The Pearl is the only gem that has been manufactured by a living creature other than man.

The Pearl is known as the Queen of Gems.

The Pearl is the oldest known gem in the world.

In 500 BC, an Indian poet wrote the “Hymn of Protection” to invoke the power of the pearl.

In the time of Julius Cesar, one pearl could finance an entire war.

Pearls are said to provide protection from enemies as well as illness. They signify purity and loyalty in marriage.

Eating pearls is said to keep one robust and healthy their whole life.

Rumor has it that Cleopatra, dissolved a pearl in wine and drank it, to prove her love for Antony.

The secret of creating cultured pearls was discovered in the early 1900’s in Japan.

Kokichi Mikimoto, on of the discoverers, bought out the rest and soon became known as the “Father of Cultured Pearls”

Saltwater, Akoya pearls, the premier Japanese brand, still carries the Mikimoto name.

Apparently Kokichi Mikimoto swallowed two pearls a day throughout his life, to maintain and improve his health.

Many pearl solutions are still used today to combat various illness’

Cultured pearls now account for 90% of all pearl sales.  Only the very rich can afford natural pearls.

The largest natural pearl was found in 1560, of the coast of Panama.  It has been owned by several kings and queens and is now owned by Elizabeth Taylor.  This large pearl is called “La Peregrina” .

The creation of cultured pearls as well as the many imitation glass pearls have made the natural pearl very expensive.    Today, they are rare and practically priceless.

All variations of the name Margaret as well as Greta, Gretchen and Rita mean pearl.  Those people are said to have the quality of purity, innocence, humility and sweetness.

Resources:  Wikipedia, Absolute pearls, Path of the Pearl,