The history of the pearl is a blend of myth, trade, technology, and symbolism, evolving from ancient treasures to modern jewelry.

Pearls have been treasured for millennia as symbols of beauty, wealth and power. The Egyptians used mother of pearl from the 4th millennium B.C., a Chinese historian recorded the oldest written mention of natural pearls in 2206 B.C., Indian sacred texts tell of Krishna giving a pearl to his daughter, reflecting their spiritual significance. 

By the first century B.C., Rome was in the grip of a pearl fever, women adorned themselves and their clothing with pearls, and Emperor Caligula decorated his horse with a pearl necklace. In the Middle Ages, pearls symbolized purity and modesty, and royalty across Asia and Europe wore them as status markers.

Across cultures, pearls have been linked to the moon, protection, and life‑sustaining water, and in China, they were believed to protect against fire and dragons; in Europe, they symbolized chastity and purity.