The Magic of Pearls: History, Meaning & Why They Matter in My Work

March 12, 2025

Let’s talk about pearls.

They’ve been around forever—seriously, humans have been obsessed with them for thousands of years. Unlike gemstones that have to be mined and cut, pearls just happen inside an oyster or mollusk, layer by layer, like a tiny piece of magic formed over time. There’s something about that slow, organic process that feels really special to me.

And if you know my work, you know I’m drawn to materials that tell a story—stones with quirks, textures that feel alive, and pieces that aren’t about chasing perfection. Pearls fit right into that.

A Little History (Because It’s Actually Pretty Cool)

Pearls have been worn and treasured for so long that we don’t even know exactly when humans started collecting them. But we do know that in ancient China, people were gifting them as early as 2300 BCE. The Romans were obsessed—they saw pearls as the ultimate flex. Cleopatra (yes, that Cleopatra) supposedly dissolved a pearl in vinegar and drank it just to prove she could throw the most expensive dinner party ever.

Fast forward to the Renaissance, and pearls were literally everywhere—woven into clothes, stitched onto royal crowns, even hoarded by European nobility as a status symbol. But for most of history, pearls were incredibly rare. It wasn’t until the early 1900s, when people figured out how to culture them, that they became more accessible.

Even so, they’ve never lost their magic. There’s just something about them.

Pearls & Their Deeper Meaning

Beyond their history, pearls have this quiet, powerful energy. Over time, people have associated them with all kinds of beautiful qualities:

Wisdom & Intuition – Pearls are linked to the moon and water, so they’ve always been seen as symbols of inner knowing. Wearing them is said to help you trust your instincts and move through life with more grace.
Transformation – A pearl literally forms because an oyster takes an irritant and slowly coats it with nacre, turning something uncomfortable into something beautiful. If that’s not a metaphor for growth, I don’t know what is.
Protection & Calm – Many cultures have seen pearls as protective talismans, especially for travelers. They’re also believed to bring a sense of peace—something about their soft glow just feels soothing.
Feminine Energy – With their organic formation and connection to water, pearls have long been associated with femininity, nurturing energy, and the power of creation.

How Pearls Fit Into My Work

So, why do pearls matter to me as a jeweler? Because they represent everything I love about working with natural materials. They’re slowmade by nature. They take their time. They evolve.

And while traditional pearls are often prized for being perfectly round and smooth, I’m drawn to the ones with character—baroque pearls, keshi pearls, freshwater pearls with wild, organic shapes. I love how they embrace imperfection, how they remind us that beauty isn’t about symmetry or flawlessness.

When I design with pearls, I think about the person who’ll wear them. I think about how jewelry isn’t just decoration—it’s personal, it’s symbolic, it holds energy. Whether it’s a delicate pearl that you wear every day like a quiet little talisman or a bold, sculptural piece, pearls have this way of carrying both history and transformation within them.

And that’s what I want my work to do, too.

So, tell me—do you wear pearls? Do they hold any meaning for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. 💛