Pearl June's Birthstone
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The pearl birthstone for the month of June
Freshwater pearls have captured the hearts of many for hundreds of years. In fact, their history goes back further than written records began. From ancient civilisations to modern day designs, pearls have always captivated hearts with their lasting beauty. Indeed, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something fine and beautiful.
So, a little history about this beautiful organic gem and its journey through the ages.
Early Evidence
The earliest evidence of pearls dates back from a fragment of pearl jewellery that was found in a tomb dating back to 420bc, belonging to a Persian princess. Now housed in the Louvre Museum in France, providing evidence that pearls were valued even then.
Ther is also evidence of pearls being used for gifts for royalty in China as early 2300bc for gifts for royalty. In fact, in the roman empire pearls became much revered as the ultimate status symbol. Julius Caesar restricted them to the upper class only in the first century bc.
Throughout the middle ages pearls were popular and held much symbolism. The Chinese felt they were akin to purity, whilst knights believed they would protect them in battle.
The Pearl Age
This era saw a demand in the popularity of pearl jewellery, this in part was due to the discovery of pearls in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries. Ladies of nobility from Europe adorned themselves with elaborate pearl necklaces, earrings, and brooches.
The 19th Century
During the 19th century mass pearl harvesting had unfortunately significantly reduced oyster populations. The invention of cultured pearls allowed a continuation of availability of these beautiful gems.
So what are pearls
Pearls, these beautiful delicate organic gems grow in side a mollusc, they form when an irritant like a piece of grit sits inside a shell. The mollusc then emits a material called nacre, which in turns forms itself around the grit creating a natural pearl.
Freshwater cultured pearls are a product of human intervention, by the way of implanting a foreign body into the shell of a mollusc for the pearl to form around. These lovely pearls are used in jewellery today they come in a wonderful collection of colours, shapes and sizes.
What cultural beliefs does this lovely gem hold for those who are lucky enough to have it for their birthstone.
They are thought to hold the promise of discovery and new beginning’s, a long and prosperous life.
Pearls have sparked people's imaginations for centuries, leading to a variety of beliefs around these precious gems. Here are some of the most common:
Purity and Innocence
Sometimes seen as part of a bride’s jewellery, pearls because of their soft white quality are often associated with purity, innocence, and new beginnings. Some say the pearls can keep the new bride from crying.
Protection and Good Luck
In some cultures, i.e. the Chinese Pearls are believed to ward of fire and dragons, offering protection from misfortune and harm. Discovering g a pearl was considered good luck.
The Pearl birthstone is a perfect reminder that, with patience and faith and the belief that anything is possible.
Love and Harmony
Back as far as ancient mythology pearls have been regarded as a symbol of love and harmony and affection.
The Greeks believed pearls could bring harmony to marriages, making them a popular choice for jewellery.
The Hidden Beliefs Behind the Classic Beauty of Pearls]. Some cultures even associated pearls with the love goddess, Venus.
Tears and Sadness
An opposing belief is that pearls represent tears or sadness. This superstition may have arisen from the myth of pearls being formed from tears or because some cultures saw them as bad omens for weddings.
Conclusion
Its always important to realise that myths and beliefs differ according to cultures and the period that they were started. However pearls and the beautiful jewellery that is created with them, carry a enduring and live long love for some people.