A Brief History of Pearls
Pearls have captivated the hearts and imaginations of people for centuries, transcending the boundaries of time and culture. These exquisite gems, formed by the gentle embrace of mollusks, have long been revered as symbols of purity, wealth, and elegance.
Ancient Greece
From the ancient civilizations of Greece, where pearls were believed to be the tears of the gods, to the opulent courts of Persia, where a princess was laid to rest adorned with the oldest known pearl jewelry, the history of these natural wonders is truly awe-inspiring.
Pair of Disk Pendant Earrings with a Figure of Eros
225–175 B.C. - From: Getty Villa, Gallery 111, The Hellenistic World
The Tudor England
In the storied era of Tudor England, the Pearl Age dawned, as the upper echelons of society became enthralled by the lustrous gems. Portraits from this period showcase royals bedecked in pearl jewelry, their clothing embellished with the shimmering treasures of the sea.
Mary I and the Tudor pearl Hans Eworth 1554
The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I of England
Marie Antoinette
During the 1700s, the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, was enchanted by the beauty of pearls. From her day-to-day pearl necklaces and bracelets to the extraordinary pearl earrings that shattered auction records at $42.7 million in Geneva in 2018, the queen's love for these precious gems knew no bounds.
Marie Antoinette with a rose by Élisabeth Louise Vigée
Cultured Pearls
In the early 1900s, in the shores of Japan, a visionary named Kokichi Mikimoto embarked on a journey to revolutionize the pearl industry. Considered the father of the modern cultured pearl, Mikimoto spent nearly a decade experimenting with nucleating Akoya pearl oysters, determined to unlock the secrets of pearl cultivation.
The founder of MIKIMOTO - Kokichi Mikimoto
Through his unwavering dedication and meticulous experimentation, Mikimoto's efforts were finally rewarded with success. His groundbreaking work paved the way for the mass production of cultured pearls, making these once-rare gems accessible to people around the world.
The founder of MIKIMOTO - Kokichi Mikimoto
Marilyn Monroe
Since we mentioned about Mikimoto, do you know the Emperor of Japan gifted a Mikimoto cultured pearl necklace to the beloved Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe during her visit to Tokyo back in 1954? This exquisite 16-inch choker-length strand features graduated Akoya cultured pearls with a stunning 9.5mm size, complemented by an 18k white gold and diamond clasp. The 'Marilyn Monroe Necklace' is a true rarity, now stored by Mikimoto America in New York and only displayed on special occasions.
Marilyn Monroe’s Mikimoto Pearls
Which is your favorite?
Pearls are no longer confined to a single price point – today, you can find a vast array of options to fit any budget, from the most luxurious to the surprisingly affordable. Discover the perfect pair that speaks to your unique sense of fashion and let your inner radiance shine through.
Here's a simple pearl shape chart! Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
AUREI Pearl Earring Collection
Pearls have long been a symbol of elegance and timeless beauty, and our latest collection is a true testament to their enduring allure. Crafted with freshwater pearls, each pair of earrings in our collection is a unique work of art.
We also launched some clip-on earrings!
Embrace the essence of summer with our stunning array of pearl earrings, perfect for adding a touch of effortless sophistication to any outfit. Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of round pearls or the captivating charm of baroque shapes, our collection offers a diverse range of options to suit every personal style.
Marie - Large Baroque Freshwater Pearl Earrings
Each pearl, unique in its own right, carries with it a story waiting to be told. As we delve into the fascinating past of these captivating gems, we are reminded of the enduring power of nature's artistry and the timeless allure that has enchanted humanity for generations.
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