The Myths and Meaning Behind Pearls

Pearls are the oldest gem known to humankind. They were treasured long before the invention of written language, revered not just for their beauty but for the myths and symbolism they gathered over thousands of years. To wear a pearl is to wear history, legend and nature itself, a gem that forms without being cut, polished or faceted, perfect just as it is.

From ancient empires to modern icons, pearls have never gone out of style. Their luminous surface hides a rich past filled with stories of gods, goddesses and the sea.

A History Etched in Time

The exact moment pearls were discovered is unknown, but they appear in Chinese texts as far back as 2300 BC. For millennia they were worn by emperors, monarchs and aristocrats. In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar passed a law declaring that only those of noble birth could wear them.

In Egypt, Cleopatra famously crushed a pearl into a goblet of liquid and drank it to prove to Marc Antony that she could host the most extravagant feast in history. This moment, equal parts legend and spectacle, cemented the pearl’s place as a symbol of wealth and power.

More recently, archaeologists unearthed an eight-thousand-year-old pearl in Abu Dhabi, thought to be the oldest pearl ever discovered. Its survival through the ages is a quiet testament to the gem’s enduring appeal and resilience.

Legends of Love and the Sea

Myths about pearls can be found in nearly every culture. Many are tied to water, beauty and divine love. In China, it was believed that when dragons fought in the sky, their tears fell to earth as pearls. In Rome, pearls were linked to Venus, the goddess of love, who was said to have risen from the sea like a pearl emerging from its shell.

In Greek mythology, pearls were thought to be the tears of Aphrodite, and brides wore them on their wedding day to ensure a joyful future, free from sorrow. In Japan, the story was similar - pearls were said to form from the tears of mystical sea creatures such as mermaids and water spirits.

These legends, though varied, all reflect a sense of mystery and reverence. Pearls were never seen as ordinary. They were divine, rare and filled with emotion.

What Pearls Symbolise Today

Even now, pearls are associated with elegance, femininity and wisdom. Their long-standing ties to royalty and power have made them a symbol of status and sophistication. Think of Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, or more recently, modern women who embrace quiet luxury and effortless style.

Their connection to Venus, the moon and the ocean gives pearls a distinctly feminine energy. They are said to represent the divine feminine - intuitive, graceful and strong. The phrase “a pearl of wisdom” is no coincidence. Pearls take years to form inside oysters, clams or mussels. Their slow growth and organic development mirror the way wisdom is earned over time, not given.

Some believe pearls have metaphysical properties too. They are thought to soothe emotions, stabilise hormones and encourage a deep sense of calm and clarity.

A Gem for Every Mood

Pearls are the perfect choice when you want to feel grounded, elegant and quietly powerful. They offer something no other gem quite can, a gentle glow that catches the light and reflects it softly back. There is nothing showy about them, yet their presence is unmistakable.

Wear them when you want to feel more connected to your feminine energy. Wear them when you want to look composed, timeless and utterly yourself. Or wear them simply because they make you feel beautiful.

Pearls carry more than beauty. They carry centuries of stories, meanings and quiet strength. They are natural, imperfectly perfect and endlessly wearable. Whether worn as a single strand or paired with gold for a modern twist, they remain one of the most meaningful gemstones you can own.

Discover our collection of contemporary pearls and find the piece that speaks to you.