Pearls: Ancient Gems

No one knows when pearls were first discovered but many believe it was long before recorded history. Pearls are unlike any other precious gemstones because they need no enhancements such as cutting or polishing to help admire their captivating beauty. Pearls were the first truly prized gems because of their beauty and rarity.

Pearls were one of the most sought after gems as recorded in ancient records. Pearls were highly revered by Romans, rulers of Ancient India, and the Chinese. As conquests were made around the world, pearls became introduced to new areas. Pearls have a tradition of being rare and magnificent.

Ancient Hindu writings refer to pearls as bringing longevity and prosperity. The writings also tell an ancient story of Krishna who brought pearls to give to his daughter as a gift on her wedding day. This Hindu story is one of the earliest known accounts of pearls and the wedding experience.

The ancient Greeks also believed pearls should be a part of the wedding. They thought pearls would bring love and all guests of the wedding were adorned in pearls. Pearls were sacred wedding gems given as gifts and the word “pearl” became highly associated with “love.”

Pearls are also referenced to in religious writings. Pearls are associated with high value and reverence in early Christian writings of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Pearls are also found in Jewish literature where pearls are used as metaphors to compare things with very high regard.