Among the most colorful tales in the pearl world is one told by Pliny the Elder of a legendary banquet, where Cleopatra bet Marc Antony that she could host the most expensive dinner in history. The queen hoped to impress Antony and the Roman Empire with the extent of Egypt’s wealth. And so, she crushed one large pearl from a pair of earrings and dissolved it in a goblet of wine (or vinegar), before gulping it down. Astonished, Antony declined his dinner—the matching pearl—and admitted she had won.
Many civilizations prized pearls. One Persian legend describes how pearls were created when a rainbow met the earth after a storm. Ancient Egyptians prized pearls so much that they were buried with them. The ancient Japanese believed that pearls were created from the tears of mythical creatures, such as mermaids, nymphs, and angels. They are believed to attract wealth and luck as well as offer protection and have been said to symbolize the purity, generosity, integrity, and loyalty of its wearer.
This Victorian example is set in 15k gold with 5 split pearls and is hallmarked for London, 1884. It weighs 2g and is a size 6. Two pearls likely replaced. You will receive the pictured ring.
* Props used in photos, such as antique boxes, are not included in purchases. Your item will come boxed and packaged in Black Umbrella Jewelry custom packaging.
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