The word ‘pearl’ has its origins from the Persian word ‘Murwari’, which also means ‘child of light’. Murwari later evolved into Margaret, a name that has become popular in many European countries.If you are the Italian Margherita or Rita; the French Marguerite or Margot; the German Margarethe, Gretchen, or Grethel; the English Margaret, Marjorie, Madge, Maggie, or Peggy, then pearl is your gem.

Throughout history, pearl signifies purity and innocence. Pearl is emblematic of maidenly purity and sweetness.  It is deemed especially appropriate as a wedding gift. Even from the earliest dawn of Hindu civilization, Krishna was known to draw it from the sea to decorate his beloved daughter’s nuptial day.

Dedication of pearl to love and marriage was also recognized by ancient Greeks. One of the engravings preserved from those times is a magnificent sardonyx that showed the marriage of Cupid and Psyche, where the lovers were united by a string of pearls – a symbol of the conjugal bond.

The most interesting account of a love tribute using pearl was in Cleopetra’s toast to Anthony. After Anthony has served the famous Egyptian Queen a magnificent feast, he asked how she could outdo him. Cleopetra laid a wager that she would host for him the next day a supper worth 10 million Sestertij. After her sumptuous meal, she ordered a second service to be brought in, which contained a crewat of sharp vinegar. She removed from her own ears two precious pearls, unique jewels in nature, steeped one pearl in vinegar, and drank it off after the pearl has melted. Before she put the other pearl into the drink, the judge of the wager quickly stopped her and declared Anthony has lost his wager.

Hindus attached virtues to pearls of different colors: yellow pearls bring wealth, honey shade fosters understanding, white pearls attract fame, and blue pearls good luck.