History
With pearls you will step into a rich tapestry of history—a tale woven with opulence, rarity, and enduring allure over 6000 years. These lustrous gems have transcended time, carrying profound cultural significance and captivating narratives that make them symbols of timeless elegance. Join us on this journey as we uncover the stories behind pearls, each one a gleaming chapter in the fascinating narrative of human history.
The word "pearl" comes from the Old French word "perle," which in turn derives from the Latin word "perla." Its ultimate origin is believed to be from the Sanskrit word "mukta," meaning "freed" or "liberated," which refers to the process of removing the pearl from the shell. Over time, as the word passed through various languages and cultures, it evolved into the term we use today to describe these exquisite gems produced by mollusks.
Known as the "Tears of the Gods," pearls were shrouded in superstition. There was a belief that if pearls were given as a gift, tears would follow the wearer. Despite this superstition, pearls were embraced as the birthstone for June, attributed with magical powers such as healing and protection from ills. The contradictory nature of pearls, seen as both a source of tears and a talisman of magic, added to their mystique.
In 2500BC, a colossal trade in pearls had already taken root, originating in the ancient land of China. As traders exchanged these precious gems, pearls began to symbolize wealth, status, and beauty. The allure of pearls transcended borders, creating a demand that resonated far beyond the lands where they were initially discovered.
In ancient Rome, pearls stood as the epitome of status and wealth, their allure reaching unprecedented heights. Julius Caesar, a symbol of opulence and power, famously adorned himself with a remarkable pearl earring, solidifying pearls' place as a status symbol. The Roman Empire witnessed sumptuous displays of pearl-adorned clothing, creating an opulent legacy that defined an era of luxury.
But around 4000BC, along the sun-kissed shores of the Indian coast, a fish-eating tribe stumbled upon a hidden treasure while opening oysters for their daily sustenance. Little did they know that within those humble oysters lay the exquisite pearls, the very first gems to be discovered by mankind. Mesmerized by the shape and lustre of these treasures from the deep, the fish-eating tribe became the pioneers in appreciating the natural beauty of pearls.
La Peregrina, meaning "The Wanderer," emerged as one of the most celebrated pearls in history. Unearthed off the coast of Panama in the 16th century, this exceptional gem embarked on a captivating odyssey, gracing the hands of Spanish royalty, including Queen Mary I of England, and eventually capturing the heart of the iconic Elizabeth Taylor. La Peregrina's journey serves as a testament to the enduring allure and rarity of pearls, traversing continents and centuries.
Pearls played a pivotal role in the courts of the Mughal Empire in India during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Beyond being symbols of prestige, pearls were integrated into intricate artworks, showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship and artistic sophistication of the Mughal era.
The Renaissance era witnessed a heightened fascination with pearls, not only for their aesthetic beauty but also for their symbolic significance. Portraits of noblewomen from this period, adorned with elaborate pearl jewelry, highlighted the social and cultural importance attached to these luminous gems, reflecting purity and virtue.
The 19th century marked a resurgence in the popularity of pearls, spearheaded by the visionary Kokichi Mikimoto, a Japanese entrepreneur. Mikimoto's revolutionary development of pearl culturing transformed the industry, making pearls more accessible to a broader audience and ushering in a new era of appreciation for these timeless treasures.
Throughout recorded history, a matched natural pearl necklace stood as the epitome of opulence. So rare and precious were these strands of pearls that only the rich and noble could afford to adorn themselves with such treasures. The elegance and sophistication of a natural pearl necklace became a status symbol, a tangible representation of affluence and taste. Queen Elizabeth I of England is credited with popularising pearls in Europe when they were still in a price band out of the reach of all but Royalty. Indeed until the late 19th Century it was unlawful for anyone other than Royalty to wear pearls. Elizabeth famously had a pearl studded collar made for her pet Ermine.
The tradition of Royalty wearing pearls dates back though medieval France and Ancient Rome where only the aristocracy were allowed to wear pearls; and in ancient Egypt the Pharaohs were buried with their pearls to pay their way into the afterlife
Pearls have graced the necks of iconic figures throughout history, Cleopatra’s pearl story is one of the most amazing in history. It is noteworthy that the pearl played a pivotal role in one of the most celebrated banquets in history. To convince Rome that Egypt possessed a wealth to put it beyond conquest, Cleopatra's made a legendary gesture of dissolving a priceless pearl in vinegar to impress Mark Antony, she took a glass of wine, crushed into it a large pearl and drank it. Marc Antony declined his dinner - the matching pearl - and admitted defeat.
Another fashionista famous for her love of pearls is Coco Chanel. Hailed as the very first true designer Chanel is quoted as saying “ a woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls” Starting her career as a milliner she soon became the greatest designer of her age. Chanel’s desire to allow fashion to liberate women from the restraining style of the past was a breath of fresh air in the 1920’s. Coco Chanel, not only popularized the classic pearl necklace but also epitomized its enduring elegance.