PEARL

ORIGIN: Persian Gulf, Myanmar (Burma), Australia, and Indonesia.

PEARL gemstone exists in various colours ranging from the most revered milky white, silver, cream, grey, lavender, golden, and blue to the darkest shades of black. Unlike traditional gemstones that are mined from the earth, is produced by a living organism. A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as a parasite or piece of shell, is accidentally lodged in an oyster's soft inner body. This is causing it to secrete a crystalline substance called nacre, which builds up around the irritant in layers until a pearl is formed. Cultured pearls are formed through the same process, the only difference being that the irritant is implanted in the oyster rather than entering it by chance.

Today, natural pearls are among the rarest of gems because of their almost entirely depleted supply. They were replaced by cultured pears.

HISTORY: The oldest known pearl jewellery was discovered in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess from 420 BC. In ancient Greece they were believed the tears of the gods and became the ultimate status symbol in ancient Rome. In 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes. From centuries the Persian Gulf was at the centre of the pearl trade. Thus, they carried great importance in Arab cultures, where legend stated that pearls were formed from dewdrops that were swallowed by oysters when they fell into the sea. The pearl became shrouded in myth and legend. In ancient China, pearl jewellery symbolised the purity while, in the Dark Ages, knights often wore pearls on the battlefield, believing that it would keep them safe. Tudor England was known as the Pearl Age because of the stone’s popularity. The sixteenth century portraits’ showed royals wearing pearl jewellery and clothing adorned with pearls.

HEALING: The Pearl is a Moon stone. Moon is considered the Lord of mind. It is believed that the person wearing pearls obtains wealth, grace, magnificence and increase in their knowledge. They symbolise purity, honesty, and loyalty. Pearls are believed to bring protection, wisdom, and friendship. Pearls are used in crystal therapy to treat digestive and heart related problems. The traditional Chinese medicine has been using them for centuries to promote positive mental states and as a cure for mental problems.

AFFIRMATION: My mind and emotions are in a balance.
ENERGY: Purity, Loyalty, Wisdom and Friendship. 
ZODIAC: Cancer and Gemini.
BIRTHSTONE: June
WHEEL OF LIFE: White - Noon - Summer Solstice.
CHAKRA: Third Eye
PLANET: Moon
NUMBER: 7