Which gemstone is associated with your birth month? What powers does it have? How can you best harness its energy? Tatler’s expert Joyce Tsang helps demystify birthstones and their properties
From Coco Chanel’s iconic strings of pearls to Elizabeth Taylor’s historic La Peregrina pearl necklace—that was once owned by the Spanish royalty—pearls have been cherished by royalty, aristocrats and celebrities alike for their lustre and shape for centuries.
But beyond their rounded form and soft, iridescent glow, pearls are also thought to be steeped in healing properties in many cultures throughout history. In the ancient Middle East, pearls were thought to be heaven’s tears, while in China, where it was believed the gem came from the dragon’s brain, pearls are thought to balance one’s life energy and ensure wellness. Meanwhile, in Japan some believe they have the power to ward off danger and were worn by fishermen as amulets.
Unlike other precious gems that are mined, pearls come from the water, and are formed when irritants gets lodged inside an oyster’s body, causing the mollusc to secrete a crystalline substance to cover it up so that it will stop hurting them, and that is what forms a pearl. The finest natural pearls are found in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, while cultured pearls are grown in Japan, China, Tahiti, Australia and other places.
Whether worn as talismans or jewellery, these gems are said to represent innocence and inner calm. We decode the lustrous pearl’s powers with the help of Joyce Tsang, crystal specialist and founder of crystal healing service Stone and Star.
Read more: Beyond ‘his’ and ‘hers’: the rise of genderless jewellery
Energy influence
“Pearls, though not crystals, are still a gift from Mother Earth,” says Tsang. They are often associated with positive energies, such as enhancing personal integrity and fulfilling life’s purpose.
Symbolising purity of body and mind, pearls are thought to be a vessel for divine guidance. They are often called the “stone of sincerity” as they are said to bring truth to any situation. It’s believed that pearls aid in self-reflection and encourage the wearer to be true to themselves and live authentically. These gems are also said to be good for nurturing virtues like purity, integrity, honesty and charity.