Bezella

PEARL

Formed in the depths of the sea, pearls are organic gemstones formed inside molluscs. Unlike other gemstones mined from the earth, pearls are formed in the sea. When an irritant enters a mollusc, it secretes a protective layer around it, resulting in the formation of pearls. It is called ‘moti’ in Hindi.

Cultural Significance

Pearls have been mentioned in many religious texts and traditions, including the Bible, where they are symbols of purity, wisdom, and perfection. They were a symbol of power in ancient Greece and Rome. They are regarded as a symbol of elegance and sophistication to this day in many cultures, including the Western culture.

Benefits

Ranking between 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, pearls are very soft as compared to many other gemstones, having the following benefits :

• Produce a calming effect
• Relieves stress
• Boosts self-confidence
• Supports emotional healing
• Deepen spiritual awareness
• Symbolise fertility and prosperity

Astrological Significance

Vedic - In Vedic astrology, pearls are associated with the moon, influencing emotions and the mind. They are considered beneficial for people of various zodiac signs, especially for those having a weak moon in their natal charts. It provides emotional stability, boosting confidence and inner peace.

Western - In Western astrology, pearls are associated with the zodiac signs of Cancer and Taurus, as it is the birthstone of June. It promotes calmness and peace, especially beneficial for those seeking emotional healing and stability.

Origin

Earlier, pearls were harvested from the sea and other wild waters, but nowadays they are being cultured by intentionally inducing the process of pearl formation by introducing irritants into molluscs. China, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia are some of the major producers of cultured pearls.

Environmental Impact

The harvesting of pearls from marine ecosystems leads to disturbance in marine life as it leads to changes in the water quality of the surrounding area. Although cultured pearls are a more sustainable alternative to wild pearls, they can still significantly impact the environment through water pollution due to improper management; hence there are many factors that need to be kept in mind for pearl harvesting to be ethical and sustainable.