When Were Pearls First Discovered?
Pearls are one of the oldest natural gems. They form inside oysters, and people use pearls in many types of jewelry around the world. The origin of the pearl is not completely known because it has been used for centuries. Does this Spark an idea?
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The First Pearls
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Ancient tribes used oysters as a food source. The exact discovery date of pearls is unknown. However, according to gemologist Fred Ward, an ancient tribe along the coast of India mostly likey discovered pearls. This tribe would have found pearls in the oysters they used for food. Ward believes the trib would have "appreciated the shape and lustre of saltwater pearls" and therefore would have collected and worn them.
Oldest Pearl
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Ancient Egyptians valued the pearl above many other precious metals and gems. Consequently, they were often buried with them. Archelogists found what is thought to be the oldest pearl necklace inside the sarcophagus of a Persian princess who died in 520 B.C. The necklace is on display in The Louvre.
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Fun Fact
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Before the creation of cultured or manmade pearls in the early 1900s, pearls were reserved only for the noble or rich. Gemologist Fred Ward indicates that even though a 16-inch strand of pearls containing about 50 pearls may cost between $50 and $5000 today, "At the height of the Roman Empire, when pearl fever reached its peak, the historian Suetonius wrote that the Roman general Vitellius financed an entire military campaign by selling just one of his mother's pearl earrings."
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Pearl in shell image by Dr.Szirmai János from Fotolia.com oyster image by Filip Mazurek from Fotolia.com
