A Pearl

Pearls. Gemstones with simple yet elegant beauty. I've always liked pearls. Now I know why. They are called the "queen of gems." Pearls are the only gems that can be worn in their natural form, and do not need cutting, reshaping or designing. Pearls have been the dream of the jeweller and wearer alike throughout the years.

These shimmery white gems are the oldest known gem in history! There is much meaning behind them I've learned. They symbolize feminine wisdom, purity of heart, honesty, innocence, integrity, serenity, simplicity and dignity.

The growth process of a pearl is lengthy and challenging. The natural pearl is formed as a protective reaction of the oyster, stimulated by a foreign object such as a grain of sand or even a small parasite intruding its sensitive inner tissue. To diffuse the intruder, the oyster encapsulates it in layers of nacre or the mother of pearl secretion, and the pearl grows in size as the number of layers increases. Pearls are formed in shelled mollusks such as oysters, mussels, clams, conch and abalone living in freshwater as well as in the seas. Pearls can take up to ten years to develop. Only 40-50% survive the conditions in the depths of the water. Only 5% develop into high status pearls.








Through the arduous process of a pearl, it grows into a gem of great value and beauty. This gem communicates feminine charm. It has been worn by many famous women in U.S. history. Brides often choose to wear pearls on their wedding day.



The Latin word for pearl literally means "unique"--no two pearls are identical. They all have their own story and look. In the romance languages, margarita means pearl. In Greek, the word, μαργαρίτης, from margaros means pearl/oyster and also symbolizes a proverb of great value.

Pearls need water, depth, and even harsh conditions to grow into something beautiful. I love that. They survive. Their beauty is gleaned through protective layers and their response to their environment. They are worthy. They shimmer like stars. The qualities and ideals that pearls symbolize are valued highly and are sought after by many.



Pearls are classy. They are worn by princesses and women of deep beauty.

I finally got my first real freshwater pearl necklace (from Maui!) this Spring. It was time.








"He who would search for pearls must dive below." -John Dryden