Common Myths and Meanings Associated with Pearls

Iridescent oyster shell filled with various pearls

Whether or not you personally believe that gemstones and other natural materials carry meaning, you should consider knowing about the common meanings associated with pearls if you plan to give them as a sentimental jewelry gift. Sharing the meaning of a pearl when you give pearl jewelry to a loved one can add an extra-special touch and help the recipient better connect with the gift.

You may also be pleasantly surprised by some of the meanings associated with pearls and have greater admiration for them. In this blog post, we explain some of the most common meanings and myths associated with pearls, which have served as powerful symbols for centuries.

Pearls Are Protective

People who believe in the healing powers of gemstones consider pearls to be highly protective, and they are thought to keep the wearer safe and secure. If you know someone who could benefit from inner confidence and serenity, despite all of life’s challenges, consider gifting meaningful jewelry with a special pearl.

Cleopatra Loved Pearls

You’ve probably heard about Cleopatra, the famed Egyptian queen who lived a dramatic and opulent life. But do you know the legend of Cleopatra’s banquet, shared by Pliny the Elder in his book Natural History? At one point during her rule, Cleopatra bet Marc Antony that she could host the most expensive dinner in history. In her attempt to impress Antony, she crushed a large pearl from her earrings and dissolved it in a goblet of wine before drinking it. At the time, pearls were considered the pinnacle of luxury and wealth, and Antony was truly taken aback by Cleopatra’s gesture. We don’t recommend drinking your pearls, but you could share this story with your custom pearl necklace gift.

Pearls Plucked from the Sea

In the Hindu faith, pearls are often associated with Krishna, the embodiment of Vishnu, who’s the most popular god of Hindu worship. One legend says that Krishna plucked the first pearl out of the sea to give to his daughter Pandaia on her wedding day. In addition, an ancient Indian epic called the “Ramayana” speaks of a necklace of twenty-seven pearls.

Pearls Symbolize the Moon and Water

Do you have a loved one who feels an affinity toward the moon or water? You may want to consider giving that person the gift of pearls. Unsurprisingly, pearls are often associated with the moon due to their milky color, and in ancient Vedic texts, pearls are considered the daughter of the moon. In addition, the moon controls the oceans, where pearls are formed. As a result, pearls are also connected to water, and some believe that pearls are actually tears shed by gods. Some associate pearls with Venus, the goddess of love, who was also born from the sea.

Which of these stories is your favorite? Do you know about other myths and meanings that we haven’t mentioned?

Photo credit: Mauro Cateb / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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