It's true that pearls have evolved into "all things to all men" over time. These beautiful stones have been used as symbols of purity, fertility, power, and authority across a wide range of cultures. Pearls, according to Japanese mythology, were formed from the tears of nymphs, angels, and mermaids. Who hasn't heard the tale of the Chinese dragon who wore a pearl under his chin? Nor has anyone in Japan or India. Black pearls were associated with knowledge and were said to be cultivated within the head of a dragon in traditional Chinese culture. These jewels were worth killing a dragon for. I feel terrible for the Dragon. According to one Persian myth, pearls were formed when a rainbow crashed onto the ground after a storm, with any flaws in the gem being attributed to the rumble and flash of distant lightning.
To my mind, the pearl teardrop is the most mysterious of all gemstones. A wedding is the most appropriate occasion to give a pearl necklace as a gift since the pearl represents love. Bridesmaids and brides also appreciate pearl jewelry, especially pearl pendant necklaces and pearl drop earrings. The "Girl with the Pearl Earring" is an unforgettable classic.
The pearl teardrops in this set of jewelry would have looked beautiful on Maria Fyodorovna, the Russian Empress.
Above all else, the teardrop shape is soft and tender. A lone tear pearl was placed as a pendant around the neck "I have been told that I am really attractive. If you wear me, you will look stunning as well."
This image of Mary Tudor shows her with the pearl that has since become famous as The Mary Tudor Pearl. For £155,000, about a decade ago, a superb jewel was purchased.
Not only ladies sported pearl studs, but men did as well. Men wore pearl mens earrings throughout the reigns of Elizabeth I and Charles I of England, with the image of the dapper gentleman sporting a single flawless pearl affixed to one ear lobe being possibly the most iconic of the era. Those are worn by two of the most well-known figures in English history. A large pearl stud appears to be adorning Sir Walter Raleigh's ear:
The pearl makes him look more macho, and traditionally, wearing jewelry like this was not seen as feminine or weak in men. The English monarch King Charles I was likewise fond of sporting a lone pearl in his ear. As the Prince of Wales, he is pictured here.
To think that the teardrop pearl King Charles wore when he was killed for High Treason in 1649 is astounding. The ear pearl was taken from the victim and presented to the First Earl of Portland, Hans-Willem Bentinck, after his execution. It's a priceless heirloom that's been in the family for centuries. It was on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum's fantastic "Pearls" exhibition not too long ago.
A pearl pendant set of necklace and earrings need not cost a king's ransom, but they would be a delight to receive, wear, and treasure as a Christmas present because of their exquisite "angel's tears."