The word 'pearl' is derived from the old French word “perle,” which itself comes from the Latin “perna,” meaning “leg,” a reference to the leg-of-mutton shape of an open mollusk shell. The earliest known discovery of pearls dates back to 520 BC. Pearl jewelry was discovered in the tomb of a Persian princess who died in 520 BC. In ancient Greece, it was thought that pearls were the tears shed by the gods. The earliest During the Byzantine Empire, laws mandated that only the emperor was permitted to wear these valuable gems. The Tudor period in England was known as the Pearl Age, highlighting the gemstone's popularity among the elite during the sixteenth century. Portraits from this time illustrated royalty adorned with pearl jewelry and garments decorated with pearls. The early 1900s represented a pivotal moment when the first commercial cultivation of saltwater pearls began in Asia, resulting in a notable increase in their availability. Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have predominantly replaced natural pearls in the market, making this timeless gemstone accessible to a wider array of consumers.

Pearls are often subjected to various enhancements including polishing, bleaching, dyeing, coating, irradiation, optical brightening, and filling. It is important to avoid cleaning pearls with ultrasonic or steam cleaners. For occasional cleaning, warm, soapy water is a safe option. If the pearls are strung, ensure that the string is entirely dry before wearing or putting away.