It is known that ancient cultures would adorn themselves with shells, beads and other gems. It doesn't seem unrealistic that the earliest use of Mother-of-Pearl was used in Egypt to make strands and brooches. There are also examples of pearl usage in paintings and sculptures in Egypt around 5,200 years ago. The oldest recording of pearls comes from China, some 4,000 years ago. In some of their historical publishings, they refer specifically to what is believed to be freshwater pearls from the Hwai River, as well as other ponds and rivers within China and Japan. It is quoted in the Rigveda, Ancient Hindu Book of India, about 3,000 years ago, that “Krishna brought pearls from the depths of the sea to give to his daughter on her wedding day.” The ancient poem, “Ramayana”, speaks of a necklace made from 27 pearls (a typical 16” worn today) It is thought that the oldest pearl necklace, still in existence, comes from ancient Persia. It has three rows with 72 pearls each and has been housed in the Louvre for over 100 years. We know that the largest and oldest pearl beds come from the Persian Gulf, and as far back as 2,500 years ago, pearls have appeared on sculptures and coins of that area. Sri Lanka, or back then known as Ceylon was the intersection of all trade in Asia about 2,500 years ago and it is believed that a member of royalty sent pearls to his father-in-law in India, as a gift. About 1400 years ago it is recorded that pearls from the island, Palowan in the Philippines, sold pearls to China. Palowan is still regarded as the best island for pearls in the Philippines. If there was decadence, it was in Greece, and it is said that Cleopatra literally consumed them. In a bet to Marc Anthony, she dropped a pearl into a jug of vinegar, which dissolved and won a bet as serving the most expensive meal. |