June’s Birthstone and the Adored Treasure of the Sea: Pearls

Among the treasures of the earth, pearls hold a unique place. Not forged by fire and stone beneath the earth like other precious gems, pearls are a gentle crystallization born beneath the waters. Their smooth roundness and lustrous glow have been revered across cultures and ages as symbols of purity and elegance. As June’s birthstone, pearls are not only miracles of nature but also carriers of rich cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.

Pearls in Mythology

In ancient Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, rose out of the sea and her tears were pearls. Over the centuries, depictions of her and her Roman equivalent, Venus, often show her adorned with pearls. Similarly, in ancient Persia, pearls were regarded as the tears of the gods. 

In Vedic India, pearls were said to be born from the intermingling of air and water, and represented a pure spiritual source. 

In ancient Chinese myths and literature, pearls are often linked to blessings. Legends say pearls came from the mouths of dragons or formed over centuries inside clams and were thus called “dragon pearls.” An Qing Dynasty encyclopedia records: “Pearls are the essence of water, hidden within clams. They form under the moonlight, gathered from the vital energies of heaven and earth.” 

How Pearls Were Used

Throughout human history, pearls have often been valued above gold.

Over 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, pearls adorned royal jewelry. In ancient Persia, pearls were reserved for kings and high priests and used to decorate crowns, temples, and royal dowries. The Romans believed pearls brought happiness in love and marriage, making them essential adornments for noble brides. Similarly, during traditional Indian weddings, brides wear pearl necklaces symbolizing physical and spiritual purity and sacred blessings.

In ancient China, pearls were traditionally exclusive to royalty. Imperial robes and crowns were often decorated with pearls symbolizing Heaven’s Will, virtue, and purity. During the Tang Dynasty, pearls were treasured in the royal court and Buddhist temples alike, often being used as the eyes on statues of Buddhas. The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions recounts that the pilgrim monk Xuanzang received a pearl Buddha statue in India, a sacred object he brought back to the capital, Chang’an, to enshrine at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It thus symbolizes wisdom and purity. 

A Profound Spiritual Metaphor

The formation of a pearl itself carries a profound spiritual metaphor. A foreign element, such as a grain of sand or a worm, enters a shell and the clam takes this intruder and adds to it layers of the shiny substance known as nacre, or mother-of-pearl. After about six months to four years, the clam transforms the otherwise insignificant and problematic intruder into a smooth, radiant pearl. This is similar to how a person seeking spiritual elevation must confront negative elements within their hearts and minds and work to refine themselves, turning ordinary failings and deficiencies into gleaming treasures through life’s long trials.

Akoya Pearls: A Symbol of Pure Elegance

Renowned for their mirror-like luster, perfectly round shapes, and consistently radiant hues, Akoya pearls are treasured in both Eastern and Western cultures as timeless emblems of beauty and grace. Their luminous surface reflects light and surrounding detail with remarkable clarity, much like a polished mirror. Typically found in elegant shades of white, cream, or soft pink, Akoya pearls exude a quiet sophistication. Their natural symmetry and refined glow make them a favorite among connoisseurs of fine jewelry seeking purity, harmony, and elegance.

Timeless Blessings: Where Tradition Meets Radiance

Drawing inspiration from the classic Chinese ruyi cloud pattern—a motif symbolizing fulfilled wishes and eternal blessings—Shen Yun Collections’ Timeless Blessings collection transforms the spiritual essence of Akoya pearls into wearable art. Lustrous pink-white Akoya pearls are beautifully paired with colorful gemstones, echoing a fusion of Eastern serenity and Western refinement. Each piece emanates a gentle radiance, like a breath of peaceful energy softly guarding the wearer’s heart.

Let the beauty of Shen Yun—calming and profound like the vast sea—bring its pearl-like glow into your everyday life.