The History of Pearls

Historically, pearls have been revered for their exquisite beauty and rarity. It’s said that the ancient Persians were among the first to recognize their allure, as evidenced by the discovery of a princess’s sarcophagus from 520 BC containing the oldest known pearl jewelry. This was during the height of pearl culture in the Middle East and Asia, when pearls were given as gifts to kings, queens, and other royalty.

The pearl has been the subject of countless origin myths in cultures spanning the globe. Among the Greeks, it was said that the goddess of love, Aphrodite, wept tears of pearls. The Arabs believed that pearls were the result of the tears of the gods, fallen into the ocean and making their way into the oysters. The Romans greatly revered pearls, and decreed that only men and women of high birth could wear them.

During the height of the British Empire, pearls were reserved exclusively for royalty and nobility, and their rarity made them unattainable for most people. The passion for pearls led to expeditions to far-flung locations like French Polynesia, Australia, and the Mexican Gulf.

With so many oysters harvested for their pearls, the once-abundant creatures were nearly brought to extinction. That was until Mikimoto Kōkichi revolutionized the Pearl industry in 1888 with the process of culturing (farming) Pearls.

He discovered that by seeding oysters with small amounts of Mother of Pearl (or Nacre), it was possible to create perfect hemispherical Pearls. On July 11th, 1893, he farmed his first cultured Pearls and founded the Mikimoto Pearl Oyster Farm in Japan with his wife Ume.

The Difference between Akoya and Freshwater Pearls

Akoya pearls and cultured pearls are two of the most popular types of pearls used in jewelry. The fascinating history of pearl culture traces its roots back to the magnificent Akoya pearls, often hailed as the epitome of refined elegance. Grown in saltwater oysters, Akoya pearls have long been lauded for their unrivaled beauty and timeless appeal.

Meanwhile, their freshwater counterparts, which hail from mussels nestled in rivers and lakes, offer a more diverse array of shapes and colors, but are no less exquisite. It’s a tale of two treasures, each with its own unique charm and allure.

The Akoya Pearl

The Akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii) produces a saltwater cultured pearl known as the Akoya pearl. Akoyas are usually creamy white in color and range in size from 2-10mm. They have a high luster, meaning they reflect light better than freshwater pearls.

Check the size and shape—Akoya pearls are smaller and rounder than freshwater pearls, which tend to be larger and slightly irregular.

The Akoya pearl has a longer cultured history than other types of pearls, making information on them abundant. With so much choice and variety, the Akoya pearl makes an ideal choice for those looking for rare jewelry or heirloom pieces.

The Pearl: A Symbol of Good Luck and Protection

Pearls have been associated with luck and protection throughout history. In many cultures, pearls are believed to bring serenity and wisdom, while also providing physical protection in the form of a talisman or amulet. They are said to be able to absorb negative energy and can even help ward off evil spirits.

It’s clear that pearls have many meanings and connotations, from good luck to protection. Whether you opt for a classic Akoya pearl or something more unique and unusual, your piece of pearl jewelry will be sure to bring you good fortune.