There’s something inherently romantic about pearl jewellery for weddings. Glowing softly like moonlight on water, pearls have long been associated with love, purity, and new beginnings — making them the perfect companion on your wedding day. Whether worn by the bride, gifted to the bridal party, or passed down as a treasured heirloom, pearls have a place in every love story.
At James Porter & Son, we’ve seen brides fall in love with pearls time and time again — and it’s easy to see why. Their classic elegance, rich history, and powerful symbolism continue to inspire across generations and bridal styles.
The History and Folklore of Pearls: A Love Story Through Time
Pearls have been prized by cultures all over the world for thousands of years — and their association with weddings is both ancient and widespread.
Ancient Wisdom and Mythology
In Ancient China, pearls were thought to protect against fire and symbolised wisdom and longevity. In Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra famously dissolved a priceless pearl in vinegar and drank it to show her love and power to Marc Antony. To the Romans, pearls were the ultimate symbol of wealth and status — Julius Caesar even passed laws restricting them to the ruling elite.
In Greek mythology, pearls were believed to be the tears of the gods and closely associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love. No surprise then that pearls became woven into wedding traditions as symbols of love, beauty, and divine favour.
Medieval to Victorian Sentiment
In medieval Europe, pearls represented chastity and virtue. They adorned royal wedding gowns and veils, often embroidered for protection and good fortune. During the Renaissance and Elizabethan era, pearls reached new heights of popularity — Queen Elizabeth I was rarely seen without them, elevating their status as symbols of feminine strength and divine rule.
By the Victorian era, pearls became sentimental tokens of love, remembrance, and mourning — Queen Victoria wore them throughout her life. Their emotional depth made them perfect for bridal jewellery: understated, elegant, and rich with meaning.
Symbolism Across Cultures
Pearls have also long been associated with the moon, due to their soft glow and oceanic origins. Across cultures, they are considered a feminine symbol of intuition, emotional depth, and the cyclical nature of life. In this way, pearls represent not only purity and love, but transformation and emotional clarity — qualities fitting for a new beginning.
Their connection to the sea also gives them a reputation for calming emotions and fostering harmony. In some European traditions, brides wore pearls to protect themselves from tears on their wedding day — believing the pearls would take the place of any sorrow and ensure a joyful start to married life.
Natural Rarity and Cultured Beauty: The Evolution of Pearls
For centuries, pearls were among the rarest gems on earth. Natural pearls formed only under exceptional circumstances, hidden within oysters deep in the ocean. As a result, they were incredibly hard to find and even harder to match — making a full string of natural pearls a true status symbol. This rarity gave pearls their powerful mystique. Owning them was a mark of immense privilege.
In the early 20th century, Japanese innovator Kokichi Mikimoto revolutionised the jewellery world by developing the first cultured pearls — encouraging oysters to create pearls under controlled conditions. These cultured pearls retained the same natural beauty, lustre, and nacre layers as their wild counterparts, but with greater consistency and sustainability.
Today, almost all fine pearls are cultured — making them more accessible, while still upholding their luxurious charm and timeless appeal.
Why Brides Still Choose Pearls Today
Pearl jewellery remains a popular choice for weddings because it combines timeless beauty with deep meaning. Pearls provide a timeless aesthetic that complements any wedding dress and add a touch of sentiment and charm. They also gently honour the classic “something old, something new” bridal tradition, while carrying enduring value as cherished heirlooms, thoughtful gifts, and wearable memories. Their remarkable versatility means that—from classic studs and statement earrings to layered necklaces and elegant rings—pearls effortlessly enhance both traditional and contemporary bridal styles.
Pearl Jewellery for Weddings: Elegant Styles at James Porter & Son
Our curated pearl collection includes timeless classics and contemporary pieces, each hand-chosen for quality, lustre, and craftsmanship. Whether you're searching for your own bridal jewellery or a meaningful gift, here are just a few standout styles available now at James Porter & Son.
