We all know that pearls are one of the most popular ways to infuse an element of elegance into your look and they exude a timeless beauty that is unparalleled. From the chic strands of pearls women use to make any outfit classy to fashion and costume jewelry that is enhanced with these lustrous orbs, pearls are everywhere. And now with cultured freshwater pearls, pearl beads, mother of pearl beads and man-made pearls so readily available in online stores, they are more accessible and affordable than ever before. Jewelry makers from around the world continue to use pearls in various accessories to stunning result.

But did you also know that pearls have a deep symbolism in many cultures. Once considered a prize possession and a domain of the wealthy and powerful, these gems have a connection with many ancient cultures in places like India, Rome, China, the Middle East and more dating back thousands of years. It adorned the crowns of kings, was draped on nobility, and was used to display wealth and bounty. Whereas, it is interesting to note that in some cultures like in 19th century Japan, the mother of pearl was more coveted than the pearl itself.

Pearls are also considered a symbol of purity, innocence, wisdom, perfection, honesty, charity and spiritual growth by some. In fact the symbolism pertaining to purity is rampant in many cultures, making it no surprise that it is so popular an item in wedding jewelry! Interestingly enough, the ancient Greeks considered also pearls as a symbol of marriage and love.

Pearls are also believed to be associated with femininity, womanhood, water and a lunar symbol or a gemstone of the moon (probably in part due to its lustrous white colour much like the beautiful moon). These gemstones are the also the stone for the Cancer zodiac sign. Pearls have also been used in medicine and healing, for example in traditional Indian practices it was believed to help alleviate many health problems like jaundice, eye and lung ailments, epilepsy, poisoning, and even mental illnesses and melancholy!

As symbolic as pearls can be depending on what you believe in, one fact stands true- they re simply gorgeous when worn in simple or detailed jewelry designs. If you are a jewelry designer wanting to sell designs, pearl jewelry is always a sure-fire hit with women of all age groups. Since you can now find various types of man-made pearls, freshwater pearls and pearl beads in stunning colours like pink, red, mauve, peach, green, blue and more, in many sizes and shapes, making pearl accented costume jewelry can be extremely enjoyable. These readily available supplies will give you the freedom to fashion pearls into some very contemporary or classic pieces of jewelry.