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

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Pearl Meaning, symbolism, and myths

  • Symbolism
  • September 23, 2022

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.

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How are pearls made?

Pearl Meaning, symbolism, and myths — Ocean Jewelry (1)

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?

Pearl Meaning, symbolism, and myths — Ocean Jewelry (2)

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.

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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

Pearl Meaning, symbolism, and myths — Ocean Jewelry (4)

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

Pearl Meaning, symbolism, and myths — Ocean Jewelry (5)

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

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

FAQs

Pearl Meaning, symbolism, and myths — Ocean Jewelry? ›

Pearls symbolize wisdom gained through experience. And as the birthstone for June, this organic stone is the subject of many myths and legends. Pearls are thought to attract wealth and luck as well as protection. The pearl also symbolizes the purity, generosity, integrity, and loyalty of its wearer.

What does the ocean symbolize in the pearl? ›

The ocean is one of the first symbols of the novel. It represents the unstable source of sustenance for the village. Like the ocean, pearl diving is very unpredictable and unreliable. An unsuccessful day of pearl diving ultimately suppresses the dependent family deeper into poverty.

Is it OK to wear pearls in the ocean? ›

Saltwater can gradually corrode the surface of the pearls, leading to a loss of shine and a dull appearance. Additionally, prolonged exposure may weaken the silk or nylon thread used to string the pearls, compromising the piece's integrity.

What is the spiritual meaning of sea pearl? ›

What does a pearl symbolize? Pearls are the ultimate symbol for wisdom. Valued for their calming effects, pearls represent serenity, while being able to strengthen valuable relationships and convey a sense of safety. Pearls also symbolize purity, as well as integrity and loyalty.

What is the superstition around pearls? ›

Additionally, there is a superstition that pearls should not be given as gifts because they will bring the wearer great sadness and bad luck.

What does the ocean represent symbolically? ›

The ocean can also be seen as a symbol of stability, as it can exist largely unchanged for centuries. The ocean is considered to be boundless, a place where one can easily be lost, and can therefore be seen to represent the boundless span of life, and the way one can get lost on the journey through life.

What does the water symbolize in The Pearl? ›

In The Pearl, the water is the water found in the cleft of the mountains, rather than the water of the ocean or gulf near Kino's home. The water in the cleft symbolizes both life and death. The place of the water is a place of change and a turning point in both Kino's life and the story.

What signs should not wear pearls? ›

Zodiac Signs that Should Not Wear Pearls
Zodiac SignsReason
GeminiPearls may lead to turmoil
VirgoPearls may create distractions
CapricornPearls may bring about chaos
AquariusPearls may cause upheaval
1 more row
Dec 21, 2023

When not to wear pearls? ›

Pearls do not like strong heat, so never wear them while sunbathing. You should also avoid getting them wet, as this can weaken the silk thread, so take of your pearls before your bath or shower. Never wear pearls while swimming, as the chemicals in the water will cause serious damage.

What are the rules to wear pearl? ›

The best day to wear a pearl stone is Monday morning of Shukla Paksha. The best time to wear this scintillating gemstone is before sunrise. A pearl stone can be worn on the little finger of the right hand or a working hand. Moreover, the exemplary metal to wear a pearl gemstone is silver.

What is the spiritual power of pearls? ›

The inner glow (orient) of pearls is thought to tap inner wisdom and nurture love. Pearls are also believed to signify innocence and faith. Practitioners use pearls to enhance personal integrity, bring truth forward, grow sincerity, inhibit immodest behavior and advance in wisdom.

What does a pearl mean to God? ›

It's fascinating, then, that pearls—formed from brokenness and suffering—symbolize the perfection of the kingdom of heaven, for no one can enter its celestial city without first walking through its “pearly gates” (Rev. 21:21).

What does it mean when a woman wears a pearl necklace? ›

The symbolism of the Pearl necklace

Pearls jewellery have long been a symbol of innocence, beauty and purity. The pearl necklace is often seen as a symbol of success and wealth but also embodies timeless elegance.

What does the Bible say about pearls? ›

Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a merchant who had a supply of merchandise and found a pearl. That merchant was prudent; he sold the merchandise and bought the single pearl for himself. So also with you, seek his treasure that is unfailing, that is enduring, where no moth comes to eat and no worm destroys."

What is the Chinese myth about pearls? ›

The Folklore of Pearls

Early Chinese civilizations believed that dragons carried pearls between their teeth and the dragon had to be slain to claim the pearls, which symbolized wisdom. The phrase “pearls of wisdom” is still used today.

Is it bad luck to give pearls as a gift? ›

In general, pearls are not a gift. Giving pearls to someone, whether a bride or a just a romantic gesture later on in the marriage, can be seen as a bad omen inviting sadness into their life. When giving gifts, stick to stones over pearls to make the right impression and avoid superstitions.

What is the meaning of the water pearl? ›

Symbolism and Meaning of the Freshwater Pearls

Pearls have long been associated with purity and innocence, making them a popular choice for wedding jewelry. In ancient Rome, pearls were believed to be the tears of the gods, symbolizing divine purity.

What are symbols in the book the pearl? ›

The pearl represents a hopeful shift in the station he might inhabit in the future. Kino's canoe is a symbol of family heritage and it promises wealth for Kino and also for his son. Because Kino seeks the pearl, the safety of all of his belongings is threatened including the canoe, which gets vandalized.

What does the ocean symbolize in The Little Mermaid? ›

Ariel, the Little Mermaid, resides under the surface of the ocean. In other words, she's in the unconscious and wants to come up to the surface into the conscious. Water, sea or oceans are often symbols for the unconsciousness and you can find this back in many mythological stories and even in your dreams.

What does the song of the undersea symbolize in the pearl? ›

The Music of the Undersea represents happiness and success.

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