When it comes to weddings, pearl jewelry is some of the most popular jewelry worldwide. This is not only as a result of the wonderful way they pair with wedding dresses, but also because of the unique touch of elegance they add and for which they are so sought after.
However, in many cultures, there’s also a superstition that a bride shouldn’t wear pearls because they bring tears. And almost every woman is prone to some superstition on her wedding day…
So we took a closer look at this tradition and found that, fortunately, the situation with pearls is not as depressing as the superstition might imply.
Do pearls worn as wedding jewelry really mean tears?
While some gemstones may have remained hidden underground until relatively recently, people have pursued pearls for thousands of years. The fascination with their beauty and origins has inspired a number of myths that are meant to explain their immense value. Pearls have often been described as a gift from the gods or the result of some rare phenomenon such as the tears of a divine being. The myth is therefore not meant to connect pearls with sadness, but it’s meant to express why they are so unique.
The origin of the superstition about tears of sadness is probably a misinterpretation of an ancient myth - where everything is actually exactly the opposite. For the ancient Greeks, pearls also meant tears, but they were the tears of happiness of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty (Venus in Roman mythology). And this is why it was believed that pearls could prevent tears of sadness. Greek brides wore pearls as a symbol of happiness and a harmonious marriage without tears.
But it was also a tribute to Aphrodite, who was born from the foam of the sea and rose out of the sea on a shell, like the beautiful pearl. In Rome, pearl earrings were even hung on statues of Venus. If a bride wanted to please the goddess of love on her wedding day, adorning herself with pearls was the best way.
The historian Pliny described how women liked to wear pearl rings, two or three pearls on their earrings, and even decorated their sandals with them. A woman with pearls enjoyed the same respect that was otherwise given only to the highest officials. However, only married women could own and wear pearls and with this restriction, Caesar caused an unprecedented wave of weddings.
Should a bride wear real pearls at her wedding?
We might even ask how it would even be possible for pearls to actually be the bearers of anything bad. A natural treasure that has been so admired since time immemorial, so much so that people could only explain its origins as something created by the gods. But some superstitions have such deep roots that even women who are otherwise quite rational and practical would prefer not to "tempt" fate on their wedding day. How many brides, for example, look for something old, new, borrowed and blue? (though the sixpence in the shoe has probably been forgotten)
And so ultimately it's up to each woman which version of the significance of pearls she prefers. But we recommend either going down the route of genuine pearls or choosing something completely different altogether - diamond or morganite jewelry, for instance, is great for weddings. This is because imitation pearls can never achieve the beauty of their genuine counterparts and wouldn’t make you happy for long.
Whether to choose sea or freshwater pearls depends on your budget and personal preferences. Sea pearls are rarer and have a dazzling mirror-like luster, while Tahitian pearls have a touch of mystery about them. Freshwater pearl jewelry on the other hand is more affordable, more plentiful and has a silk-like luster. However, there is no difference when it comes to the overall quality or care of the jewelry.
How to choose pearl jewelry for a wedding?
The simple rule is to always think about balance. The bride’s overall look will look more balanced when complex and ornate elements are complemented by understated details. When it comes to the color of the gold, white gold is of course the most obvious choice. It suits classic wedding dresses, looks understated and nice and does not distract from the overall look. Yellow gold adds a warmer tone and a more traditional look. And then there is rose gold for a more feminine and romantic feel.
When it comes to specific pearl jewelry, the following suggestions might help you decide:
1. Based on the style of the wedding dress
If the wedding dress has various appliqués or decorative and interesting elements on it, we recommend pairing it with minimal jewelry that features individual smaller pearls. Conversely, a fairly simple wedding dress in terms of design allows you to shine with more distinctive jewelry. It’s also a good idea to think about the overall style of your dress and the setting that the ceremony will take place in. A wedding at a chateau practically begs for you to wear a classic pearl necklace, while a very modern dress in a more relaxed environment encourages choosing bolder, on-trend jewelry such as chain earrings. And for a uniquely natural barefoot wedding in a boho summer dress, baroque pearls are a perfect match.
2. Based on the type of neckline
Strapless wedding dresses allow a lot of room for a dazzling pearl necklace. Choose a length up to the collarbone and add some pearl earrings. The same goes for a round or boat neckline.
For a V-neck dress, a chain with a pearl pendant is ideal as it fits beautifully into the neckline and visually lengthens the neck. Pearl studs, ideally with pearls in the same size as the pendant, would go well with it. But what if you have a stand-up collar or a uniquely decorated neckline on your dress? You could skip the necklace and opt for drop earrings instead.
3. Based on your hair and hairstyle
Crowns and hair decorations are popular wedding accessories. If you are looking to wear one of these, we recommend choosing understated jewelry around the face that can be paired with a pearl bracelet. Depending on the style of the dress, you could choose either a classic style of bracelet or a playful chain one.
If you don't plan to wear any distinctive decorations in your hair, be guided by your hairstyle when choosing earrings. If you plan to have your hair up in a styled bun then dangle or drop earrings with larger pearls and diamonds stand out beautifully. Long chain earrings go well with hair in a half updo and they also visually lengthen the face. However, they would be completely lost under curly hair that’s worn out, so in those situations we recommend choosing studs or small hoops with pearls.
It would be a shame to be put off by superstition when it happens to be shiny, pure white pearls that go so beautifully with wedding dresses and special occasions in general. So if you decide to summon the goddess Aphrodite to help you on your big day, you'll no doubt find the right piece of jewelry or a jewelry set to make your look complete.
