The Tradition of Pearl Bridal Jewelry Evolves

Though the ring may be diamond, it seems pearls take the next best spotlight at most weddings. And why not? Pearls can match any color gown, not just the traditional white. Pearls, or perhaps imitation pearls at any rate, are referenced in all the decoration: sewn onto the gowns and gloves, accenting the bouquet or cake, and so on.

The theme of pearl bridal jewelry extends to the whole wedding party. Bridesmaids may receive matching or complimentary pearl necklaces to wear with their gowns. Probably because it is an understated, elegant jewel nice for everyone from a little flower girl to the matron of honor. Pearls are never flashy and always graceful.

Why Pearls?

There are many stories that connect pearls to weddings. Perhaps all of them have a part in making pearl bridal jewelry a tradition.

Ancient Greeks and the Pearl Wedding Gem

A pearl may just be the most iconic symbol of the goddess of love, Venus. The well-known painting, The Birth of Venus, shows the love goddess genesis: stepping out of an oyster.

And the pearl is Junes birthstone, a happy coincidence with the wedding month. In fact, before diamonds became a standard, brides-to-be received gold bands, sometimes set with their birthstone.

In some old East Asian traditions, a young man presents a pearl to his girlfriends father, as a way to open marriage negotiations. Even today, some Chinese herbal aphrodisiacs contain pulverized pearl. In Hindu tradition, Krishna brought pearls to his daughter on her wedding day.

Clearly, people from all over the world and different ages of history have appreciated pearl bridal jewelry. Is it coincidence, or is there something about the luminosity, the color, or the shape of pearls that makes people everywhere think of love?

Pearl Bridal Jewelry Today

In days of yore, even a rich bride would be fortunate to wear even a single pearl. Chokers and collars and ropes of pearls were only for the wealthiest aristocrats and royalty.

However, with the development of not just cultured pearls, but also lovely faux pearls, brides can choose what they like. With the diffusion of the gem comes a diffusion of styles, not just a string of spherical pearls.

Teardrop gems seem to be especially popular pearl bridal jewelry, and they make a nice dangle earring or pendant. Pearls may be wrapped in gold wires, paired with crystals, or done in any fashion a bride can dream of.

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