Pearls have long been renowned for their status of ‘wealth and propriety’. From being used in capes, as a symbol of ‘royal blood’ to being fashioned as part of a statement necklace, the use of them throughout time has been recurrent. While they are often associated with ‘royalty and wealth’, the use of ‘pearls’ were far more significant than modern society might think. In ancient times, the pearl was associated with the ‘moon’; In Vedic ‘text’ the legend states that the pearl was born in ‘Earth’s waters and the heavens powers, birthed through a flash of lightening. Because of the manner of the ‘unification’, the pearl is considered to be the ‘daughter of the moon’. In Western cultures however, the pearl has astrological links to the planet Venus and its Goddess counterpart. The Roman and Greek Goddess Venus is ‘believed to have come from the sea’, just like the humble pearl did too. While its ‘mythological and historical’ merit makes pearls one of the most sought after gems in both the ‘fashion and jewellery world’ pearls also have their place as a ‘symbolic charm’.
The meaning behind each pearl ‘charm’ differs but common themes include fertility, love and power. At Diamond Treats, their range of freshwater pearl pendants is undoubtedly a display of ‘decadence and wealth’, thus buying into the notion that pearls are equated or synonymous with the ideal of power. While the Medieval and Tudor eras banned the ‘common townsfolk’ from wearing pearls- because it was not ‘proper to wear royal or noble gems’, in modern fashion, they are not exclusive to our status or wealth. Indeed anyone, even those who lack income can still wear the humble gem, especially when so many retailers have created cheaper duplicates, to make them accessible to all, regardless of status. Pearls are often mixed with other gems like diamonds, but what makes pearls a girls best friend is how it is the only non-mineral based gem, thus making it ‘organic’. Because pearls ‘derive from the sea, the pearl is instantly more precious than any other ‘gem combined’.
Pearls preciosity has not gone unnoticed by women; we have become embittered with the idea of ‘men wearing them- despite concentrated marketing efforts- and instead have claimed this precious gem as our very own jewel. Although nobility and male royals wore ‘pearl ropes’ as a mark of wealth, we have idealized pearls as being a ‘feminine jewel’. Whether it be because of its connotations with Venus and the Moon-both considered to be female- or because it is associated with ‘fertility’, this classification of femininity is strongly embedded in our cultural psyche. Our cultural psyche is influenced by the cultural traditions and social practices that we partake in to ‘regulate, express and transform’ the human psyche, thus meaning that a pearls ‘cultural resonance’ is purely defined by womanhood. In other words the reason why the ‘pearl’ is so popular with women is because society has defined it as being a symbol of femininity, despite being worn by Royal Kings to indicate the presence of divinity.
Naturally ‘pearls’ are not just confined to the living either. Because the ‘pearl’ is seen as a symbol of ‘wealth’, burials-particularly in Ancient Asian Cultures- used pearls to guide ‘the dead’ on their journey into the afterlife. Mourners would place them in the deceased mouths, because they ‘contained the principle of life’, meaning that their magical properties could extend to the afterlife. While the dead may lay in slumber, it is thought that the ‘divine characteristics’ of the pearl would prevent cosmological disturbance and allow the dead to ‘positively influence’ the fortunes of the living. Because death was seen as a ‘polluting’ element, the act of putting a pearl into a dead persons mouth and lining their burial chamber, meant that it could purify their bodies in time for the afterlife. Ancient Chinese civilizations believed that all dead persons would pass through hell and having a pearl charm, trinket or jewel meant that they could obtain a smooth passing into heaven.
Today pearls remain a central part of our religious, cultural and ethnic customs, although its resonance as a ‘charm’ or symbol has faded over time. Modern women are more likely to wear pearls as an ‘affiliation’ of elegance and grace rather than a symbol of fertility but nevertheless the pearl is still significant to our construction of identity. While necklaces might be more ‘fashion’ orientated as opposed to practical as it was in ancient times, by choosing to wear pearls we are subconsciously asserting our womanhood. What might have started out as a non-dimensional metaphor for ‘respectability’ became a sign of ‘sex appeal’, particularly in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Women like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe used them as an extension of their earthy, sensual allure, creating a stark contrast to political veterans like Margeret Thatcher who wore them to signify ‘cultural power’. So however you choose to ‘wear pearls’-whether it be as a style statement, status symbol or good luck charm- be in control of your own ‘pearl destiny’.
What Are Your Thoughts On Pearls? Do You Wear Them?
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I love pearls , its one of my favorite pieces of jewellery. They look so sophisticated.
I absolutely love pearls, they just look so beautiful yet simple. Your headband is exquisite x
You dress remind me !! a fairytale princess !! love the combination of pearls
Wow I didn’t know pearls had that type of deep meaning. I think pearls look great on almost anyone, easy to style! I personally like smaller pearls than bigger ones, since it looks better on me. Also as you mentioned, I think pearls give a feeling of lovely, chic, smart woman!
http://www.clairebearblogs.com
That necklace is lovely, I used to be obsessed with pearls! xo
I love pearls. They are such a classy way to wear Jewellery and you’re right, such a feminine way to accessorise. It’s been a while since I’ve worn my as my little ones are small and I worry they’ll pull them.
Pearls represent the elegance, mystery, and beauty of nature. I love wearing pearls in a very special occasion as I value them as very special jewelry. One thing though, I really love black pearls.
Pearls are my favourite, they have such a timeless quality and will fit in with such a wide variety of outfits.
I had no idea about the history of pearls how interesting. But aside from that they are just utterly beautiful and so glamorous!
I had no idea about the history of pearls how interesting. But aside from that they are just utterly beautiful and so glamorous!
I had no idea about all of this! I have always loved pearls because they are so simple and beautiful. Now I love them even more!
What beautiful photos – I used to wear pearl earrings all the time, until I lost the back of one of them! I love how timeless they are 🙂
I love that pearl necklace you are wearing in your pictures Ana, but personally I have to admit I’m not a big fan of pearls. I don’t really know why, they’re just not ‘me’. However you can certainly pull them off, they look amazing on you x
Do you know, pearls aren’t something I would have gone for normally, but after seeing you style them I’m going to give it a go!
I love how classic pearls are, they go with everything! For a while there it seemed like they were going out of style because of diamonds, but they are definitely making a come-back!
Pearls are definitely a classic! I have pearl earrings that I wear all the time and they literally go with everything!
Great outfit! You incorporated the pearls very nicely into it! Pearls remind me of wealth. I would think that someone wearing big pearls is indirectly saying something about their financial standing.
Pearls are very much a girl’s best friend! I have one pair that I wear consistently. I love your necklace.
This is so gorgeous. I need to get some pearls. I don’t think I own any and I need to change this. They are so pretty.
Oh I loved reading all about pearls, I never really knew a lot about them! I don’t wear them ordinarily but I did on my wedding day as I think they are so timelessly classic. You look gorgeous as always.
I wore pearls on my wedding day but I haven’t worn them since then.
I didn’t realise there was so much related to pearls. I found reading but the reasons for their historical popularity. very interesting. I think most of us love pearls they are beautiful.
Beautiful post. I don’t personally wear pearls because I used to associate it with older people but I’m doing a revamp of my style and might just incorporate them.
These look stunning on you and they really draw attention to your stunning collar bones. I love pearls, I always have, but every told me that they’re a sort of grandma thing, so I stopped wearing them out x
Lots of love,
Marina Rosie xx
I am obsessed with pearls! So beautiful and classic! I have a fairly large collection myself.
I actually do not own any pearls, but have been thinking about purchasing something special, not just for me but for my daughter, to pass down to hers.
I love pearls. I have a lovely necklace and matching earrings that go with so many outfits.
Your outfits posts are always so on point and well curated! I don’t actually own any pearls as they’re not my cup of tea, but you pull them off so well!
I’ve always loved pearls since they’re my birthstone. My mother gave me a beautiful pearl necklace when I graduated high school and moved away from home which I will always treasure.
Pearls are a classic. I wore my grandmother’s pearls on my wedding day.
I love pearls! I always have. I inherited this pearl necklace when I was a teenager, and I loved it! I wore it all the time, but sadly I got bullied for wearing it! So I kept it safe, and hid it away. It made a comeback on my wedding day!
Again a wonderful outfit <3 I do love pearls alot as am from 'city of pearls' (hyderabad) and a jewelers daughter I have been fascinated to pearls and jewelry alot <3
Pearls reminds me of my grandmother and my mother – they left some for me, I still treasure the pearl jewellery they left for me. R
I wore my Mum’s pearl necklace at my wedding and I still have them now!
I love to wear pearls. They have such a timeless look to them. I have a few different styles necklaces to choose form.
Pearls for me is a very elegant jewelry. It looks very simple yet classy. There are so many kinds of pearls and those south sea pearls are very beautiful however it’s also pricey. Pearl earring for me are one of the best.
That’s actually so funny because my mom used to insist that I wear pearls to fancy things because it made my “teeth look good.” Not sure if that’s true or not but I totally agree! Pearls are lovely!
I love pearls. Mostly because they remind me of my grandmother. Growing up, she always wore them for special occasions and whenever she put them on I told her she looked like a movie star. After she died, I inherited one of her necklaces and it’s one of my most treasured possessions
This is fascinating, we used to have a huge pearl diving industry in Dubai and learnt about it in school but never learnt much about the pearls so I find this incredibly interesting. I’ve always wanted a necklace with pearls from the UAE but they’re quite rare now and so expensive – so I suppose I have to wait for a really special occasion!
You are looking so pretty. I love the dress and the necklace is so beautiful.
This is an interesting depiction and description about the historical uses of the pearl and how society views it. I guess I never thought about it being a man’s selection of the pearl. Although I can see how it would symbolize both wealth and power which were dominated by males back then. Maybe that’s why it had male connotations initially. I don’t really have any idea though. This post is definitely food for thought.
What a well-researched post this is! I don’t wear any jewellery except for a simple wedding band, but I do wish I owned some pearls and had somewhere to go to wear them!
I love pearls My stud earrings were a graduation gift from my mom and I treasure them so much. Pearls are so elegant looking.
I don’t really tend to wear pearls as after working in jewelers for so long I know how much you have to care for them and not let them come into contact with any liquids etc . Although they’re very pretty x
Pearls are my favourites 🙂 I wore them for my wedding and wear them pretty much every day as studs 🙂 x
I use to be so into pearls some years ago. I think pearls are super pretty.
Wow these pearls looks amazing on you, matches perfectly with your chosen outfit! As always fabulous read x
I really like the way pearls look on a woman. I think they are classic and elegant and there is something about the way they frame a woman’s neckline that frankly makes them more appealing to me than a lot of other types of jewelry. I’m glad they are still fashionable.
I have to admit I am not a natural fan of pearls, however I have seen them used in year unique settings sometimes and they really have taken my fancy.
I didn’t know the significane of pearls until now and in reality I do love pearls and often steal my Mum’s vintage bracelets that have a combination of pearls and diamonds. Love the necklace that you are wearing!!
Gorgeous! Love the necklace.
I love pearls! They always look so elegant and you can make them work many ways such as a fancy outfit or even dress up a casual outfit
I don’t wear pearls but I have always thought of them as being really classic and timeless. xx
It was so cool learning about the how pearls were used in the past. I think they’re very elegant and I agree, these days pearls are automatically categorized as something that only women would wear.
I love pearls, they dress up even the dullest of outfits!
I love pearls, they do look so nice as a statement necklace. Love your necklace btw, so summerand very pretty 🙂 x
I think pearls are pretty, classic and feminine but wouldn’t wear them myself as I can imagine the children damaging them and pearls going everywhere as seen in cartoons 🙂 .
I do like to wear pearls from time to time. I think they are very pretty and delicate.
My mum always wears pearls when she goes out, I always think they add a touch of glamour.
I love pearls. My parents gave me some when I graduated from college, they are timeless. I’m going to give them to my daughter when she is older.
I absolutely love pearls, we had lots of pearl touches at our wedding. They are so classic x
Super interesting history of pearls, it’s amazing to think how truly timeless their look is!
I had no idea that there was so much history/meaning behind pearls! Especially how it leads the dead into the afterlife. It’s funny how I’ve just accepted pearls as a symbol of wealth without really thinking about the reason why.
Wow! A lot of history behind those creamy gems that I didn’t know about. Imagine all those lovely pearls being buried with those wealthy Ancient Asians ……Hmmm…….Bet most of them were males too. I agree with you I think pearls are a very feminine precious stone and great too as they are sourced organically.
I love pearls! I think they look very elegant and beautiful. They are the perfect classic touch to any outfit.
I love pearls because they are elegant and so fashionable. It is my dream to own a cute black pearl necklace some day. Those can be very expensive!
Pearls are my go to accessory too! It goes great with my day to day corporate attire!
I love pearls, they have a certain elegance to them.and that necklace is beautiful.
Pearls are a classic. I’ve seen them on crowns from royals in the past and they are a symbol of grace and elegance for the women these days. I used to think about what happened to it the whole symbol of fertility thing, because people usually referred to it as that when I was younger.
I love pearls too! My grandma has all kinds of amazing jewelry and pearls are one of my favorites!
I love my pearl studs I wear them
Everyday!
I love pearls although I have to admit mine only come out on special occasions
I love your post. Pearls are such great additions to add some pop to an outfit. Look the pictures. Thanks for sharing.
OXO //SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger</a
I love pearls they always look so girly and beautiful. I don’t wear them often though as they are super delicate. Your necklace is absolutely gorgeous, I love them used in settings like that.
pearls are the only jewel I love! It suits everything and is a good balanced mixture of status, luxury and simplicity, like despises when it comes to flowers! i love the way they look on very classy and womanly outfits and… the dihcotomic way they look on black and “rock” suits
I like the idea of dressing up and wearing pearls – my mum gave me some pearl earrings when I was in my teens. I was so gutted when I lost one of them. I’ve still kept the other one hoping that one day the missing part would turn up – even though I’ve moved house 3 times since!
I think Pearls are really underrated. There are so many beautiful options whether you have real freshwater pearls or just costume jewellery x
To me, pearls say elegance and style. And for some reason, they also say Audrey Hepburn, as she was an icon for elegance and style, right? I think that pearls are a statement, they transform a woman into a princess. Like they did with you 🙂
I do love pearls. I got a gorgeous set of pearl earrings for my birthday a few years ago and I love them x
What an interesting read! I own a pair of pearl earring studs but that’s it! I always think they are so elegant!
I think pearls have a classic elegant look that can be transferred through many looks, a versatile piece
I love the classic look of pearls. For me, they are a symbol of elegance and maturity. I rarely wear them unless I’m going to somewhere. I always find they are perfect with an all black look.
I learned so much about the meanings attached to pearls from your post. I had no idea that they were buried with the dead in some cultures. I love pearls myself and wear them quite often.
I have two pearl necklaces – one was bought for me for my 21st birthday and one was given to me by my grandmother, I love them. They make me feel like a princess x
These pearls look incredible on you dear but honestly, you look great in anything!
Great post! I love the color of the dress but also the necklace! I am obsessed with chunky necklaces! xx corinne
I had no idea that they were meant to show that someone was from royalty! I knew it meant money but wow! lol! You look amazing.
Love,
Ivelisse | CarnationDreams.com
I really like wearing pearls and I believe they make one’s look very graceful. I especially love seeing older women wearing big pearls, they make them look lovely.
I don’t own a single pearl! They always make something/someone look so glam straight away
These images are gorgeous and you styled them amazingly!
Yes I love pearls – they are just so timeless and so classic.
Your pearls are beautiful and you look stunning. Pearls are timeless and can be passed down through the generations and enjoyed over and over.
I’ve always seen them as a symbol of wealth. I enjoyed reading more about them. Sadly I don’t own any x
I love wearing pearls. I think they look so elegant and sophisticated.
Louise x
These pieces are so dainty and girly (not typical for me), but I love them! I could see accessorizing a formal outfit with these 😍. I actually have something similar already.
Omg
Pearls are gorgeous, I don’t wear them myself, cos i don’t own any.
I got my fave tiger pendant necklace I love to wear, had it for years
I absolutely LOVE wearing pearls. I find them to be so elegant and go with any evening outfit xxx
You look stunning. A small string of pearls can never do harm.
I love pearls because it’s very elegant and you can really pair it with different kinds of outfits.
I don’t tend to wear pearls but they are so pretty. They seem to be making a huge comeback too. I see loads of those pearl parties on FB at the moment. You look lovely x
I really love pearls, so timeless and elegant, the perfect accessory!
I haven’t known anything about all of this ! The girls who wear pearls are the best, they are always pretty with
I love wearing pearls and I wear them often… I have a strands of pearls in a few different colors as well as rings and earrings. They are perfect for the day as well as evening events. They are so versatile and I think that is what I love most about them.
I’ve never thought about wearing pearls because I’ve always thought of them as old-fashioned but now there are many variations and the necklace you’re wearing is so pretty! I’ll definitely buy one similar to yours, you can style it in many ways and they don’t make you look like an old lady.
Samantha | https://samanthacarraro.wordpress.com/
I love pearls! The way they look… simple but chic!
The history of pearls is really fascinating. I love how pearls look but they don’t suit me at all 🙁
I love pearls, they are so pretty. I really like the necklace you are wearing in the picture too
I love this and you look incredible. I like pearls and tend to wear them once in a while. They look so cute and feminine and I love that in jewelry. It reminds me to pull out my pearl bracelet.
Pearls are one of the most used by ladies here in our country. The beauty of it is inexplainable. Its very simple yet looks elegant when worn.
Pearls are most beautiful and timeless. They can be delicate or bold, depending on their use. My father bought me some tiny ones, which were fresh water pearls when I was 13. Have treasured them.
I’m not into pearls that much but I found a statement necklace that haves pearls that i love now
I own a few pearls and always thought they made me look more distinguished and upped my outfits. Pearls a truly a girl’s best friend
I had no idea about all of the history/meaning associated with pearls! I’ve always loved them!
I’ve never had pearls before. I do like your necklace. it looks great
Pearl is my birthstone so I wear vintage strands a lot, just not on my wedding day as they are supposed to be unlucky.
Good post! I am always loved pearls because they are so simple and beautiful. Now I love them even more! ENJOY WEEKEND.
I’m a pearl lover! I can’t go anywhere without my pearl earrings! It’s just so feminine!
Pearl is my birth stone and I really like them. I wouldn’t wear a pearl necklace, but I have a pearl ring which I love.
I personally love pearls, they are so elegant and timeless!
I love pearls but don’t own any. You look like a Princess! Kaz
Pearls are so feminine and versatile. You can dress up or down with them. Love pearl earrings and accessories. Great post!
Pearls remind me so much of my grandmother. They are so beautiful and versatile! The name Megan actually from the word Pearl in Greek!
When you want a simple and elegant accessories and jewelries pearls are the best to go with. I have a couple of pieces which I inherited from my Grandmother, I will have to hand it over to my daughter when the time comes.
Pearls are my favorite accessories and jewellery. Am not a diamond kind of girl, but pearls are always my on-the-go. Its classic, very lady-like and not vulgar.
You look amazing, I love pearls and would like to own some one day.
I love pearls but sadly I only have the cheap imitation ones. I am looking at getting a vintage pearl necklace as soon as I have saved up a lot of pennies! x
I have always been a fan of pearls but I only started using it when I got married. Too much superstitions surrounding me here LOL
Great article! Pearls are just elegant. A must have for women.
Pearls seem to be less popular nowadays than when I was younger. I own a beautiful pearl necklace but I never wear it enough. I do love it though. I never realised there was so much behind a pearl
I have some special pearls and love them. I only save them for best and must look for them now. All your jewellery is beautiful Ana, it all looks stunning 🙂