Pearls: From the Vikings to Today
Pearls , a magical and fascinating gem, which comes from the depths but shines brightly in the sunlight. It is the only gem that comes from a living being, created from a grain of sand as a true gift of nature. Its history is fascinating and very long.
Pearls: From the Vikings to Today
Even if Sweden doesn't come to mind when we think of pearls , in reality this Scandinavian country is home to one of the oldest molluscs, the freshwater mussel, which in its long life (250 years!) produces pearls exactly like the more well-known oysters.
In Sweden itself, there are some testimonies from the past: the Vikings placed pearls in their graves. They often ate mussels, which leads experts to believe that the pearls in their possession were indigenous and not the result of trade. Many are the Viking jewels made with pearls and other precious metals.
Pearls: the story
After the year 1000, the pearl became a symbol of beauty and perfection and began to be used in objects, clothes, religious headdresses, sacred furnishings and tablecloths, becoming a real fashion.
In 1500, after the accession to the throne of Gustav Vasa, the advent of the Lutheran church led to the plundering of wealth, which was nationalized or taxed. Many stories tell of how some nuns of Vreta were forced to sell a pearl ribbon over 13 meters long, while the king, to symbolize his wealth, adorned his clothing with pearls. From a symbol of beauty, pearls then became the representation of the lineage, a luxury product and the prerogative of the powerful.
Scandinavia, from the Vikings to today
Thus their production increased, also thanks to the evolution of “globalization” and trade with other European countries. Expert naturalists from all over Sweden were called to court to increase the production of spherical pearls. The population was allowed to fish for mussels to produce their own pearls, to be sold. Until 1994, in Sweden, citizens were allowed to fish for freshwater mussels, the very ones that had been producing pearls since the time of Ragnar Lothbrock.
A jewel to pass on
In short: a long tradition that has its roots in the past, making the pearl a symbol of luxury, love and beauty, but also of purity and integrity. Not for nothing, pearls are an indispensable jewel in weddings, but also an heirloom to be passed down from mother to daughter.
We also love them a lot, in all their shades . They are a timeless jewel, ideal for any occasion, day and night. Discover all the pearls set in the most beautiful jewels, let our expert gemologists guide you in choosing the right precious for you and for those you love.
