Pearls: The Quintessential Wedding Gemstone

Pearls are not only the birthstone of those born in June, but they rival the diamond for the title of Quintessential Wedding Gemstone. It's true that diamonds have taken center stage for the past century, but the pearl appears to hold the record for being the gemstone longest associated with bridal tradition. There are a number of legends recorded in ancient Hindu texts detailing what may be the very earliest use of pearls in weddings. In the Rig Veda, dating back to around 1000 BC, Krishna, a divine incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, dives into the ocean. He arises from the depths with the first pearl ever seen and presents it to his beloved daughter on her wedding day. In another legend, this same Krishna is said to have received a grand pearl as a reward for defeating the great monster called Pankagna. Krishna is said to have adorned his bride with the pearl on their wedding day. Because of their close resemblance to and association with the moon, pearls have assumed the same symbolism credited to that lunar celestial body--that of purity and love. The Ancient Greeks believed that the beautiful gifts of the sea would bestow upon a bride pure marital bliss. Other cultures believed they would ensure love, happiness, and harmony. Not only are pearls credited with bringing strength to the bonds between husband and wife, but they have also long been believed to confer wealth and status, both implied and actual. This particular association between the pearls and wealth has continued throughout the ages. By the time our modern-day customs were being birthed in the halls of the European royal courts, pearls were everywhere, never more so than in France in the House of Burgundy, where royal weddings were inundated with pearls. The brides wore them, of course, but so also did their wedding attendants and wedding guests. Even male well-wishers wore the white beauties. The trend continued into the British Royal Courts, where almost every queen and princess wore pearls on her wedding day. Even Queen Elizabeth II wore pearls on her special day, as did Jackie Kennedy. Our current First Lady also wore a stunning pair of drop earrings featuring exquisite pearl drops. So, if you're choosing pearls for your wedding day, you are making a decidedly royal choice.