EDUCATION - HISTORY OF PEARLS

Pearls have a very rich history as gifts, good fortune and also for use in medicine. One of the oldest known gems, pearl jewelry dates back to 2300 BC, Chinese records indicate that pearls were prized possesions of (and gifts to) royalty. A Hindu book written in 1000 BC makes reference to pearls and their symbol of purity and innocence. This ocean gem has a very special place in history and continues to mark modern day celebrations.

Pearls through-out history has been a highly valued, ideal wedding gift and the pearl is considered the “wedding gem”. During the Crusades, valiant knights would bequeath their “fair ladies” pearls to be worn on their wedding day. The French royalty during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries documented that pearls were the utmost in fashion as everyone, from the bride to the male guests were bejewled in pearls. In England, the queens have continued the ritual of wearing pearls on their wedding day for generations. The wedding tradition continues, as pearls remain the favorite wedding jewel among modern brides.

In ancient India and China to Europe pearls were used for medicinal purposes. The pearls were worn as jewelry for their curing powers or ground up into a fine powder for use in potions, balms and salves to be used to cure a wide range of ailments. In modern times, the pharmaceutical industry continues to use pearls of inferior quality (that can’t be used in jewelry) as high-quality calcium.

Pearls of exception quality continue to be some of the world’s most sought-after and valued gems. Begin your own history - purchase a fine quality strand of pearls from Southseapearl.com.