Pearl, this exquisite organic gem formed within the bodies of mollusks, has been adored by the aristocracy since ancient times, both in the West and the East, featuring large, bright, and round pearls. It serves as a symbol of wealth and status.
Ancient Pearl
The origin of pearls is often enshrouded in mystery, and numerous cultures possess splendid legends about pearls. For instance, Westerners believe that Venus, the goddess of love, was born in a shell, and the drops of water in which she bathed condensed into pearls. In medieval Europe, pearls symbolized power, and the royal family donned pearls to emphasize their status and standing. The Romans cherished pearls as a token of wealth and status. The tale of Cleopatra VII employing pearls in vinegar is even more widespread.
In ancient Chinese mythology, it was held to be a tear drop from a dragon, a present from the sea god, or a gift from a celestial fairy. During the Xia Dynasty, pearls had evolved into a valuable tribute to the emperor and were even utilized as currency. Successive dynasties began to employ pearls to embellish palaces, clothing, and utensils. Also in ancient India and ancient Rome, pearls were employed to adorn the royal family and sacrificial objects. Pearl jewelry remained the exclusive preserve of the aristocracy and upper class, and it was difficult for common people to possess.
During the Great Age of Navigation in the 15th and 16th centuries, Spanish explorers discovered a vast number of pearls in the Americas, which sparked the competition for pearls among European countries and also facilitated the development of the pearl trade. Queen Victoria had a predilection for pearls, and pearl jewelry became indispensable for women in that era. One of the most renowned pearls in the world is the Peregrina pearl, which once belonged to King Philip II of Spain and was subsequently collected by Elizabeth Taylor.
After the Industrial Revolution, people learned to cultivate pearls; with the maturation of pearl farming technology in the 20th century, the price of pearl jewelry became more accessible to the public and it has transformed into a fashion item that ordinary women can also own. Pearl jewelry is no longer the sole preserve of the aristocracy but has emerged as the favorite of the fashion industry.
Audrey Hepburn, one of the most iconic actresses of the 20th century, with her acute sense of fashion and the image of the little black dress and pearl necklace has become the most classic pearl combination style. Since then, people often associate the pearl necklace with the little black dress.
The utilization of pearl necklaces for an extended period perpetuated the Hepburn classic, emphasizing simple design, in conjunction with evening gowns. When attending formal occasions, pearl necklaces can impart an opulence and nobility to the evening dress, exuding an elegant and captivating temperament.
In modern times, with the augmentation of people's environmental consciousness, to safeguard natural pearl resources, the pearl farming industry has burgeoned rapidly, providing a large quantity of high-quality cultured pearls for the market.The style of pearl jewelry has also gradually diversified, ranging from classic elegance to modern avant-garde. Nor is it exclusively worn by women; many men also have a penchant for wearing pearl necklaces. The renowned singer Justin Bieber is one of the representatives, and many hip-hop singers frequently wear them during concerts.
With the escalation of consumer personalized demands, freshwater pearls, due to artificial cultivation, are no longer confined to the rounded shape in our impression, or the shape of threaded pearls or the irregular shape of Baroque pearls. Instead, they can be cultivated into various shapes such as hearts, petals, rectangles, and squares, etc. Such pearl necklaces are increasingly gaining popularity among young people.
The development of pearl jewelry is a legendary narrative. From precious symbols in ancient times to modern fashion items, pearls have consistently exuded enchanting charm. As people's pursuit of beauty continues to escalate, pearl jewelry will perpetually shine in the future.
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More about Pearl Jewelry
- The History of Pearl Jewelry Development
- The definition of a pearl necklace has changed
- The value of a pearl depends on what factors
- Justin Bieber’s Pearl Necklace Trend: Embracing Y2K Fashion with Style and Affordability
- How were pearls born?How Do Oysters Make Pearls?
- Differences Between Freshwater Pearls and Saltwater Pearls