Cultured pearls occupy a unique and fascinating place in the world of jewelry, combining history, craftsmanship and innovation. Their timeless brilliance and profound symbolism have made them prized gems for millennia, spanning eras and cultures.
The origins of pearls: a natural and sacred treasure
The first evidence of pearl use dates back to 5500 BC, with the discovery of pearls in a tomb in the United Arab Emirates. As early as 2300 BC, the Chinese considered pearls a gift from nature, a symbol of purity and perfection. Ancient civilizations such as Egypt, India and Persia attributed sacred value to pearls, using them as precious ornaments or religious offerings. In ancient Greece, they were nicknamed "Aphrodite's tears", associated with love and beauty.
In ancient Rome, pearls were the ultimate sign of wealth and power. Julius Caesar went so far as to enact a law reserving the wearing of pearls for the ruling classes. The Arabs, for their part, saw pearls as a divine treasure, often referred to in the Koran as a celestial ornament.
The evolution to cultured pearls
Until the 19th century, natural pearls were rare and extremely expensive due to the risks involved in collecting them from the sea. This scarcity led to the development of cultured pearls in Japan under the impetus of Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893. By manually introducing an irritant into an oyster to stimulate pearl formation, Mikimoto revolutionized the jewelry industry. This technique democratized access to pearls while preserving natural resources.
Over the course of the 20th century, Japan became a world leader in cultured pearl production, followed by China, which dominated the market with innovations in freshwater pearls. Today, pearl farms produce millions of pearls every year, making these jewels accessible while retaining their prestige.
A timeless symbol in modern jewelry
Pearls have adapted to trends over the centuries. From Cleopatra, who dissolved a pearl in wine to prove her wealth, to Coco Chanel, who popularized multi-row necklaces in the 20th century, pearls embody elegance and sophistication. Even today, they appeal to all generations thanks to their ability to reinvent themselves: minimalist for a streamlined style, or daring for modern creations.
Poemana: the heritage of pearls at the heart of its expertise
At Poemana, we celebrate this unique heritage with cultured pearl jewelry that combines tradition and modernity. Each creation tells a story: that of a gem born of the marriage between human craftsmanship and natural magic. Our collections reflect our commitment to excellence and our passion for these timeless treasures.
When you choose a Poemana piece, you're adopting much more than a piece of jewelry: you're embracing an age-old story in which each pearl embodies love, elegance and refinement.