The Symbolism and Legacy of Pearls in Culture and Ceremony
The lore and history surrounding June’s gem of the month, the queen of gems, the beautiful pearl.
There’s just something magical about pearls. Gazing at them, you can almost find yourself lost in their translucent beauty and depths, and that beauty has been the inspiration behind some of the world’s most magnificent jewelry creations.
“The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.” – Grace Kelly.
It’s a fitting quote, and in the book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones by George Frederick Kunz, he mentions the pearl as follows, “The diamond is to the pearl as the sun is to the moon, and we might well call one the ‘king-gem’ and the other the ‘queen-gem.’”
The Medicinal Properties of the Pearl
European writers of the past wrote a lot about the medicinal properties of various precious stones, including the pearl, with their own agendas. However, they typically shared one similar goal: to represent as many stones as possible, with their thinking being that the more stones, the better the healing power of the concoction or talisman.
In Arnobio’s “Tesoro delle Gioie,” they spoke about a composition of the most “noble electuary of jacinth” which contained jacinth, a variety of zircon, emerald, sapphire, topaz, garnet, ruby, red and white coral, amber, animal and vegetable substances, and of course, pearl. In total, it had over 34 ingredients, and a healthy dose of the mixture was believed to be a cure-all for “all the ills that flesh is heir to.”
In modern times, pearls and pearl powder are recognized for their potential to be natural antioxidants and their anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing effects. It’s also believed that pearls have strong wound-healing properties and promote bone growth.
Religious Symbolization
Throughout the ages, the pearl has held a revered place in many cultures and typically symbolizes wisdom, purity, and spiritual transformation. Many people associate the pearl with the soul’s journey as it heads toward enlightenment.
In Asian cultures, pearls are often seen as evidence of a divine presence, with pearls frequently placed in the mouths of the deceased to assist them on their spiritual journey after death.
The pearl has been closely associated with modesty, virtue, purity, and devotion in many Christian symbols and art. Mary and Jesus, strong symbols of purity, were sometimes closely associated with pearls. In the Book of Revelation, pearls were used to describe the gates of New Jerusalem.
“The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” – Revelation 21:21, TLV.
Ancient Stories and Mythology
Pearls had a significant role in ancient mythology. If the diamond was the symbol of strength, the pearl was right there alongside it as the emblem of purity and modesty. It was believed that by wearing pearls, the wearer would be granted superior strength, courage, and fortitude, guaranteeing them victory in the field of battle, but pearls weren’t just popular in battle.
They were often associated with water, tears, and beauty. In some myths, pearls were mentioned as the tears of gods, the moon, and even mythical creatures. Other ancient legends link pearls to dragons, with pearls falling to the ground after two dragons battled high above in the sky.
From Legend to Legacy: Honoring Life’s Moments with Pearls
Pearls may begin as a grain of sand, but through time, patience, and nature’s quiet magic, they transform into treasures revered by royalty, artists, and spiritual leaders alike. Their beauty is both a mystery and a mirror, reflecting centuries of meaning, reverence, and grace.
At deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, we understand that pearls are far more than adornments — they are heirlooms in the making. Whether you’re honoring a loved one, celebrating a milestone, or gifting a June birthstone with personal significance, our collection offers something truly timeless.
Let our expert team help you select the perfect pearl, from classic strands to custom creations that will be cherished for generations. Visit our Dallas or Houston showrooms to experience the elegance of deBoulle firsthand, or explore our refined selection online.
