PEARL

ARCHANGELS: 

Haniel

COLOURS:

white and luminous grey-black

THE ORIGINS:

Origin, Meaning and Magic of a Unique Gem

Origin of the name and meaning

The name Pearl derives from the Latin perna (“ham”), referring to the shape of the molluscs that produce it. Only from the 18th century did the term enter common usage. Before that, it was called:

• “Union” (from the Latin unio, meaning “unity” or “a single pearl”)

• “Margarite,” in Greek and Roman times

• Or “marine,” referring to its aquatic origin.

Other cultures, such as the Persian one, called it murwari, meaning “daughter of light” - hence the symbolism associated with purity and innocence.

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Symbolism, mythology and spirituality

Pearls have always been associated with the moon, water and feminine energy. They represent mystery, purity and elegance.

• In Vedic mythology, pearls are born from the union of water and divine energy.

• In legends, white pearls symbolize the tears of the gods.

• In Christian and Islamic tradition, pearls are an image of paradise and eternal bliss.

• In antiquity, it was believed that throwing away a precious pearl was a ritual to attract wealth: whoever can afford to waste it is already rich.

“Pearls of wisdom” evoke intelligence and knowledge.

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💠 How do pearls form?

Pearls are not minerals but organic gems: they form inside molluscs (such as oysters or mussels) when a foreign body - like a grain of sand - enters the shell. The mollusc coats it with nacre (calcium carbonate), gradually creating the pearl over time.

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Origins and sources

Today, natural pearls are rare: most are cultivated on pearl farms. The main sources are:

• Salt water: The Indian and Pacific Oceans (especially Tahiti, Australia and the Philippines)

• Freshwater: China, Japan, USA

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Shapes and value

Perfectly round pearls are the most valuable.

Ovoid or semi-round pearls are a more accessible alternative.

Baroque pearls, irregular but unique, are very fashionable today.

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Prestige and history

Pearls have always been a symbol of power, luxury and social status:

In ancient Rome, they were the most precious possessions; Julius Caesar forbade their use by the lower classes.

Queen Elizabeth I was so fascinated by them that she earned the nickname “The Pearl Queen.”

In the Gospels, Jesus compared them to the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Quran also mentions them as heavenly adornments.

In 1908, Kokichi Mikimoto began modern pearl cultivation, making them widely accessible from the 1960s onward.

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Chakra:

4th ANAHATA - the heart - (love, empathy, emotional healing)

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Characteristics and uses

• Material: calcium carbonate (aragonite/calcite)

• Crystal system: orthorhombic

• They are delicate gems, yet durable over time.

• Used in fine jewellery: necklaces, earrings, rings, often for special occasions.

• They are also June’s birthstone and are traditionally gifted for the 30th wedding anniversary.

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PROPERTIES, CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS:

Pearl's Chemical Composition

Pearls form as a defensive reaction of molluscs against an irritant (coral, parasite, etc.).

The mollusc coats the irritant with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), also known as nacre.

The natural process can take months or years, producing a commercially valuable pearl.

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Types of Pearls based on source

Akoya Pearls (Pinctada fucata martensi)

• • Origin: Japan, China, Vietnam

  • Size: 2–6 mm

  • Colour: White, pink, cream

  • Shape: Spherical

  • High quality, highly valued for their roundness

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Freshwater Pearls (Hyriopsis Cuingii)

• • Origin: China, Japan

  • Various colours and shapes

  • Often baroque

  • Solid nacre, more affordable price

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South Sea Pearls (Pinctada maxima)

• • Origin: Australia, Indonesia, Philippines

  • Colour: White, silver, gold

  • Size: 10-20 mm

  • Elevated nacre thickness

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Tahitian Pearls (Pinctada margaritifera)

• • Origin: Polynesia France

  • Colour: Black, green, blue, purple, grey

  • Size: 8-16 mm

  • Known as "black pearls", highly prized

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Abalone Pearls

• • Origin: Haliotis mollusc

  • Colour: Blue and green iridescence

  • Shape: Irregular

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Melo Pearls

• • Origine: Melo Melo mollusc, South-east Asia

  • Colour: Orange-brown

  • Not from oysters, but considered pearls nonetheless

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Based on formation

Natural Pearls

• • Formed without human intervention

  • Extremely rare and expensive

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Cultured Pearls

• • Produced by the human insertion of a nucleus into the mollusc

  • These make up the majority of pearls on the market

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Salt water Pearls

• • They form in the sea, inside oysters

  • Types: Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian

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Freshwater Pearls

• • Formed in lakes and rivers

  • Typical of China

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Characteristics of Pearls

Physical properties:

Shape:

• • Spherical (more precious)

  • Symmetrical (ovals, drops)

  • Baroque (irregular)

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Body colour:

• • White, black, blue, green, grey, gold, cream, pink, purple, orange, plum, chocolate, multicoloured

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Overtone:

• • A translucent secondary colour that shifts across the surface

  • It contributes to the pearl’s beauty and luster

  • Derived from the Latin “oriens” = rising of the sun

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Luster:

• • Bright and pearly appearance

  • The higher the luster, the greater the quality

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Purity / Surface texture:

• • The smoother the surface, the more it reflects light uniformly

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Size:

• • From few mm (Akoya) to 20 mm (South Sea)

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Optical and chemical properties

• Crystal structure: Amorphous

• Luster: Pearly

• Transparency: Opaque

• Refractive index: 1.52 – 1.69

• Birefringence: 0.156

• Cleavage: None

• Mineral class: Calcium carbonate / organic

• Hardness (Mohs scale): 2.5 – 4.5

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Treatments for Pearls

Whitening: Sun or hydrogen peroxide (mostly for Akoya)

Colouration: To get black pearls or other shades

Irradiation: Intensifies the colour but reduces the value

Thermal treatments: Increase luster

Coating: To be avoided as it damages luster

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Spiritual and Energetic Properties

According to crystal therapy, pearl:

• • It helps fertility and eases childbirth

  • Supports the heart chakra (Anahata): love, empathy, emotional healing

  • Improves digestion, reduces acidity and bloating

  • Strengthens the muscular system

  • Enhances spiritual connection and inner trust

  • Promotes calm, reflection and stable relationships

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CLEANSING AND RECHARGING:

• Wear after make-up and perfume

• Clean with a soft cloth after use

• Wash with warm water and a neutral soap

• Dry on a cloth, far from hard surfaces

• Store in airtight containers, away from moisture

• Do not wear while cleaning or with chemicals