"No oriental divinity, no object of veneration has been without this ornament" is a statement written in one of the most noteworthy books about the history of pearls that illustrates our long and on-going fascination with these jewels from the waters of our beautiful planet. The Japanese revere the spirit of the pearl from the dragons who hold them under their chins, on their heads, and by their claws to the ornate jewelry of Mikimoto and even the decorative royal award known as the Order of the Crown of the First Class which is elaborately adorned with spherical pearls.

In Japan it is well-known that they were the first to culture fresh-water pearls known as akoyagai in the Shima Peninsula. Mikimoto is recognized around the world for their beautiful settings and high quality pearls. Stories abound of two dragons holding a pearl in their talons which is often reflected in their art and jewelry.

There are records that mention sea pearls from Japan and other islands in China dating back nearly 4000 years. Lake Biwa produced some of the highest quality freshwater pearls which contributed to the great reputation the Japanese have enjoyed for their proficiency in culturing these lustrous treasures. Lake Kasumigaura found that the hybrid mussel could produce large unique pearls recently until pollution compromised the Kasumiga and Kasumi industry. Of the six major types of pearls from Japan, the abalone and akoya, the keshi, kasumiga, and kasumi, and the mikimoto pearls are each special in their own right and have set a standard around the world for jewelry and collections.

Buddhist legend tells that the Water Dragon Apalala was converted to Buddhism by the Buddha. In Sanskrit the word Naga means Dragon or Serpent. The “Dragon Stone” or "Dragon Pearl" is a stone purportedly taken from the brain of the Dragon and imparts the magical qualities and metaphysical attributes to the human who wears this totem. The powers include enhanced success in business, long life, protection from evil, and personal happiness.

In Japanese dictionaries an ideograph that is defined as 'moon pearl' is a combination of elements which mean 'moon' and 'jewel' referring to the 'pearl of great price' of the mani, the divine essence of the gods. Amaterasu of Shinto origin had a grandson Ninigi whose child Hoori and Toyo-Tama who was the Dragon Kings's daughter had a son who fathered the first human emperor of Japan Kamu-Yamato-Iware-Biko.

The pole star was once Thuban in the Draco or dragon constellation during the time of the great pyramid of Giza which was aligned with Orion. Angkor Wat in Cambodia was built to align with this same constellation to acknowledge the time when the Titans were overthrown by the serpentine Heavenly Mother Tiamat of the Mesopotamians who were devotees of Marduk. The eight Dragon Kings sat in audience at Eagle Peak when Buddha gave the Lotus Sutra wherein the Devadatta chapter the Dragon Princess achieves Enlightenment. The Dragon King Ryujin's Palace is at the bottom of the sea in Japanese mythology, near Okinawa of the Ryuku Islands in the Evergreen Land full of the treasures of the Tide Jewels. The Dragon King Ryu-oo is also known as the Naga Raga in Sanskrit in the Horyu-ji Temple in the 7th Century. Thus links the lineages from Egypt to India to China to Japan where the Dragon has five claws clenching a magnificent Pearl at the Kencho-ji Temple at Kamakura Zen monastery.

What does this mean for you today? This gives you the historical context which connects the mysteries of the pearl and its majestic place in history through many cultures and traditions, bringing you the wealth of knowledge and the foundation for your continuity with this legendary substance which will impart its splendor to you.