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Pearls, Purity, Perfection and Marriage
As pure as a pearl,
And as perfect : a noble and innocent girl.
“Lucile”, Owen Meredith
Love and the pearl, Venus born from the sea in a shell by Botticelli, it seems as though pearls and love are tied together. Purity is one of the main terms used to describe pearls and young women. Pearls are emblematic of maidenly purity and sweetness. This usage dates to 1000 BC, and probably earlier. We all have heard the story of Lord Krishna, the beloved. He drew the pearl from the sea to decorate his daughter Pandaia on her wedding day. With Hindus, the presentation of a virgin pearl and its piercing forms part of the wedding ceremony.
The ancient Greeks dedicated the pearl to love and marriage. A famous work of art shows Cupid and psyche, united by a string of pearls, which they say is symbolic of conjugal bonds. The Greeks believed that pearls would insure a blissful marriage.
Pearls, in Europe and the US are given to the bride, and worn by the bride on her wedding day. Today, pearls symbolize purity and innocence, and are considered to be the wedding gem. Pearl jewelry is traditionally presented by the Father of the Bride or the Groom and symbolizes love, virtue, spirituality and prosperity
A few things to keep in mind when buying pearls for the wedding are:
- The bridal pearl jewelry should all match. Such as earrings matching the type, color of her necklace. You can be sure that all who see her will be examining her attire on this special day.
-Regarding the gown, the jewelry should match the color of the pearls on the gown, rather than the color of the gown, and on the veil. It will be the pearls themselves that make the vision complete.
- If the bride would like to wear some heirloom such as a necklace, brooch or earrings that don’t match, then consider placing a note in the program, such as “….is wearing a brooch in honor of her grandmother.”.
-A necklace on the bride should be at least one inch above the neckline so not to appear as if it is falling into the gown.
- These are guidelines only, and the bride should remember that this is her day and she has the right to wear whatever she wishes.
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