Every woman dreams of owning a stunning set of pearls. Whether it is pearl earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, women adore them and love wearing them because it showcases their sophisticated style. Pearls have always been popular due to the possibility of combining them with any type of clothes. In fact, research shows that the global jewelry market will reach a value of $42 billion by 2031, which simply points out that their popularity will continue to rise.
Women love them not only because they can create amazing looks but also due to their fascinating history and versatility. There are various pearl jewelry pieces you can choose from, including the classic Akoya pearl necklace, white Freshwater pearl pendant, or Tahitian pearl earrings, among many others. All of these pearl pieces have unique origins and fantastic colors, and they have been the favorite pieces of many famous people, like Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, and Michelle Obama, to name a few.
So, if you also love wearing pearls, here are four amazing facts that might interest you about pearls.
Pearls have a long history
Pearls have a long history, which dates from the very early days of civilization. In fact, in 520 BC, the first piece of pearl jewelry was found. They were also very popular jewelry pieces in the period of the Roman Empire. During that time, many wealthy women wore pearls and also adorned their clothes with them. This way, they were able to showcase their social status because pearls symbolize wealth and social standing.
This was especially true for the city of Rome and its aristocrats. In the period of the Roman Empire, not only women but also many knights in Rome wore pearls during their battles because it was believed that these luminous jewels would protect them. In fact, pearls were so popular back in the day that many European countries passed laws prohibiting anyone except aristocrats from wearing them.
Image source: Financial Times
They come from living creatures
Even though pearls are classified as gemstones, they are completely different from sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, among many others. Pearls are the only jewelry that originates from living creatures. This shiny gemstone is created from a living-shelled mollusk—a soft-bodied creature that has a shell similar to a clam, oyster, or mussel. But not all pearls can be used as a jewelry piece. Any mollusk can create a pearl, however, only those with nacre-lined shells can produce pearls that can be used in jewelry.
Due to this, pearl-producing oysters were hunted almost to extinction which made natural pearls scarce. Nowadays, only 1 in 10,000 wild oysters can produce pearls, but a small percentage have the necessary size, shape, and color, according to the requests of the jewelry industry. This is another reason that makes pearls such a special jewelry piece.
La Peregrina is the most famous pearl
La Peregrina, or the Incomparable, is a pear-shaped pearl that has the size of a small egg. It is known as the world’s most famous and historical pearl piece, and this is not only due to its unique shape and size. Mostly it is because it has a history that spans over 550 years.
It is a jewelry piece that many famous historical figures have had in their possession, like Queen Mary and Napoleon Bonaparte. The last person who owned this unique jewelry piece was famous British-American actress Elizabeth Taylor, who received it from her husband as a gift. Currently is in private ownership after it was sold to a British auction house for an astonishing $11 million.
Image source: NBC News
The most expensive pearl is estimated at $100 million
The world’s most expensive pearl was found by a fisherman on the coast of the Philippines in a huge clam. The fisherman kept it under his bed for more than 10 years as a good luck charm without realizing its value.
The pearl was finally found by officials in 2016 when the house where it was kept burned down. The main reason why this pearl is estimated to be $100 million is due to its specific features. It is 66 cm (26 inches) long, and it weighs 34 kg (75 pounds), which makes it the largest pearl that is known to exist.
Final thoughts
Pearls are unique jewelry pieces because they create a sense of beauty and elegance on any occasion. They have a long history, and no matter how much time passes, they will always keep you looking stylish. As you begin to learn more about their history and background, you will slowly understand what makes them so captivating and special.
