal the body, mind, and soul.

History, mythology, and beliefs show analogies and the source of the fascination around pearls. However, one aspect always overlooked is the power of resilience. Pearls also teach us to be resilient and brave. Pearls invite us on a self-healing journey to cure our soul, ease suffering, and change it into something good.

Sea you in the next post!

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON Feb 06, 2019