Pearl Meaning: The Myths Behind These Sea Gems (2024)

Last Updated on April 7, 2020 by Carla Jonas

Pearl Meaning, Symbolism, and Myths of Pearls

Have you ever thought about the meaning of pearls? According to history and the myths, pearls are symbolic of wisdom gained through experience. The gems are believed to offer protection, as well as attract good luck and wealth. They are well-known for their calming effects. Pearls have a way of bringing balance to your karma.

Myths have it that pearls keep your children safe while strengthening your relationships. It is also said that these little gemstones are symbolic of the wearer’s loyalty, generosity, integrity, and purity. And, these are just some of the myths behind these precious gemstones.

EDITOR’S NOTES
Despite the many different things pearls are said to symbolize, the most widely held meaning among people today is pearl’s as a symbol of the purity and loyalty of its wearer. This is one reason why more and more brides are opting to wear pearls on their wedding day. Not only are the gemstones absolutely stunning, but their symbolic meaning makes them ideal for the event.

The Myths of the Almighty Pearl

There are numerous folktales and myths that surround the precious gem of the sea. Some of the ancient pearl myths seem really far-fetched. But, they do symbolize just how important these gems were to ancient civilizations. Here are some of the ancient myths about pearls:

• Ancient Japanese Legend – During ancient times, the Japanese believed that the tears of mythical creatures created pearls. Some of these creatures include, but are not limited to, nymphs, mermaids, and angels.
• Ancient Persian Legend – According to one Persian pearl myth, the gems were created after a storm. That’s when a rainbow came down from the sky and met with the earth. Lightning and thunder were said to be the reasons for the pearl’s imperfections.
• Ancient Egyptian Legend – During ancient times, Egyptians were buried with their pearls after they died because they valued you them so much. The myth from this era that’s most famous involves Cleopatra, the famous ruler of Egypt. Legend has it that she took the gem from one of her pearl earrings. She then dissolved it and drank it! Supposedly, this was done to show Roman politician Mark Antony that the entire nation’s wealth could be devoured in one, single gulp.
• Ancient Chinese Legend – Black pearls were very symbolic during early Chinese civilization. They were symbolic of wisdom. People believed the gems were formed inside the head of a dragon. Once they were fully grown, the dragon carried them between its teeth. According to the myth, a person could only gather the pearls by slaying the dragon to death.

The Myths Behind Pearls & Religion

There are pearl myths that relate to all time periods. Some go all the way back to the days of Adam and Eve in Paradise. According to legends, the couple cried deeply after God cast them out of the Garden of Eden. Their tears created a lake of pearls.

It was believed that Eve’s tears created the white pearls, while Adam’s tears created the black pearls. Furthermore, it’s also said that Adam shed less tears than Eve did because men control their emotions better than women. Supposedly, this explains why black pearls are so rare.

Here are some other references to religion and pearl meaning:

• According to The Koran, the pearl can be found in Paradise. It’s one of the greatest rewards there. This precious gem is also now symbolic of perfection.
• Pearls symbolize purity to both Hindus and Christians. This is where the “brides wearing pearls on their wedding days” tradition is said to have started, which continues today.
• Because they symbolize religious purity, pearls became sacred objects to Christians by the Middle Ages. During early times, Christians believed the pearls that covered the Holy Grail purified its water.

Love, Pearls & Weddings

During Ancient Greek days, the myth was that pearls were the gods’ tears. It was also believed that if a woman wore pearls on her wedding day, it would stop her from crying.

Hindu folklore is a bit different. It describes the gems as drops of dew that dropped from the sky during the nighttime, into the moonlit ocean. Pearl meaning behind the story of Krishna, AKA Vishnu, is believed to be one of the earliest accounts of weddings and pearls.

It’s said that Krishna pulled the very first pearl from the sea. He then presented it to Pandaia, his daughter, on the day of her wedding. His wedding gift was a symbol of purity, love, and union.

The Myths Behind Tahitian Black Pearls

Tahitian black pearls are some of the rarest on the market. There are numerous Polynesian myths surrounding this lustrous gem. This is just one of them:

Legend has it that the god of fertility and peace, Oro, traveled on a rainbow to visit earth. He brought a magical oyster with him to the people of Polynesia called The Ufi. A gorgeous black pearl was formed inside The Ufi. When Oro say it, he gave it to Princess Bora Bora to symbolize his undying love.

Nothing in the world can match the elegance and beauty of Tahitian South Sea pearl jewelry. Tahitian pearls come in stunning colors. And, at The Pearl Source, you can even buy them as loose pearls to create your own custom pearl jewelry pieces.

Check out the extravagant collection of loose pearls and Tahitian pearl jewelry from The Pearl Source. Get real cultured pearls at unbeatable wholesale prices!

PEARL SPOTLIGHT

Black pearls are often associated with healing powers and hope. Cultivated in the exotic waters of the French Polynesia, Black Tahitian Pearls come in a mesmerizing palette of shades, ranging from iridescent silver to peaco*ck hues, all carrying the mystique and charm of the ocean.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about pearls BEFORE you make a purchase