Pearls: from the Vikings to today
Pearls, a magical and captivating gem, which comes from the depths but shines brightly in the sunlight. It is the only gem that comes from a living being, created by a grain of sand as a true gift of nature. Its story is fascinating and very long.
Pearls: from the Vikings to today
Although when we think of pearls, Sweden does not come to mind, in fact in this Scandinavian country there is one of the oldest mollusks, the freshwater mussel, which in its long life (250 years!) produces pearls just like the better-known oysters.
It was precisely in Sweden that some evidence from the past was found: the Vikings placed pearls in their graves. They often ate mussels, which leads experts to believe that the pearls in their possession were native and not the result of trade. Many Viking jewels were 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 also in objects, garments, religious headdresses, sacred furnishings, and tablecloths, becoming a true fashion.
In the 1500s, after Gustav Vasa ascended the throne, the rise of the Lutheran church led to the stripping of riches, which were nationalized or taxed. Many stories tell how some nuns of Vreta were forced to sell a string of pearls over 13 meters long, while the king, to symbolize his wealth, adorned his garments with pearls. From a symbol of beauty, pearls thus became the representation of the house, a luxury product and the privilege of the powerful.
Scandinavia, from the Vikings to today
This is how their production increased, helped also by the evolution of “global trade” and commerce with other European countries. Naturalist experts from all over Sweden were called to court to enhance the production of spherical pearls. The population was allowed to fish mussels to produce their own pearls to trade. Until 1994, in Sweden, citizens were permitted to fish freshwater mussels, precisely those that since the time of Ragnar Lothbrok produced pearls.
A jewel to pass down
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 a heirloom to pass from mother to daughter.
We also love them very much, in all their shades. They are a timeless jewel, ideal for any occasion, day or night. Discover all the pearls set in the most beautiful jewels, let our expert gemmologists guide you in choosing the right treasure for you and your loved ones.
