What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of A Pearl?

The History Of Pearl Jewelry

Pearls were used in jewelry at least as far back as ancient Greece, and until the 20th-century pearls were one of the most valued gems, if not the most valuable, in many cultures. The rules of the Byzantine empire dictated that only the emperor was allowed to wear pearls, and other societies had rules about who could and could not wear these little treasures. The sixteenth century in England was known as the Pearl Age, reflecting the prestige carried by pearls at that time.

Pearls became more accessible in the early 1900s once people in Asia discovered how to create cultured pearls. By carefully placing a small nucleus into a living oyster, a pearl forms around the nucleus, allowing pearls to be created in oyster farms.

What does a pearl symbolize?

Pearls are the ultimate symbol of 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 spiritual meaning of pearls?

Pearls represent wisdom gained through experience. The gems of the sea are believed to offer protection to the wearer, as well as attract good luck and wealth. Moreover, pearls speak of the wearer’s purity and integrity.

Spiritual meanings of the pearl

The pearl is regarded as one of the most powerful symbols of wisdom that is gained through time and experiences. These gems obtained from the sea are said to have the power to protect you when you wear them. Others believe that the pearls attract wealth and good luck or that the pearls speak of the integrity and the purity of the wearer.

From the information above, it goes without saying that pearls and the symbolism around them is rather complex. There is always more than meets the eyes when it comes to pearls, and spiritual meanings and symbolism around pearls can be a little more complex than you thought it would be. It is, therefore, important to know that the symbolism behind the pearls will always feature different facets, but even these are not at odds with each other.

So, what are the spiritual elements of the pearl? And will wearing pearls bring you some enlightenment or just enhance your life spiritually?

Pearls are also regarded as a token of love, affection, and good luck. Across cultures, however, pearls are highly valued for the fact that they represent and carry wisdom and also offer immense calming effects. They also represent serenity, and in relationships, they have the power to improve and strengthen the value of your relationships while also conveying a feeling of safety. In other spaces, pearls symbolize loyalty and integrity, and purity.

Are pearls lucky?

Pearls are often offered as a token of affection and love, as well as good luck. Moreover, various myths place pearls as symbols of good fortune and wealth.

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.

Christian Beliefs and meanings of pearls

Black pearls, whose importance grew thanks to the Ancient Chinese civilizations, note that the pearls were made inside the dragon’s head and were carried between the dragon’s teeth, meaning that their retrieval was only possible after the dragons were slain.

In the bible, the story of Adam and Eve, it is believed that after Adam and Eve’s casting out of the Garden of Eden, their cries and tears formed lakes full of pearls. Eve’s tears are said to have created the white pearls while Adam’s made the black pearls. This is also the same reference to what the Greek civilizations believed to be the source of the pearls.

Eternal Life

In Ancient Rome, the pearls were considered to be the symbol of social status and wealth, and it was believed that people who owned pearls enjoyed long, healthy lives. The pearls were often worn during the crusades because they were believed to offer the wearers protection, and because of their shape, they symbolized eternal life.

Flaming Pearl

Inner Wisdom, Awareness, and Intuition

The Flaming Pearl, in Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism, is a symbol of your inner wisdom and also the connection that humans have to or with the divine energies.

It is also considered an introspective gemstone that encourages its wearers to discover their true selves and also what one’s purpose is.

These religions believe that the pearls allow the wearer the capacity to celebrate one’s wisdom while enhancing one’s level of awareness.

Healing

Healers and shamans also use pearls because they believe that the pearls are conduits that enhance relaxation. Many other ancient healers also used pearls because they believed they would alleviate symptoms of diseases like TB, bronchitis, and asthma.

And so, thanks to the powers that the pearls were associated with, they were (are) highly prized by the magicians and wizards who use them to ward off unwanted energies, especially from the otherworld.

Chakra Healing

The pearls are believed to have the power to balance the Heart Chakra. This is important because when your heart chakra is out of alignment, it manifests as outbursts of anger or jealousy, and you may not understand why that is happening. At the same time, you may want constant confirmation from the people in your life and even lack compassion.

The pearl is believed to have the power to balance this. How? Well, the pearl connects the lower chakras to your higher chakras, helping you attain balance.

Carrying the pearl would therefore help improve your innate healing abilities, and it will encourage self-compassion. It also enhances your immune function for peak performance while encouraging a healthy circulatory system. It can also improve tissue regeneration when you wear it close to or over the heart.

Pearls also improve the third eye chakra when it’s misaligned, and you feel too sensitive to people’s opinions (of you). The gemstone would enhance your visualization and perception more intuitively, making you more calm, patient, or and perceptive.

How To Wear Pearl Necklace?

There are many types of pearl necklaces out there, depending on the length of the necklace and the size, color, and shape of the pearls.

Length

Shorter, layered choker-like necklaces generally tend to be a bit dressier as they attract attention and look more formal. If you’re going for a relaxed look, it’s best to avoid the layered pearl choker. It simply looks very dressed up.

However, the classic, 16- to 18-inch pearl necklace is ideal to pair with a casual top and maybe a pair of jeans. This length rests just at or below your throat and has an easy-going look to it.

Longer necklaces can work really well with casual outfits. Layering a few different lengths and sizes looks stunning with your attire without going over the top.

It’s probably best to avoid the rope pearl necklace (which is over 36 inches) as this can tend to look rather dressy, especially if knotted or twisted. But again, it all comes down to how you style it. Wrap it around your neck twice and you’ve got two long pearl strand layers to play around with.

Size

Large pearl necklaces, like South Sea ones, tend to be statement pieces and as such, can draw more attention to your jewelry than you’re shooting for. They’re especially perfect for high-end events. Find the right balance that you feel comfortable with for the size of pearls.

Color

White and off-white is the classic color for pearls but pearls come in a wide range of colors. Some popular natural pearl colors include gold, black and pink.

Pastel pearl colors tend to look casual and also add a pop of color to your outfit. Think of a white summer dress with a string of lavender pearls. See what we mean? Colored pearls look casual and fun and go with a range of outfits.

Just ensure that you choose a color that suits your skin tone, style and complexion.

Shape

Round pearls are traditional and always chic, but baroque pearls can be quirky, fun, and interesting. Each baroque pearl is unique and has a touch of, shall we say, personality?

Adding a string of baroque pearls or a single large baroque pearl necklace to your casual wear will instantly add a wow factor that warrants a second glance.

Style

The classic strand is the most popular type of pearl necklace, made of a string of pearls in a line, with or without knots in between. This is the traditional type of pearl necklace and the most famous.

But there are other ways to wear pearl necklaces casually too.

One famous style is to have pearls at intervals on a metal chain rather than continuous pearls. This is a more casual look than pearl strands and combines the chic pearls with a causal chain.

Another popular way to incorporate pearls into your necklace but keep the pearls at a minimum is simply to choose a pearl pendant on a chain. There are many designs out there, ranging from casual to high-end luxury. Pick one that suits you and pair it with your outfit.