Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

According to Hindu legend, pearls are the teeth of the Demon God Vala that fell into the oceans and were taken up by the oysters. Pearls represent one of the 5 Great Hindu Gems: Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. Pearls are the favored gem for the Moon and the zodiac sign of Cancer. Acknowledging the difficulty of obtaining naturally occurring pearls, the Hindus claim a Moonstone will also favor those born under the sign of Cancer.

To the Burmese, it was considered 3rd most valuable--even more valuable than a sapphire.

Some say the growth of a pearl parallels the potential growth of a human being. We begin as an irritation, then slowly, through patience, hidden from the view of other men, gradually grow into something of beauty.

An ancient Egyptian legend tells of Cleopatra betting Mark Anthony that she could eat the entire value of a province in one meal--she then ground up an enormous pearl and drank it in her wine.

In Revelations, the Gates of Heaven are said to be made of Pearls.

Said to favor men named Paul and women named Pauline.

Said to favor those born on a Monday.

Dreaming of pearls is said to mean you have good friends you can trust.

Arabia, France, Philippines and India all claim the Pearl as their national gem.

The traditional gift for the 30th Wedding Anniversary and a girl's First Communion.

Jeweler's consider it the June Birthstone.

Healing Properties: Said to relieve indigestion when ground up and drank--however, this is a rather expensive antacid. Thought to increase fertility and ease the pain of childbirth.

Scientific Properties: Pearls are composed of organically generated aragonite (calcium carbonate).

While beautiful, they are fragile and must be protected--they tend to break down after about 150 years. Most modern day pearls (about 90%) are farmed, i.e. irritants are inserted into the oysters, many of which die in the process. In addition, most will be chemically treated to enhance their coloring.

Natural pearls are found in the Persian Gulf, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Bengal, Bombay, Australia and the South Pacific islands. 2.5 - 4.5 on the Moh's Hardness Scale.

Owner Warning! Because Pearls are organic gemstones and relatively soft and porous, they should be worn with care. Use extreme caution in cleaning this gem as it may be easily broken down by some solvents.

Disclaimer: Newage Enterprises makes no claims as to the healing properties of this gemstone. We provide information on legends surrounding this stone's mystical and healing properties which allow the informed user to make their own decision.

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