History of Pearls

Pearl Birth Stone

Information about the History of Pearls
Discover some fascinating information about the History of Pearls

  • Facts and Information
  • History of Pearls
  • Use of Pearls in jewelry

History of Pearls

History of Pearls - What are Pearls?
What exactly are Pearls? The word Pearl is derived from the Latin word "pirum" which means "pear" reflecting the shape of the gem. Pearls are found inside the shell of a mollusk such as an oyster, clam or mussel and are formed due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle. The idea that Pearls are symbolic of tears arose from this fact, and illustrates the old adage that the most noble achievements have their origin in painful and enduring effort. Natural Pearls (as opposed to cultured pearls) are either saltwater pearls found in gulfs, bays, seas and oceans or freshwater pearls found in rivers and lakes.

Facts and Information about Pearls

The History of Pearls - Pearls for Tears
Pearls are considered unfortunate for those in love and if worn by the married signified "torrents of tears".

History of Pearls

  

For this reason pearls are seldom used in engagement rings, even at the present day.

The History of Pearls
Amongst all nations Pearls have always been considered the most beautiful products of nature, but having their origin in a living organism cannot be called a precious stone. Among Eastern nations pearls are credited with the power of preserving the purity of their wearers, and as an emblem of maidenly purity. The Romans also set a high value on Pearls, consecrating them to Isis, and wearing them for her favours. Pearls were also made into a decoction with distilled water and given to lunatics to restore their reason. In China Pearls are powdered and taken as medicine for syncope and stomachic ailments.

The History of Pearls - Cleopatra's Pearls
There is a well known legend surrounding Cleopatra and Marc Antony. Cleopatra wagered Marc Antony she could give the most expensive banquet in history. On the evening of the banquet the dinner table was bereft of any dishes. Marc Antony reclined as Cleopatra sat with an empty plate and a goblet of wine (or vinegar). She crushed one large pearl from a pair of pearl earrings. The pearl dissolved in the liquid and Cleopatra drank it. An astonished Marc Antony declined his dinner which was the matching pearl and admitted that Cleopatra had won the wager. There is more to this story. Pearls were not held as valuable in Egypt but were greatly valued in Rome. The pearls had been given to Cleopatra as a tribute gift from Kings of the Orient before Egypt was conquered by Rome. Cleopatra saw no loss in this exhibition which was seen as the height of extravagance by Marc Antony.

Birthstones & Jewelry Insurance
Your home insurance policy may not fully cover you for birthstone jewelry insurance, engagement ring insurance or wedding ring insurance. Your home insurance policy probably covers jewelry theft, but not loss that occurs for other reasons. A typical home insurance policy will only usually pay a maximum of $1,000 for jewelry theft. Obtain a Jewelry Insurance quote from the Chubb group of jewelry insurance.

History of Pearls

  • Facts and Information
  • History of Pearls
  • Use of Pearls in jewelry - Rings, Brooches, Pins, Cufflinks, Bracelets, Pendants, Earrings and Necklaces
  • Information & Facts about Pearls
  • Cleopatra's pearls
  • History of Pearls

History of Pearls

 

 
© 2017 Siteseen Ltd.Cookies Policy
By Linda AlchinPrivacy Statement
Mineral - Jewelry - Mineral - Only buy birthstone rings and birthstone jewelry after visiting this site - Jewellry -  Healing - Symbolism - Significance - Precious - Stone - Guide - Color - Facts - Pearl - Information - Info - Jewelry - Gemini - Jewellery - Jewlery - Jewelery - Jewellry - Properties - Symbolism - Significance - Quality - Settings - Shapes - Jewel - Gem - Gemstone - Pearls - Precious - Stone - Guide - Color - Facts - Pearl - Information - Info - Jewelry - Gemini - Jewellery - Jewlery - Jewelery - Jewellry - Properties - Symbolism - Significance - Quality - Settings - Shapes - Jewel - Gem - Gemstone