The Sea Gems


The Pearl

Pearls have a unique, beautiful luster and shape. Their formation is a unique phenomenon of mother nature ~

Reminiscent of it’s serene, watery origin, the pearl is birthed from a potent and beautiful aphrodisiac, the oyster. A pearl is born as the result of irritation to the soft body of a mollusk. The sea animal, trying to soothe abrasion from stuck sand or tiny organisms, nourishes the irritation with a layer of nacre, followed by another and another until the pearl is formed. Pearls symbolize the strength of overcoming pain and trauma. They are a reminder of the visible, tangible, shimmering glow of wisdom and pure beauty that can only come from life experience.

Pearls + Mythology


In Vedic texts, the pearl is born of the Earth’s waters and the power of sky, bound together by a flash of lightning. It is believed to be the daughter of the Moon. Ancient Japanese believed that the tears of nymphs and mermaids created pearls. In ancient Greece pearls were believed to be tears of the gods. Hindu folklore describes the gems as drops of dew that fell from the sky during the nighttime, into the moonlit ocean. In Western astrological culture, pearls are associated with the planet Venus. Like pearls, the goddess of love came from the sea. 

The Sea Gems

Created by living creatures, freshwater and saltwater mollusks, pearls are gems, rather than stones. Pearls are both lighter and stronger than concrete. They are symbols of femininity and purity as the beauty of facing and knowing one’s truth. Wear them to connect with your divine feminine.

Flowers + Skin uses antique pearls and other sustainably sourced materials. See our pearls.

Pearls From Japan

To document our memories is to preserve the luminous incandescence of feeling. Here is a window into the beginning:


We were wild children. We spent our early years wandering orchards and running through the forest. When I was still small— actually I’m still small, so, when I was very small— together with my baby sister and two wild brothers, I was adopted. Soon after, our new father’s elderly mother, Jewel, passed away. We’d never met her and the funeral is a blur of stale air and silence in my memory, but I remember we were given a dozen pearl necklaces, with elaborate gold clasps and other adornments. Later, there were some aunties who didn’t approve of the new wild girls playing dress-up with Jewel’s treasures. So the pearls were re-appropriated, never seen again by us. 

Years later, whenever I found myself in Japan, I spent time perusing tiny antique shops, places full of memory and history. I was drawn to pearls, fascinated by their imperfect shapes and luster and their sensual, watery origin. Eventually I ended up with my own collection of pearls and other bits of jewelry made of abalone and shell. Aside from a few strands my daughter uses for dress-up, these Japanese pearls are the source of the jewelry made for Flowers and Skin.

Energy + Creativity

Embodying feminine energy in a world with predominantly masculine energy allows for balance and creativity. When we are centered in masculine energy, we are focused, pushing forward and working towards the next big goal, striving to be perceived as the best, and constantly achieving. Tuning into the feminine shifts our focus to creativity, intuition, love, beauty, and flow.

Feminine Essence

To step into the feminine, take time to go inward. Listen to music, breathe, sing, sigh, make sound from your heart; feel flow and movement, dance. All these things relax the nervous system. Surrounding yourself with women who are comfortable in their feminine essence will facilitate the transition. 

Finding Balance

When working, balancing the masculine and feminine energies within us helps prevent creative blocks, while maintaining direction and focus. Wearing mother-of-pearl can be a reminder of your feminine essence. Our mother-of-pearl earrings are formed in structured, clear shapes to honor your drive and ambition alongside your creative intuition.

Mother of Pearl protects and calms with the gentle healing power of the sea. It stimulates imagination and intuition, sensitivity, and adaptability. It creates balance and harmony in our emotions, soothing and tempering feelings of fear. Expressions of love and clarity in decision-making come more easily.

How do these incredible sea gems support you in your life? What do they symbolize for you? Share your stories in comments below <3