The definition of pearl is a hard object found in the soft tissue of a saltwater or freshwater mollusk. They tend to be pale in color, shiny, and round. Since ancient times, pearls have been precious. The pearl meaning is centered around purity, balance, and inner wisdom. 

Pearls have long been a source of pure fascination. Silky and glistening with many shades, these precious gems seem to carry a one-of-a-kind energy. Often tagged as being gifts of grace and glamor, pearls also carry a luminous water energy and a sense of harmony as they are created in synergy with other living creatures (marine pearl oysters and freshwater mussels). After doing a deep dive into the divine delights of the pearl, there is so much to be celebrated about this moonlike orb of magic.

Pearls are a gemstone of inner wisdom. They have huge healing energy and as they carry the lucid movement of water within them, they are all about inviting you to find your own balance and flow. Let’s explore more about the sensory sweetness and gentle energy of the precious pearl. 

The Gemstone of Inner Wisdom 

Pearls are born into this world rather than simply found. What’s even more remarkable is the fact that they are found in the deep blue depths of the ocean. As the tides are pulled by the moon, this infuses these sweet little gemstones with all the power and grace of divine feminine energy. They are connected to nature and wisdom and new beginnings and they invite us symbolically to do a deep dive into our own inner oceans and discover the treasures that shimmer beneath the surface.

The pearl has long been celebrated for its wisdom and wonder. According to mythology it is a gift often gained through experience when one reaches a state of knowledge and understanding. There are so many stories woven into these glistening orbs. In Ancient Japan, they believed pearls to be the tears of mythical creatures. In Ancient Greece they were considered to be the tears of the gods. In Christianity they have even been called the tears of Eve. In the Koran, they are a symbol of perfection found in paradise. In Vedic texts, the pearl was considered to be the daughter of the moon - united by a flash of lightning that married earth and heaven.

Pearls arrive into our hands in the same style in which they are born. They are formed when mollusks sense an irritant and throw up pearly layers as a way of protecting themselves. These layers build and build over time (every grain of sand can be seen as an irritant to a mollusk) until eventually you are left with this concentric build-up of energy and protection. These pearls are gathered, they aren’t cut or shaped or fussed with in any fake way. They are created from living creatures and they carry that sentience and that sublime meaning with them. Pearls are a constant reminder that we have the powers of protection stashed within us and that we also have the knowledge we need to keep ourselves balanced and safe. Just like the mollusk, we have intuitive wisdom, and this can lead to the wonderful creation of things.

Pearl Varieties

When we think of pearls, we often picture the moonlike hues of white brightened by luminescence. But there are plenty of different kinds of pearls out there and each with their own different colors and charms. Here are a few different varieties of pearls for you to fall in love with.

Tahiti Black Pearls 

Rare and regal, Tahiti Black Pearls are highly coveted. These dark and dreamy types of pearl are full of myth and magic and said to be magnets for attracting all kinds of wealth into our worlds. Tahitian pearls are also linked to hope, fertility, and peace and carry with them the vibrant moods, dream-like landscapes and lore of French Polynesia.

Natural Pearls vs Cultured Pearls 

Natural saltwater pearls are organically created whereas cultured pearls are created when the mollusk is introduced to an irritant by human intervention as a method of encouraging the pearl to form. Cultured pearls are still considered true pearls, but natural pearls are obviously much rarer and therefore have a special quality to them. On the other hand, cultured pearls are curated in a carefully looked after environment which gives the mollusk and the pearl a chance to thrive. These cultured pearls can appear larger, more luscious, and higher in quality when compared to those born naturally in sometimes testing conditions. If you find a perfect pearl it is most likely a cultured pearl rather than one found by pearl divers. Freshwater pearls are the white pearls that you often see in classic pearl jewelry.

Mother-of-Pearl 

Mother of pearl gems are those that are full of shimmering iridescent pearl color and seem to dance in the light. Mother of Pearl is also called Nacre and is the material found in the inner shell layer of some mollusks. This pearlescent material is used to make jewelry that is formed from pure imagination and fascinating to look at. They are known for their ability to awaken dormant dreams, encourage psychic connection, and for their protective qualities against negativity. 

Healing Properties

Just like all precious gemstones and crystals out there, pearls come cloaked in their own healing energy too. They are known as an introspective gem, which means they guide us back into ourselves and show us our own sense of sublime wisdom. Yet, the luminous pearl doesn’t stop there. This pretty orb is brimming with benefits for the body, mind, and soul.

Physical 

The pearl is all about balance and it reflects this in the harmony it brings to the body. For those who feel physically off kilter, this wonderful gem will bring you back into strong stature. Pearls are excellent for lung issues, they help reduce the effects of asthma and bronchitis, and they heal all your essential organs like the heart, liver, and kidney. They have a sedative effect on the body too, meaning that you get a good night shuteye, calm overactive adrenal glands, and let go of hypertension and headaches. They are also said to be beneficial for pregnant women and new mothers thanks to all their fabulous feminine energy.

Mental & Emotional Healing 

Along with bringing your hormones into balance and ensuring your body is finding that sweet spot between ride and rest, pearls love to lend a hand when it comes to soothing our emotions. Known as a stone of inner wisdom, pearls help us to find the confidence we need to be our own advocates in the world. They also lighten the mind and your mood meaning that you feel a bright spell of optimism and ease wash right over you. Pearls help us to let go of anxiety, nervousness, and that negative inner voice. They inspire sincerity, loyalty, and truth - not just to others but most importantly, to ourselves.

Metaphysical Properties 

With such an emphasis on balance and wisdom, it’s no surprise that the pearl connects deeply with the third eye chakra. The third eye chakra is the gateway to our inner well of knowledge. It awakens our intuition, helps us find clarity, and illuminates darkened corners so we can see ourselves fully and with fine-tuned understanding. Pearls also help protect us as they are exceptional at absorbing negative energy and keeping our auras pure and clear. 

Zodiac Birthstone

Balance, wisdom, and harmony - the pearl is the perfect talisman or amulet for all thoseGemini's seeking their perfect zodiac stones. Both Gemini’s and pearls share the same ruling planet of Mercury. As Gemini’s can sometimes be pulled in two different directions causing flightiness and indecisiveness, pearls provide a sense of stability thanks to their beautiful balancing act energy. Pearls are also cool in color and can help keep social Gemini’s riding high when it comes to their confidence levels. 

How to Use Pearl Stones

Pearls are made to be worn which is why you often see them in classic necklaces and dainty drop earrings too. All healing stones, gems, and crystals work best when pressed against the skin. This direct contact invites all those healing properties to sink right in. Pearls can also last a lifetime. They are a forever stone and can accompany you on your journey through this world and onto the next. 

How to Cleanse Pearls

Pearls need a little TLC to keep them gleaming and glowing with love throughout life. The longer you look after your pearls, the longer they will be by your side. While they aren’t particularly high maintenance, it is worth remembering that these precious little gems are born beneath the sea and therefore shouldn’t be exposed to too much direct sunlight, dryness, or humidity as this can dull the luster of your lovely pearl. 

As pearl has the metaphysical quality of mopping up bad energy and negative moods, you will also want to give your pearl a cleanse and charge every now and then to keep it pure and working at the top of its a-game. The best way to care and love your pearl is to wear it as it works in harmony with your body’s natural oils. If you do want to dust it off - a soft cloth will do the job.

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to organic gemstones we can’t get enough of pearls. Carrying with it the freshness and flow of the sea and the synergy of being born from another creature’s actions, it brings a unique and special energy with it. The pearl has long been an ancient fascination. Forever valuable and filled with all those nurturing vibes that come from the sea, the moon, and the earth - pearls encapsulate balance, purity, and the wisdom we keep within.