Welcome to our June edition of the Eco-Blog. This month we are going to be looking closely at pearls. With a little bit of Mythology and folklaw about their origins and how to care for them:
There are many myths regarding the origin of pearls. One of the earliest myths is from the Hindu culture. In the Hindu book of the Rigveda, Krishna descended into the ocean and discovered the first pearl, which he gave to his daughter on her wedding day. In the Hindu culture, pearls are associated with the Moon, and symbolize purity and love. Many legends relate the pearl to the Moon. In one myth, the Moon bathes in the ocean, and its light attracts oysters to the surface, so that it might impregnate them with dew. Old Arabian, Greek, and Roman legends tell us that the pearl is formed when dewdrops filled with Moonlight fall to the ocean and are swallowed by oysters. The Persians believed the same thing, but they also believed that imperfections found in pearls were due to thunder in the sky. Chinese myths tell of pearls falling from the sky when dragons fight, and of pearls conceived within the brains of dragons.
Pearls have always been associated with love. The Greeks and Romans believed that wearing pearls promoted marital bliss, and the bond between Psyche and Cupid was often depicted by a strand of pearls. Venus (Aprodite) was believed to have been born from an oyster in the sea, like a pearl. In one Polynesian legend, Oro, the god of peace and fertility, offered a pearl to the princess of Bora Bora as a token of his love. Pearls are also often associated with tears. Many legends say that pearls are the tears of gods, and the Greeks believed that wearing pearls would prevent a newlywed woman from crying. One legend says that the tears of Adam and Eve created a lake that bore pearls.
The pearl is almost always associated with the moon, and is usually considered to be feminine in nature. It is said to strengthen the astrological effects of the moon. It is often associated with brides and with weddings, which may date all the way back to the legend about Krishna and his daughter's wedding. Pearls protect brides from widowhood, and ensure faithfulness and a happpy conjugal life. They are also thought to quicken the laws of karma and to strengthen loving relationships.
Pearls are also said to bring about wealth, good fortune, and wisdom through experience. They are said to enhance the beauty of women and keep them forever young. They help wearers see themselves more clearly, so that they might improve themselves. They are also said to calm the emotions of wearers, so that they might maintain mental stability. Pearls are often assosicated with purity and innocence, and therefore protect the innocent. They are often said to protect children. Many authorities say that pearls should never be worn with diamonds.
Caring for your pearls:
Pearls are organic gemstones that are vulnerable to acid, alkaline and extremes of humidity. To preserve your pearls' radiance, avoid letting them come into contact with cosmetics, hair spray, or perfume. Always put on your jewelry as a final touch, after applying make-up and styling hair. The pearl's luster can also be harmed by perspiration. To prevent this, before returning your pearls to the jewelry box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth.
Pearls are exceptionally cohesive and shock-resistant, but may be scratched by contact with sharp objects or other gemstones. To prevent tangles and scratches, fasten clasps and pins, then lay each item out separately in a compartmentalized jewelry box. When carrying jewelry, use a protective jewelry pouch. Leaving pearl jewelry in a security box for long periods may cause pearls to dehydrate, so enjoy them frequently. There is a saying that "pearls want to be worn," and it is true!
If the radiance of your jewellery appears to be fading, take it to a specialist. Ultrasonic cleaners should never be used with pearl jewelry as it can damage the pearls. The same goes for using any sort of Gold or Silver Cleaning liquids and dips. It is best to clean the metal with a dry Silver or Gold cloth to remove any tarnishing.
To celebrate the month of June we are exhibiting a number of new pearl lines. From Freshwater Black pearls to Coloured Pearl Bracelets. You can find them at www.eco925.com or on our etsy shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Eco925
