Susan Miller

·Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design, Pratt Institute, 2012

·Bachelor of Arts in Gemology, University of California, Los Angeles, May 2005

·Editor-in-Chief, White Victoria (2018 - present)

·Write and research feature articles and profiles for print and online publication

·Contributing Writer, Modern Jeweler and Ornament

·Write and publish freelance articles for IGS and WSJ Magazine

·Jewelry Appraiser (2012 - 2020)

Sometimes, we find ourselves in a situation where we want to give someone jewelry as a gift – but not just any jewelry. We're talking about pieces that are elegant, classic, and meaningful. When it comes to fine jewelry, there's nothing quite like pearls for ticking all those boxes.

For centuries, people have turned to these lustrous orbs to symbolize beauty, grace, and charm – which is why they work for birthdays, weddings, or congratulatory events.

They're not just pretty things to wear. When you gift someone pearls, whether you're saying "I love you," "I'm proud of you," or simply "Let's have an amazing time!" the gems do all the talking – no words required.

In this guide, we'll look at different types of pearls that make great gifts for occasions. Consider these as your ultimate cheat sheet!

What Does Giving Someone A Pearl Mean?

Pearls

Gifting someone a pearl is not just about giving them a beautiful piece of jewelry – it's about so much more. Pearls have been seen as symbols of purity, wisdom, and wealth for thousands of years. When you give pearls to someone, you're showing that you admire them, respect them, and love them deeply.

For example, if you give your partner a pearl necklace on their birthday, it shows that you still adore them every bit as much as when you first met – if not more.

Giving a close friend pearl earrings when they get that amazing new job says: "I'm so proud of everything you've achieved!" And if there's romance involved, exchanging pearl jewelry can mean "I will love you forever."

In short? A pearl gift shows the person who receives it that it means a great deal to you – and always will.

Wedding Gifts

Pearls

When it comes to wedding gifts, pearls hold a special place as they symbolize purity, love, and harmony—making them the perfect choice for celebrating milestones in a couple's journey together.

For example, the traditional 30th-anniversary gift is pearls. This significant milestone calls for honoring three decades of love and commitment with the timeless elegance of pearls. A stunning 10.0-12.0mm Multicolor Tahitian Pearl Necklace or pair of 11.0-12.0mm White South Sea Round Pearl & Diamond Leaf Earrings in 18K Gold would be a cherished gift that symbolizes the enduring bond shared by the couple.

On the 12th wedding anniversary, couples typically exchange gifts made from silk or linen, but modern interpretations include pearls as well. Incorporating pearl accents into a piece of clothing or giving a pearl-embellished home decor item adds a touch of sophistication and romance to commemorate over a decade of marriage.

Pearls

When it comes to commemorating 20 years of wedded bliss, china is the recommended gift in both traditional and modern anniversary guides. But don't overlook pearls: they're also linked with two decades of marital harmony. A 9.0-12.0mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace or 6.0-6.5mm White Freshwater Pearl Bracelet made from these lustrous orbs would be a stunning way to mark the occasion—and honor how your love has grown.

In all anniversary contexts, offering pearls demonstrates wisdom, commitment, and undying love—all qualities often associated with long-term marriages.

Birthday Gifts

Pearls

When considering a birthday present, pearls are both an elegant and thoughtful choice. They suggest luxury while also holding sentimental value – ideal for marking the passing of another year and creating memories.

Pearls themselves symbolize purity as well as wisdom. They make perfect sense as a gift to celebrate personal growth, too. For those special birthdays that mark milestones or other significant moments (such as turning 30 or 50 years old), a 13.0-14.0mm White South Sea Pearl & Diamond Madeline Pendant in 18K Gold will add sophistication and charm to any party.

If you're buying for someone younger, like a teenager or young adult, consider modern styles: Baroque Pearl Silver Color Wrap Bangle or Irregular White Freshwater Pearl Ring. These designs are not only stylish right now but also have a freshness that doesn't age – just like the wearer!

Pearls

In addition, pearls are thought to bring good fortune and wealth to those who wear them, making them a lucky birthday gift option. By gifting pearls on someone's birthday, you're symbolizing that you hope they have many more prosperous and joyful years ahead.

Whether you pick out a traditional strand for a big birthday or something funky with pearls in it for someone younger, pearl jewelry will be appreciated not only for its beauty but also because of the belief behind it – which makes it pretty awesome any way you slice it!

Mother's Day Gifts

Pearls

When Mother's Day is coming up, what better way to show your appreciation for the maternal figures in your life than with a heartfelt gift of pearls? Pearls represent purity, nurturing instincts, and unconditional love – all things that make them particularly apt for celebrating mums on their special day.

Whether it's a classic 4.0-5.0mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace or a pair of 10.0-11.0mm Golden South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings in 18K Gold, these timeless treasures will serve as a constant reminder of the unwavering support and guidance mothers provide.

For something a little more personal, how about selecting matching mother-daughter pearl jewelry? Not only does this beautiful gesture acknowledge the unique connection between mum and child, but it also symbolizes wisdom and fortitude that has been passed down through the generations.

Pearls

On the other hand, a modern piece of pearl jewelry like a trendy White Freshwater Baroque Pearl Cuff Golden Bangle or White Rice Freshwater Pearl Bunch Pendant may be more her style. These designs are both fashionable and full of meaning—just like motherhood today. Pearls' timeless symbolism meets contemporary taste in these chic pieces.

Pearl jewelry reflects the grace and strength all moms have (even if they don't always see it!). Giving pearls says: I think you're amazing, and I love you lots—which is nice to hear any day, but especially on Mother's Day!

Valentine's Day Gifts

Pearls

Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and cherish the special bond with your partner. When choosing the perfect gift, pearls are a great option as they are timeless and can express deep feelings.

By giving someone pearls on Valentine's Day, you show that you have thought about them carefully and feel admiration for them –– while also symbolizing purity and loyalty.

One classic Valentine's gift is a beautiful 8.0-10.0mm Multicolor Tahitian Pearl Necklace with its glowing spheres nestled against her neck, and it will both enhance her beauty and remind her of your love.

Pearls

Alternatively, 10.0-11.0mm White South Sea Round Pearl & Diamond Chain Dangle Earrings in 18K Gold would make any woman look sophisticated and graceful on Valentine's Day –– as well as remind her of the connection between you (because they come in pairs, like lovers!).

Valentine's Day pearls are meaningful, not just pretty. They're made as oysters layer nacre—shiny stuff—over irritants until they become magnificent. This is like love: it takes in imperfections and difficulties and makes them valuable.

When you give pearls, you're giving something that symbolizes pure, strong, forever love—beautifully! They say, "I adore you," in a way flowers or chocolates simply can't. Those tokens of affection don't capture the essence of romance or commitment the way exquisite pearls do.

Promotion Gifts

Pearls

If you're trying to find a classy and thoughtful gift for someone who has just been promoted, consider pearls. These gems represent achievement, integrity, and wisdom – all qualities that make them perfect for celebrating hard work and dedication in a professional setting.

For example, giving a pair of 5.0-5.5mm White Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Balance Pave Earrings in Sterling Silver to a coworker who's received a raise shows both your appreciation for their achievements and how much you value their professionalism. The iridescent shine of pearls also mirrors the glow of success itself.

In corporate environments, offering a pearl tie pin or set of cufflinks to a colleague who has been promoted can serve as a concrete symbol of their progression within the company. It shows admiration for their work so far and expresses hope for continued success in their new position.

Pearls

Furthermore, pearls are frequently connected with femininity, which makes them an ideal option if you're marking the promotion of a woman to a leadership role.

A set of pearl earrings or a timeless necklace with pearls won't just go well with professional clothes. It will also help empower her with confidence and sophistication as she takes on more responsibilities.

Holiday Gifts

Pearls

If you're in need of gift-giving inspiration over the festive period, pearls could be the answer. Not only are they elegant and timeless, but they also carry connotations of luxury – perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year's Eve presents.

For example, white Akoya pearls worn as necklaces can represent peace and purity, which are ideal for spreading goodwill at Christmas time. Meanwhile, a pair of Akoya earrings might make a thoughtful Hanukkah gift because they reflect light just as hope does during the eight-day festival.

And as one year ends and another begins, why not give Tahitian black pearls? Their color can symbolize transformation plus fresh starts – so although nobody knows what lies ahead (represented by the darkness), it's bound to be good stuff!

Pearls are also important in cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year or Diwali. In Chinese tradition, gifting freshwater pearls during the Lunar New Year signifies wanting the recipient to have a prosperous and abundant year ahead. For Hindus exchanging Diwali presents, pearls are thought to bring blessings of happiness and victory.

With their versatility as well as the meaning behind them, pearls make thoughtful gifts that people will cherish long after receiving them.

Bottom Line

Pearls

For your next special occasion, consider giving the gift of pearls. Whether you're celebrating a milestone in a relationship, marking an important date, or spreading festive cheer, pearls are both enduring and meaningful presents – they transcend cultural boundaries to speak to the heart.

By choosing carefully, pearl gifts show appreciation and thoughtfulness for the recipient, creating memories that will endure as brightly as the gems' luster.

So why not think about gifting pearls for an upcoming event? Their beauty expresses warm feelings in an elegant fashion.