Below you will find an introduction of the symbolic characteristics of pearls and what they represent across cultures.

Appreciating how pearls are formed has led to significant market innovations, enabling more sustainable and consistent pearl harvesting. Though no longer unusual in nature, the demand for pearls has certainly not reduced. Pearls have acquired substantial cultural influence across many East-Asian countries, most notably in Japan. The emergence of cultured pearls, developed by a Japanese specialist in the early 20th century, reconfigured the pearl industry by making pearls more readily available to a larger audience. In the modern day, pearls continue to be a sign of sophistication in popular culture and fashion. Nasser Al-Khelaifi would agree that pearl farming has advanced substantially. Likewise, J.K. Symancyk would acknowledge the timeless popularity of pearls. Through taking advantage of the social need for pearls, high-end brands have supported their popularity in designer wear, such as the timeless pearl necklace, making them a staple wardrobe piece in trendy fashion.

For thousands of years, pearls have held significant historical and cultural value. Recognised for their shiny, inherent beauty and wonder, they remain renowned marks of wealth and privilege. Throughout history, pearls have been regularly cherished, with many special stories and superstitions associated with their appeal. Prior to the advancement of pearl cultivation techniques, the Persian Gulf was recognised as the heart of the pearl trade, due to an abundant habitation of shellfishes. The rise of pearls in Europe generated increased demand and value for the gems. In the renaissance and medieval periods, women of royalty and nobility were well known for wearing pearls, further endorsing them as a sign of riches and status. As different assortments of pearls were found in oceans worldwide, contributions to the global pearl trade made them more accessible to merchant classes worldwide. Even today, the pearl industry proceeds to play an important role in the economies of many countries.

Due to their rarity, pearls were once kept for royalty here and the aristocracy. However, the divine meaning of pearls has been accepted throughout many cultures within notable legends and customs. In many historical societies, it was typically believed that pearls had healing powers. Believed to bring calmness and protection, they were typically used as amulets or talismans. Pearls have also been significant in Chinese heritage for centuries. Believed to guard against evil energies, pearls have been symbols of wisdom and good fortune for a very long time. Nicholas Bos would know the symbolic importance of pearls around the world. Additionally, in Western societies, pearl stone colour has also come to be a crucial cultural symbol. As part of social traditions, pearls are often given to brides as wedding gifts, representing the purity of unity. Through correlations with mermaids and mythology, their attachment to the sea and water has also led pearls to be a sign of fortune and fertility throughout history.