Where Freshwater Pearls are Found:
Within the United States, freshwater pearls are found in the Mississippi River,
Florida, California, Tennessee, and Delaware. These pearls are also found
in the rivers of France, Ireland, Scotland, and Austria. In addition natural
and cultured pearls, both salt water and freshwater, are found in the waters
of China and Japan.
Color of Freshwater Pearls:
Pearls are generally white, cream, silver, pink, peach, brown, or even black.
The wide range of color is dependant upon both the type of shellfish and water.
Birthstone:
Pearls are the birthstone for June. They are also considered to be a mystical
birthstone for November and an astrological birthstone for Gemini and Cancer.
Pearls are also considered to be lucky for Sagittarius.
Anniversary:
Freshwater pearls are the anniversary gemstone for the 1st year of marriage.
Pearls are also an anniversary gemstone for both the 12th and 30th year of marriage.
History of Pearls:
Medieval knights going into battle to protect them from harm wore Pearls.
Pearls were prized by royalty, both male and female and are often referred
to as the "queen gem." One story claims that Cleopatra placed a pearl in a
glass of wine and drank the wine once the pearl had dissolved to impress
Marc Anthony. Pearls often are used to symbolize a happy marriage and are
given as wedding gifts in many countries. In the Chinese culture, a common
symbol is the dragon chasing a flaming pearl. Pearls are considered the state
gemstone of Kentucky and Tennessee. The beauty of pearls has often been
mentioned in history - from Homer's epic The Odyssey, to Marco Polo's accounts
of the king of China, to ancient Hindu epics. Crusaders helped to spread the
use and popularity of pearls throughout Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries.
Aztecs decorated the interiors of their palaces with pearls. Early myths
said that pearls were formed when oysters rose to the water's surface and
were seeded by early morning dew and the first rays of sunlight.
Pearls were once believed to be the tears of God. Ancient Greeks believed
wearing pearls would prevent newlywed women from crying and promote marital bliss.
At one time, pearls were considered to be important financial assets, similar
in price to real estate. This was because thousands of oysters had to be
searched to find a single pearl.
Spiritual and Physical Beliefs About Pearls:
Some consider pearls to be an emblem of chastity, modesty, and purity as
well as a symbol of happiness, success, and love. Some spiritualists believe
that pearls allow a person to see him/herself clearly and improve self-worth.
Some believe that pearls can help balance body rhythms and hormone levels
with lunar cycles. Some consider pearls to be calming and centering, believing
they give purity and promote qualities like personal integrity, charity, truth,
loyalty, and faith. Some claim that pearls can eliminate emotional balances
and even help love grow.
Physically, some believe that pearls can aid fertility and ease childbirth.
In addition, some believe that pearls can aid with ulcers, digestive tract
disorders, stomach, and spleen problems. Some also believe that pearls
will fight infection and promote antibodies.
Pearl
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