Pearl

Pearls have been revered since ancient times, mined from freshwater rivers and cherished by royalty during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Valued as "the tears of the moon" in folklore, they symbolized purity, wisdom, and imperial authority—Qing Dynasty empresses wore pearl-adorned headdresses as status symbols. Natural Chinese pearls exhibit soft hues: creamy whites, blush pinks, and rare lavender tones, each determined by water quality and mollusk species. Beyond adornment, they represent marital bliss and spiritual enlightenment, often featured in wedding jewelry to signify a harmonious union. Today, they remain cultural treasures, blending historical legacy with timeless elegance.