The pearl is the birthstone for June, and has a long and fascinating history as a gemstone. Unlike other gemstones, which are mined from the earth, pearls are formed inside living mollusks such as oysters and mussels.
The use of pearls in jewellery dates back to ancient times, and they were highly prized by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. The Romans believed that pearls were a symbol of wealth and status, and they were often worn by nobility and royalty.
In the Middle Ages, pearls were highly valued for their beauty and rarity, and were often used to adorn religious objects such as crucifixes and rosaries. They were also a popular accessory among the wealthy, and were often worn by both men and women to signify their social status.
During the Renaissance, pearls continued to be a popular accessory, and were often used to decorate clothing and accessories such as hats, shoes, and belts. They were also used in many works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.
Today, pearls are still highly prized for their beauty and rarity, and are often used in fine jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, wine charms and bracelets. They are considered to be a symbol of purity, wisdom, and spiritual transformation, and are often given as a gift to mark special occasions such as weddings and graduations.