In this article, we have compiled information about the meanings, effects, and characteristics of each type of pearl. Learning about pearls will make your souvenirs feel even more special.
The three meanings of pearls
Pearls, like other gemstones, have many meanings attached to them.
Pearl has three meanings:
The meaning of pearl
- Symbolism of tears
- Symbol of love
- A symbol of beauty
Let's take a closer look at each one.
Symbolism of tears
Pearls are also known overseas as "mermaid's tears" or "moon drops." There are many legends about them, such as "the tears of a mermaid who longed for her lover turned into jewels" or "moon drops turned into crystals."
Normally, there is no need to adorn yourself with jewels at a funeral. However, pearls are the only jewels that are allowed to be worn at funerals. This is because pearls are a type of jewel that symbolize tears.
Pearls are said to have the meaning of "adding sorrow." It is said that pearls began to be worn at funerals when Queen Elizabeth of England wore them at her state funeral. Queen Elizabeth wore pearls to show her sorrow for the death of the deceased.
Symbol of love
Pearls are also a symbol of love. They are a gemstone that symbolizes not only the romantic meaning of attracting and loving the person you love, but also the love you have for close people such as family and friends. A pearl necklace forms an unbroken circle, which also represents uninterrupted love.
In Japan, there is a custom of couples giving each other items made of pearls on their 30th wedding anniversary. This makes sense when you know that pearls symbolize love.
A symbol of beauty
The third meaning of pearls is that they are a symbol of beauty. They are beautiful to look at and exude elegance and refinement. In the Man'yoshu, there are passages that compare beautiful aristocratic women to pearls.
Furthermore, in Japanese, the character "tama" (pearl) in "shinju" (pearl) represents a beautiful rock in the sea. It is also used as a word to describe something beautiful and splendid, so pearls and beauty are inseparable.
Wearing pearl accessories, a symbol of beauty, can give you a sense of elegance and splendor.
The meaning of pearls
Pearls are said to have the following gemstone meanings:
<The Gemstone Language of Pearl>
- health
- longevity
- wealth
- Purity
- Innocence
- Harmonious
- Complete
When you look at the words "harmony" and "purity," you can probably see why they are chosen as wedding rings.
The origin of the stone's meanings of "health" and "longevity" comes from its use as medicine in ancient times. In fact, it is still used in Chinese medicine and cosmetics today. The "pearl wedding" which refers to the 30th wedding anniversary also carries the meaning of wishing for longevity.
Because pearls grow protected by their mother oysters, they are also thought to be stones that protect against trouble and misfortune.
In addition to the gemstone meanings mentioned above, pearls also have different gemstone meanings depending on their color.
<The meanings of pearls by color>
- White Pearl | Humility, Sincerity
- Black Pearl | Quiet Strength
- Pink Pearl | Patient Love
- Baroque Pearls | Artistry
When giving pearls as a gift to a special person, why not add the meaning of the pearl's gemstone?
The effect of pearls
Pearls are a popular gemstone and are believed to have positive effects on the wearer.
Pearls have three main effects:
<Pearl effect>
- Healing effect that stabilizes the mind
- Amulets that bring happiness
- Promoting growth
We will explain each one in detail.
Healing effect that stabilizes the mind
Pearls are said to have a healing effect that stabilizes the mind.
Pearls have a vibrant and lively energy and can transform negative emotions into positive energy.
It also has the ability to calm emotional waves.
Many people have experienced difficulty falling asleep when they go to bed because they feel excited or worried about something. Placing pearls next to your pillow at times like this can help support your sleep. It is said that it can also help relieve insomnia.
Pearls are recommended for those who want to soothe a stressed out mind and for those who want to be healthy both physically and mentally.
It has the effect of being a powerful protective amulet.
Pearls also have the protective power to act as a talisman.
The reason why pearls came to be used as talismans is related to the way they grow. It was believed that pearls, which grow under the protection of their mother oysters, are endowed with protective powers by their mothers. From there, it became believed that pearls have the power to protect their owners from troubles and negative energy and to improve their environment.
They can be worn as talismans for pregnancy and safe childbirth, to protect children from accidents and illness, to protect sailors and fishermen from shipwrecks, and as talismans to wear in situations where negative emotions are likely to arise, such as funerals.
Growth-promoting effect
Pearls, which contain the energy of continuity and accumulation, are said to have the effect of promoting the growth of their owner.
Pearls are also believed to bring the power to move forward toward your goals. Wearing them when you want to acquire skills or knowledge will give you positive energy.
Pearls also have the effect of drawing out potential, especially in enhancing a woman's kindness and inner beauty.
It is recommended to wear it as a talisman for exams and qualification acquisition, as well as for those who are focusing on beauty and dieting.
Pearl is the June birthstone
There are birthstones for gemstones. It is said that wearing the birthstone of the month you were born will bring you good luck. Pearls are considered to be the birthstone for June, along with moonstone and alexandrite.
Pearl, the birthstone for June, represents three things: health, wealth, and longevity.
Not only can you buy one to wear yourself, but we also recommend giving it to a loved one who was born in June. Giving it as a gift is a way to express your love and wishes for good health.
Related article
How to clean and care for pearls
It is believed that the effects of gemstones such as pearls weaken the longer they are kept.
Pearls are vulnerable to water and acid, and may discolor if left with sweat or oil on them. To maintain their beauty, wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing.
Also, because pearls are easily scratched, it is recommended that you store them separately in a container separate from other jewelry.
Explanation of the main types of pearls
There are many different types of pearls, depending on the type of shellfish they are harvested from and where they are produced.
In this article, we will introduce the characteristics of five typical pearls.
<Representative types of pearls>
- Akoya pearls
- Freshwater Pearl
- South Sea White Pearl
- South Sea Black Pearl
- Black pearl
Akoya pearls
The most popular type of pearl is the Akoya pearl, harvested from the Akoya oyster that lives in the waters off the coast of Japan.
Famous production areas are Ise-Shima in Mie Prefecture, Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture, and Iki and Tsushima in Nagasaki Prefecture. In all production areas, artisans manually insert the nucleus that will become the core of the pearl into the mother oyster.
Many Akoya pearls are nearly perfectly round, and are characterized by their beautiful color and luster. High-quality Akoya pearls are highly regarded overseas.
They are small in appearance and are mostly cream or pink-white in color, although occasionally gray or green ones are also available.
This is the most typical type of pearl and is used in jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and rings, but production has decreased in recent years and they have become increasingly rare.
Freshwater Pearl
Freshwater pearls are pearls harvested from oysters that are cultivated mainly in rivers and lakes. Many freshwater pearls are harvested in China, and in Japan they are cultivated in places such as Lake Biwa.
Generally, only one pearl can be harvested from one oyster, whereas 20 to 30 freshwater pearls can be harvested from one oyster.
They tend to be small and oval in appearance, and come in vibrant colors such as pink, orange, rose, and purple.
Since many freshwater pearls can be harvested from one shell, the price is relatively reasonable. They are easy to wear, so they are also suitable as amulets for children or as gifts.
South Sea White Pearl
South Sea white pearls are pearls that can be harvested from white-lipped oysters that live in the northern part of Australia and the waters off Indonesia. In Japan, they are cultivated on Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture and Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, and are sold as Amami pearls or Ryukyu pearls.
Since the white lipped oyster is a large bivalve, the pearls themselves are also quite large. Akoya pearls, which are the most popular in Japan, are generally around 7 to 8 mm in size, but most South Sea white lipped pearls are over 10 mm in size. The largest ones can exceed 20 mm.
They come in a variety of colors, not just white, but also vibrant colors such as gold and yellow.
South Sea white pearls are often worn as single pieces in necklaces or rings, and wearing them helps to highlight the presence of the pearl itself.
South Sea Black Pearl
South Sea black pearls are pearls harvested from black-lipped oysters that live in the warm waters around the equator. Those cultivated in the waters off Tahiti are also called "Tahitian pearls" or "Tahitian pearls."
Its distinctive feature is its black color.
Some are blue or green, and those with a color similar to the color of a peacock's feathers are called peacock green. Peacock green is considered the highest grade of South Sea black pearls, and you can feel their deep brilliance.
South Sea black pearls give a chic impression when worn.
Black pearl
Black pearls are a general term for pearls that are black in color. The previously mentioned South Sea black pearls are one type of black pearl. In addition, Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls that have been dyed black are also categorized as black pearls.
Dyed black pearls are characterized by their resistance to deterioration over time because the dye penetrates deep into the pearl.
It is often used in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and it seems that many people wear it during funerals.
It is suitable not only for funerals, but also for when you want to dress up but not stand out too much.
Summary: Pearls can boost your self-confidence and attractiveness
Pearls, which represent love and beauty, have the effect of increasing the owner's confidence and attractiveness. Pearls are also the birthstone for June, so it is recommended that people born in June wear them to pray for good luck.
In particular, Akoya pearls produced in Mie, Ehime, and Nagasaki are famous for being highly acclaimed overseas. If you visit these three prefectures, be sure to try picking up some beautiful pearls.
*Please note that the effects of gemstones are felt differently by each individual.
Supervision and photo provided by: Belle Etoile Co., Ltd.
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