Giving pearls: which is the meaning of this jewel?

Pure, perfect, elegant: pearls represent a jewel loved by women throughout ages. There are lots of legends concerning these delicate gifts of nature: from the ones explaining the origin of pearls through magical stories to the most superstitious tales, talking about the powers that pearls exert on people wearing them.

Let’s see which are the most peculiar stories, the most common beliefs and the jewellery adorned by pearls to be worn on every occasion.

Pearl origins, in myth and nature

There are different myths linked to the origin of pearls, however the beliefs coming from all over the world always refer to the divine and magical origin of this jewel.

An Arabian myth explains the existence of pearls stating that they are dewdrops fallen onto the sea floor and swallowed by oysters during a full moon night. Similar tales spread in ancient times among all cultures, from east to west.

Because of the spreading of these magical myths concerning the origin of pearls, some astonishing properties – almost divine – have been attributed to them. That’s why many people started a frenzy quest of pearls in order to find them and wear them as talismans, causing the destruction of many natural oyster beds where pearls very frequently formed.

Men and women from ancient times used to adorn their body with pearls, since they were considered a talisman full of powers. People said that wearing pearls made friendships stronger and they were even able to calm the anger against other people and, of course, they were considered the symbol of purest love.

Good or bad luck?

There are many other stories concerning pearls and their role in carrying good or bad luck depending on when they are given to someone. In short, according to some beliefs giving a pearl necklace or a pair of pearl rings might not be the best idea.

Since the Middle Ages, some western Countries thought that pearls were the tears of rebel angels: that’s where the belief of pearls as carriers of tears and unhappiness come from. One of the most famous beliefs in some western Countries, including Italy, say that giving pearls to a bride-to-be will bring tears in her married life. It seems that this legend came directly from the Far East, where some pearl divers never came back from their voyage, leaving their girlfriends and wives in tears.

Fate decrees that pearls match perfectly to the traditional wedding gown: not only corsages and dress details are realised with some little pure pearls, but also lot of brides choose pearls as jewellery to be worn during one of the most special days of their lives.

Jewellery like pearls are often lent to the bride from a person she loves, otherwise, in case someone decided to give her pearls as a gift, she should pay for them in order to avoid bad luck: we are obviously talking about a symbolic charge, which is normally just a few cents.

Pearls in Nomination Jewellery

Whether or not you believe all these legends, pearl jewellery is chosen by many women who wish to feel elegant and beautiful for formal occasions. It's not just about classic cut necklaces or traditional stud pearl earrings: today's jewellery adorned with these pristine spheres takes on the most sophisticated forms, often merging with other stones or metals, such as the SeiMia bracelet with its lobster clasp, romantic yet modern at the same time.

Do you love personalising your Nomination bracelets? In the collection of Composable Links dedicated to stones, you can add pearls to any stainless steel bracelets you like, choosing, for example, the Gold Link with a round white pearl, perfect for creating a Composable with an elegant and retro style. Meanwhile, if you want to create a Composable with a more "playful" style (and one that reminds you of summer!), the perfect addition to your bracelet would be the Link with a Starfish, made from natural white Mother of Pearl.