Pearls: History, Properties and Uses
Pearls have always been popular, especially among women. They served as key components to almost all of the most valuable jewelry in the past, from the crowns of kings to the necklaces of nobles. In fact, it would be an understatement to say that they are still popular today, with synthetic pearls created to help meet the heavy demand for natural pearls - albeit only as imperfect substitutes.
The use of pearls is diverse. As medicine, many believed that pearls helped ease digestive problems, reduce fevers, heal insomnia, and cure poisonings. Even today, low grade pearls are ground finely into powder to be used to prepare high quality pharmaceutical calcium.
Ecological changes (as well as the over-demand for pearls) at the end of the 12th century, disrupted the supply of pearls. It is at this time that the Chinese attempted to produce artificial pearls. At the threshold of the 20th century, the Japanese managed to produce quality cultured pearls. To date, the Japanese are considered the master growers of cultured pearls.
But whether we are talking about cultured or natural pearls, few understand the rich symbolism pearls have as a result of their origins. Almost all pearls originate from fresh water sources - such as rivers, lakes or seas. Given that water, whether a fresh water source or a bath or shower, is calming, a pearl therefore provides the same tranquility. Pearls help to bring peace and reduces over-sensitivity. It is also known as the stone of honesty - ensuring that truth is present in many situations.
Overall, pearls are clearly powerful jewels - whether aesthetically or practically. While there are no proven tangible rewards for owning a pearl, few would say no to a pearl - if they could afford it that is. The best of pearls are now priced exorbitantly, preventing all but the most wealthy from owning them. Most now have to satisfy themselves with either medium grade natural pearls, or artificial cultured pearls.
