Tears of the Ocean: The Millennium Legend of Pearls and Contemporary Charm

1、 The Material and Characteristics of Pearls

Pearl is an ancient organic gemstone formed by the layer by layer encapsulation of pearly material secreted by certain mollusks (such as oysters, clams, etc.) when exposed to external stimuli. Its main components include:

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3): accounting for over 90%, it exists in the form of aragonite and calcite.

Conchiolin, which accounts for about 5% -10%, is an organic substance that gives pearls toughness.

Moisture content: about 2% -4%, affecting the luster and durability of pearls.

Classification of pearls:

According to the formation method:

Natural pearls: naturally formed and extremely rare, such as the “Eastern Pearl” (natural seawater pearl).

Pearl farming: Through artificial intervention cultivation, it dominates the market, such as Akoya pearls, Nanyang pearls, Tahiti black pearls, etc.

According to the water environment:

Sea pearls: with stronger luster, commonly found in Japan, Australia, French Polynesia and other places.

Freshwater pearls: with high production, China is the main production area, diverse shapes, and relatively low prices.

By color:

White, pink, gold, black (Tahitian pearls), purple, etc. Different colors are affected by the type of mother oyster and water quality.

The physical properties of pearls:

Mohs hardness: 2.5-4.5, relatively soft, easily scratched.

Gloss: High quality pearls have a strong “pearl luster” (iridescent effect).

Shape: A perfect circle is the most precious, but there are also Baroque pearls (irregular shapes), teardrop shapes, button shapes, etc.

2、 The History and Legend of Pearls

Pearls have a long history in human civilization and are regarded as symbols of wealth, power, and divinity. There are many legends about pearls circulating in different cultures:

The Legend of Pearls in Ancient China

Pearls are referred to as “true pearls” in the Book of Documents and the Book of Songs, symbolizing purity and nobility.

Legend has it that pearls are the “tears of the moon” or the “tears of mermaids”. The “Record of Searching for the Gods” records that mermaids in the South China Sea shed tears and turned them into pearls.

Throughout history, emperors regarded pearls as treasures, and Empress Dowager Cixi particularly loved pearls, even using pearl powder to nourish her appearance.

Pearls in Western Mythology

The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the birth symbol of Aphrodite (Venus), the god of love and beauty. It is said that when she was born from the foam of the sea, the drops on her body turned into pearls.

The ancient Romans regarded pearls as the most noble gemstone, which could only be worn by nobles.

In Christian culture, pearls symbolize the purity of heaven, and the Bible states that ‘heaven is like a precious pearl’.

Pearls in Indian and Persian cultures

The Hindu classic Rigveda records that pearls are a gift from the ocean god Varuna, symbolizing wisdom and eternity.

In Persian mythology, pearls are the gems of the gods, bringing good luck and protection.

4 Pearl Trade in the Arab World

The ancient Persian Gulf was an important source of natural pearls, which were introduced to China and Europe by Arab merchants through the Silk Road.

Pearl is mentioned multiple times in “One Thousand and One Nights” as a symbol of wealth and mysterious power.

3、 The significance of pearls in metaphysics and energetics

Pearls are considered to have special spiritual significance in fields such as mysticism, feng shui, and energy therapy

Energy attribute

Symbolizing purity and wisdom: Due to its natural formation process, pearls are regarded as “perfect after tempering”, representing inner growth.

Corresponding Moon Energy: In Western mysticism, pearls are associated with the moon and are suitable for emotional balance and intuitive enhancement.

Feng Shui and Auspiciousness

Attracting Wealth&Prosperous Career: In Feng Shui, pearls symbolize “wealth in the water” and are suitable for placement in the north (water direction) of offices or shops.

Marriage&Love: Pearl wedding rings or necklaces are believed to stabilize relationships and prevent third-party interference.

Chakras and Healing

Corresponding Heart Chakra: Helps release negative emotions, enhance love and empathy.

Calming and calming: Holding pearls during meditation can help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep.

Protecting oneself and avoiding evil spirits

Ancient sailors wore pearl protectors, believing that they could resist shipwrecks and evil spirits.

In amulet culture, pearls are believed to absorb negative energy and protect the wearer.

4、The Culture and Symbolic Significance of Pearls

Symbols of royalty and nobility

European royal families, such as Queen Elizabeth II, often wear pearl necklaces to attend important occasions.

The Japanese royal family uses pearls as traditional wedding jewelry.

Wedding and Love Tokens

Pearls are known as “wedding gems”, symbolizing the purity and happiness of marriage.

In the West, pearl wedding rings represent “30th wedding anniversary”.

Pearls in Art and Literature

Shakespeare wrote in “The Merchant of Venice”: “Pearls make women more beautiful

Van Gogh’s famous painting ‘The Girl with Pearl Earrings’ showcases the classic beauty of pearls.

Conclusion

Pearl, this treasure from the ocean, carries a thousand years of culture and mysterious energy. From the treasures of ancient emperors to the elegant accessories of modern women, from myths and legends to energy healing, pearls have always become eternal classics that transcend time and space with their warm luster and profound symbolic significance. Whether worn as jewelry or used for feng shui luck, pearls continue to shine in the long river of human civilization with their unique charm.