Myth and Symbolism of Pearl Jewellery

Pearl jewellery is surrounded by myth and symbolism in many civilisations.

In Hindu folklore, dewdrops fell from the moon into the sea, turned into pearls, and Krishna picked one out of the water as a gift for his daughter on her wedding day.

Legend has it that Cleopatra crushed a pearl into a glass of wine to prove to Marc Antony that she could give the most expensive dinner in history, proving to him the superior wealth of Egypt.

Seed Pearl Jewellery

Traditionally, the value of pearls for use in jewellery is determined by their lustre, colour, size, lack of surface flaw and symmetry.

Large pearls may be valuable, but I really love the range of sizes and shapes available with freshwater pearls. This allows me to play with texture and form and create barnacle-like clusters.

I particularly love tiny freshwater seed pearls. These are tiny pearls of less than 2mm in diameter, created from freshwater mussels, mainly off the coast of China.

Seed pearls were widely used in pearl jewellery in the 18th and 19th centuries. Georgian jewellers created elaborate floral designs by threading seed pearls onto horsehair on a mother of pearl base. Queen Victoria popularised the use of seed pearls in mourning jewellery, with pearls representing tears for the departed loved one.

Pearls in Wedding Jewellery

Pearls are a classic and elegant choice for bridal jewellery and complement a wide range of bridal looks. Their natural, ethereal aesthetic and association with purity and fertility make them a popular choice.

Try small pearl stud earrings and a pearl pendant chain necklace, an ethereal pair of seed pearl drop earrings with an up-do, or a pearl necklace with a strapless wedding dress or an open neckline.

Whatever you choose, pearls reflect light in the most flattering way. Bask in that moon-like glow.

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When you’re planning your wedding, jewellery and accessories are often the last thing you’ll choose. But’s it’s really worth putting some thought in to what jewellery you’ll be wearing on your wedding day.

Make sure you love it!

The most important thing is, do you love it and feel great in it? It’s your wedding after all! It’s also much more sustainable (for the environment as well as your finances) to buy something that you will want to wear again after your wedding day – it might even become a special family heirloom one day.

Match your metal with your outfit

Silver and platinum jewellery goes really well with a pure white dress, and if you’re wearing cream or ivory then yellow gold or gold vermeil will complement the warm tones of your dress or suit. Blush tones look pretty and romantic with rose gold or rose gold gold vermeil.

Gemstones and Pearls

Pearls are a popular and traditional choice with brides and can suit so many different styles. This sautoir-length necklace, also available in silver and gold vermeil, features tiny seed pearls and can be worn doubled, or long.

A longer length necklace is a great choice with a silk shirt or a simple shift dress. It would also work so well with a vintage 1920’s drop-waist dress. After your wedding you can wear it with a plain tee or cosy sweater.

Pearl earrings will bring out the glow in your skin and look super flattering in photographs. If you’re wearing a dress with a high neckline or an elaborate necklace, try some little stud earrings. Long cascade drop earrings are wonderfully romantic – keep it simple and pair them with a small pendant, or keep your neckline jewelly free and wear a simple bracelet.

Something blue

The colour blue is a sign of purity and fidelity and your jewellery is the perfect way to wear your ‘something blue’.

These sapphire drop earrings would look gorgeous with a messy up-do.

You could also choose a simple sapphire chain necklace or bracelet. A delicate bracelet is also lovely as a bridemaids’ gift.

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