We can all use a little help, encouragement, and inspiration sometimes. Whatever you believe about the healing properties of gemstones, it’s undeniable: Jewelry empowers us. That’s the motivation behind our Gemstone Feature series. By sharing the stories of some of the gemstones gracing our latest Bloom pieces, we celebrate the countless ways jewelry brings positive energy to our lives.
The ever-elegant, forever-classic Pearl is one of three birthstones for the month of June! (The others? Moonstone and Alexandrite.) One of the world’s most popular and long-celebrated gems, Pearls have a pure, essential beauty that’s undeniable. Unsurprisingly, Pearls have long been a staple at Bloom Jewelry. For summer 2022, we were inspired to bring Petal Pearls into the spotlight, using these chunky baroque Pearls to create some on-trend but timeless beach-inspired looks. Read on to learn more about this glorious June birthstone and see Bloom’s newest pieces of summer-perfect Pearl jewelry!
How Are Pearls Formed?
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Pearls are naturally forming gems found in the world’s lakes, rivers, and oceans. They grow inside the tissue of living saltwater or freshwater mollusks (either oysters or mussels). Explains GIA, “Natural pearls form when the mollusk secretes a substance called nacre around an irritant such as a piece of sand or a parasite that has invaded its shell.” Pearls can also be “cultured,” created by technicians who implant tissue or shell beads into host mollusks. All this to say, in many ways, Pearls truly are the original beach jewelry.
What Is the Meaning of Pearl?
GIA recounts that Pearls have long been associated with purity, innocence, modesty, and humility, such that the meaning of Pearl may be said to be “sweet simplicity.” As such, Pearls have often been given as wedding gifts. Per the International Gem Society (IGS), Asian brides often wear Pearl necklaces as symbols of fertility, and it’s said that Pearls “can keep newlywed brides from crying.” (Well, we’d still suggest that waterproof mascara, just in case!)
Pearls are also commonly associated with a range of watery meanings. Given where Pearls originate, the gemstone has long been connected with the Moon — which creates the ebb and flow of the world’s waters — and Venus, the Goddess of Love, who herself came from the sea. According to GIA, some Middle Eastern ancients believed Pearls were teardrops fallen from heaven, and Christopher Columbus believed mollusks formed Pearls from dew drops. Per IGS, some stories say Pearls are tears shed by the gods, and one legend says Eve’s tears, upon banishment from Eden, became Pearls.
Last but not least, IGS explains that, in many ancient Asian cultures, the Pearl “represented the journey of the soul or spirit along the path to perfection.” Similarly, as detailed by Wikipedia, many world religions have viewed Pearls as symbols of purity, wisdom, divinity, or paradise. And while we’re wiser than to think actual perfection or paradise are attainable, isn’t it nice to think we’re all on the path?
What Are the Healing Properties of Pearl?
The supposed healing properties of Pearl are thought to include:
- Bestowing prosperity and longevity. Pearls have long been associated with not only prosperous health, but also attracting good luck and wealth.
- Promoting fertility. In extension of Pearl’s association with the Moon, the gemstone is thought to bring the body into balance with lunar cycles, reducing mood swings and increasing fertility.
- Alleviating health issues. Specifically, GIA relates that in some cultures, Pearls are believed to help with digestive disorders, hemorrhaging, tremors, depression, or eyesight problems. Other sources cite Pearls being used to help with acne and rosacea.
- Calming and soothing. Some sources suggest that the healing properties of Pearl include promoting better sleep, reducing anxiety and tension, quieting emotions, and achieving balance in both body and mind.
Chunky Baroque Pearls for Beach-Perfect Style
Ready for a summer romance — or even a lifelong relationship — with the practically perfect Pearl? Check out Bloom’s newest pieces below, or view our entire collection of Pearl jewelry.
Ready to meet your new favorite necklace for summer 2022? We’re thrilled to introduce you to our Baroque Pearl Gold Filled Paperclip & Curb Toggle Necklace, sure to complement at least 90% of your summer wardrobe. Featuring a Gold Filled toggle clasp and hand wrapping and two of Bloom’s most popular Gold Filled chains — curb and large paperclip — this necklace features a striking ~1” Petal Pearl. Glorious on its own, obviously, but also certain to play nice with other layering necklaces.
Our Baroque Pearl Large Organic Drop Earrings showcase a stunning pair of on-trend, naturally formed Petal Pearls. These chunky baroque pearls are hand wrapped to lever backs, helping to keep them secure all summer long. (Finished earrings are approximately 1.25” long!)
This truly adorable Pearl & Gold Paperclip Bracelet, which can be clasped at varying lengths from 6.5″ to 8″, brings together Pearl rosary and paperclip chain for a go-with-anything bracelet that’ll be happy to keep you company all summer long and beyond.
Feel that your own beachy baroque Pearl look should trend a little more hard-core? Our Petal Pearl Heavy Paperclip Chain Bracelet (pictured) has an Oxidized Sterling Silver heavy paperclip chain. A beautiful Petal Pearl with 14K Gold Filled hand wrapping dangles from the 7” bracelet. For a coordinating pair of earrings, consider our Petal Pearl Paperclip Chain Linear Earrings.
Our Petal Pearl Cluster Long Necklace (pictured) offers a delightful take on Petal Pearls, with SIX Petal Pearls complemented with Gold Filled Hand Wrapping and mixed metal beads and chain. The necklace, which measures 31” long (plus the 2” cluster pendant drop) is a unique way to celebrate these chunky baroque Pearls. Looking for a quieter, gentler Pearl necklace? Our Petal Pearl Wrapped Delicate Necklace absolutely fits the bill.
Still need help finding exactly the right piece of Pearl jewelry to give as a gift or add to your collection? Send us a message or schedule a chat with one of our Personal Shoppers & Stylists. We’d love to help you find the perfect piece!
