Like globes of iridescent moonlight, pearls are captivating stones which have been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Created by living mollusks, pearls capture the elegance and beauty of the natural world and are stunning in both classic and modern jewelry.

Whether you’re looking for pearl birthstone jewelry to celebrate a loved one born in June or the best pearl jewelry with spiritual benefits, we’re certain you’ll find something to love in this pearl gift guide.

Likewise, if you’re in search of pearl jewelry for men or women’s pearl jewelry, you’ll find an array of entrancing options in our collection. But first, let’s explore the variety, symbolism, and properties of pearls—starting with how these remarkable stones are formed.

What are Pearls?

Pearl is an iridescent material produced within the shell of a mollusk. A pearl is a hard, often spherical gem which can be farmed or (rarely) found naturally in the wild, while the more common mother-of-pearl (also called nacre) is regularly formed as part of mollusk shells.

Pearls are completely unique in the realm of gemstones because they are only gems formed inside the body of a living organism, usually a pearl oyster or mussel. Pearls consist of calcium carbonate—yes, the same substance used in heartburn medication, believe it or not! For this reason, pearls are easily damaged by acidic substances and should be handled with care.

Though most of the pearls used in jewelry are white or black and round or teardrop-shaped, pearl can form in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Pearls that form unusual shapes are called “baroque” pearls. Some of the natural variations of pearl colors are white, black, gold, blue, purple, pink, and multicolored.

Natural pearls, formed in the wild, are extremely rare. This is because, under normal circumstances, mollusks do not produce pearls. Pearls are only created when an irritant is introduced inside a mollusk’s shell; the mollusk then protects itself by encasing the irritant in layers of aragonite and other minerals, eventually forming the prized, iridescent object in a process that can take years to complete.

In the wild, only 1 in 10,000 pearl oyster shells may contain a pearl, making these pearls highly valuable. Most of the pearls used in jewelry are human-cultivated in oyster farms. Pearl is one of the traditional birthstones for those born in June, along with moonstone and alexandrite.

The Symbolism of Pearls

The traditional image of a pearl is round, white, and radiantly iridescent. Because of its unearthly appearance, pearl is often associated with the moon. But there’s another reason to consider pearl’s lunar connection: the moon has a powerful influence over the tides, and pearls are formed in large bodies of water, where they soak up the moon’s energy and become imbued with its purity and tranquility.

Pearls are thought to represent innocence and beauty. Because they are formed within the body of a living creature, they are often associated with fertility, parenthood, transformations, and new beginnings. Like many crystals, they are believed to offer protection from negative energy and healing to those in physical, spiritual, or emotional distress.

Pearls are naturally associated with the element of water, which symbolizes adaptability and fluidity, graceful transformations, and life itself. Pearls make wonderful gifts for those who are transitioning from one stage of life to another.

The Benefits of Pearl

Besides their uncommon and luminous beauty, pearls have a number of benefits for those who wear them. Because of its natural rarity, pearl is considered an extremely lucky gem, radiating good fortune and prosperity.

Pearl is a soothing gem, helping to balance the emotions and promote calm. Their innate purity makes them wonderful at banishing negative energy and shielding against ill-will. They promote emotional healing and relaxation.

How to Wear Pearl Jewelry

There are many reasons to wear pearl jewelry, and for most people, the beauty of these remarkable gems is enough. But pearl has many other properties—it can help you cleanse your space, shield yourself from harmful energy, and embrace a spirit of peace and renewal.

Long strands of white pearls are the classic pearl jewelry for women, but these days, there are so many other ways to wear pearls. At Karma and Luck, our designers create unique, modern pearl jewelry inspired by ancient healing traditions.

Be sure to always buy pearl jewelry from trusted jewelry suppliers. When choosing a pearl jewelry store, look for the best pearl jewelry stores which use genuine stones to ensure that you get the full benefit of these amazing gems.

Karma and Luck’s pearl jewelry is artisan-designed, fair-trade, and made by hand. Below are just a few pieces from our beautiful and authentic pearl collection, which features designs inspired by cultural and spiritual practices around the world. Our jewelry may be stunning, but that’s not all: it’s designed with intention to reflect your values and enrich your spiritual life.

#1 Feminine Power - Pearl & Moonstone Anklet

Like pearl, moonstone is an iridescent gem strongly associated with the moon. It is believed to have spiritual benefits for women because of its lunar resonance. Our designers blended this soothing and feminine stone with pearls to create a subtle and beautiful pearl anklet which celebrates the sacredness of womanhood.

#2 Endless Wisdom - White Pearl Mantra Necklace

Pearls aren’t just for women—men have worn pearls as a symbol of prosperity and intuition for centuries. This modern and subtly masculine necklace combines a mantra barrel, which symbolizes focus and spiritual strength, with a strand of creativity-boosting white pearls. Our designers brought these elements together to craft a men’s pearl necklace that defies convention while making a powerful statement of spiritual dedication.

#3 Peace & Love - Pearl Evil Eye Earrings

Our artisans were inspired by the ancient symbolism of the Evil Eye, a powerful amulet against ill-will and negative energy, to create these delicate and beautiful pearl earrings. Our Peace & Love threader earrings feature two large, bejeweled Evil Eye charms which dangle elegantly from gold chains studded with pearls. When you wear them, you’ll spread positive energy everywhere you go!

#4 Subtle Energy - Moonstone & Pearl Anklet

Our adjustable Subtle Energy anklet draws its radiance from a strand of moonstone beads, finished with a glowing white pearl. Moonstone and pearl is the perfect pairing to celebrate femininity, balance, and creativity. These two gems, both associated with the power of the moon and the ever-changing tides of the ocean, come together to form a celebration of womanhood as eye-catching as it is powerful.

#5 Connection Enhancer - Pearl Labradorite Aquamarine Necklace

It takes bravery to open your heart to the world. This pearl necklace is all about celebrating connections, both with nature and with loved ones. We combined imagination-boosting pearls with labradorite, which represents the curiosity and higher awareness that brings us in tune with others, and aquamarine, which represents peace and fluidity, two hallmarks of balanced and fulfilling relationships. Strung together with a gold chain, these three stones bring high vibrations to our Connection Enhancer necklace.

#6 Beautiful Reverie - Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Freshwater pearls have a more delicate energy than their saltwater counterparts. These bright white, iridescent stones symbolize innocence and beauty. To create our Beautiful Reverie necklace, we strung together alternating sections of pearls and gold beads and finished it with a golden Evil Eye. The Evil Eye is a protective amulet which deflects negativity, preventing the jealousy or ill will of others from dimming your light. Don’t be afraid to dream big when you wear this purifying necklace.

#7 Spiritual Strength - Pearl Rosary Necklace

Our designers created this men’s pearl necklace to bring together an unconventional combo: pearls and dragons. In cultures around the world, the dragon symbolizes power, majesty, and ultimate strength. On the other hand, pearls are associated with peace and wisdom. Together, they make a necklace fit for a king: a sterling silver rosary strung with white pearls, with a dragon charm at the center. Let your spirit roar!

Pearls may make you think of simple, classical jewelry—long strands of plain white pearls—but as our collection shows, these unique gems are versatile, complementing both men’s and women’s jewelry and providing a wealth of spiritual benefits to those who wear them. They make wonderful gifts for those with June birthdays, and for anyone who feels a connection with the oceans and the moon.

Start Your Journey Here: Explore our complete pearl collection for men and women. Find the perfect fair-trade spiritual jewelry with Karma and Luck—our handmade, artisan-designed jewelry has something for everyone.