healing, pearls are worn to strengthen the body's central chakra, the heart.
History of the Pearl
Compared to many gemstones, such as silver and diamond, the pearl is relatively new because western travelers discovered it only in the 13th century in China. The Chinese, however, have already been cultivating pearls for hundreds of years. Their crude technique was to insert tiny bits of metal, wood, and even mud into the shell of the mussel. Then, after three years or so, the mussel is opened to harvest the pearl.
This above technique didn't always produce the elegantly rounded pearls. In fact, it wasn't until the late 19th century was the cultivation of perfectly round pearls successfully achieved. Japanese Mikimoto Kokichi found that the tiny mother-of-pearl bead is the best seed to introduce into the mollusk's tissue to create cultured pearls that looked very much like the naturally produced pearls.
Modern Significance of Pearl
Today, the pearl is designated as the modern birthstone and the ayurvedic birthstone for the birth month of June. Pearl is also the mystical birthstone for people who were born in the month of November. In astrology, the pearl is the birthstone for those who were born under the zodiac sign of Gemini.
The pearl is also significant for relationships. Freshwater pearls are the recommended gift for the first year wedding anniversary. Pearl jewelry is also a good gift for the 12th and 30th wedding anniversaries.
Pearl Jewelry
When buying pearls or pearl jewelry, it is best to be informed about the different varieties of this gemstone. Pearls are not just perfectly round white stones. They can have different shapes and colors. Some pearls may have irregular shapes because they were attached to the muscular tissue of the mussel. Such pearls are called baroque pearls. Other pearls may be flat on one side because they grew attached to the mollusk's shell. These pearls are called blister pearls. And finally, if the pearls were created using the mother-of-pearl, they are called fine pearls. These fine pearls are the most valuable of all pearls.
