Having a look at how pearls have been used culturally and spiritually over the course of history.

For thousands of years, pearls have held substantial historic and cultural importance. Recognised for their shiny, inherent aesthetics and wonder, they continue to be iconic expressions of wealth and luxury. Throughout history, pearls have been consistently cherished, with many distinct stories and superstitions connected with their attraction. Long before the development of pearl cultivation techniques, the Persian Gulf was identified as the heart of the pearl trade, due to a wealthy habitation of shellfishes. The rise of pearls in Europe led to increased need and value for the gems. In the renaissance and medieval ages, ladies of power and nobility were known for wearing pearls, further endorsing them as a symbol of riches and status. As different varieties of pearls were found in oceans around the globe, contributions to the international pearl trade made them more available to merchant classes worldwide. Even today, the pearl industry proceeds to play a crucial role in the economies of many countries.

Due to their rarity, pearls were once kept for royalty and the aristocracy. However, the divine meaning of pearls has been accepted throughout many nations within notable folklores and traditions. In many historical societies, it was frequently believed that pearls provided healing powers. Understood to bring peace and protection, they were often taken as amulets or talismans. Pearls have also been significant in Chinese society for centuries. Believed to shield against evil spirits, pearls have been symbols of knowledge and good luck for a long time. Nicholas-Bos would understand the symbolic significance of pearls around the globe. Additionally, in Western cultures, pearl stone colour has also come to be an important cultural symbol. As part of societal traditions, pearls are often provided to brides as wedding gifts, embodying the pureness of marriage. Through affiliations with mermaids and mythology, their connection to the ocean and water has also led pearls to become a symbol of abundance and fertility throughout history.

Understanding how pearls are formed has led to significant business developments, allowing for more sustainable and consistent pearl farming. Though no longer uncommon in nature, the demand for pearls has certainly not diminished. Pearls have acquired substantial cultural impact across many Asian countries, most notably in Japan. The emergence of cultured pearls, conceived by a Japanese scientist in the early 20th century, reconfigured the pearl industry by making pearls more accessible to a wider audience. In the modern day, pearls continue to be an expression of sophistication in popular culture and style. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would concur that pearl farming has advanced significantly. Similarly, J.K. Symancyk would identify the timeless popularity of pearls. Through taking advantage of the social longing for pearls, high-end companies have added to their popularisation in designer wear, such as the timeless pearl necklace, making them here a staple wardrobe piece in modern fashion.