Pearls have long been a symbol of luxury, beauty, and prestige, and their allure in Scandinavia dates to the Middle Ages. Despite Sweden’s limited domestic pearl fishing, these luminous gems were highly sought after by royalty, wealthy magnates, and the church.
Pearls in old times in Sweden
The Rise of Pearl Fishing in Sweden
For centuries, Swedish pearls actually came from Finland, which was part of the Swedish kingdom at the time. Since local pearl fishing was scarce, Sweden imported most of its pearls to satisfy demand. However, interest in pearl fishing grew significantly in the early 17th century, possibly inspired by a 1643 book detailing the potential wealth hidden in Swedish mussels.
Recognizing the value of these natural treasures, the Swedish Crown began to employ pearl and gemstone fishers in the mid-1600s. By 1691, pearl fishing was declared a royal privilege, further elevating the status of pearls in Swedish society.
The Rose Halsband och Örhängen
Pearl Fishing Across Sweden
During the last century, pearl fishing was actively conducted in several Swedish rivers, including:
- Pärlälven & Råneåälven (Lapland)
- Västerdalälven (Dalarna)
- Jämtland’s waterways
- Svartån (Östergötland)
- Emån (Småland)
- Lagan (Halland)
At its peak in the 1950s, pearls were incredibly valuable—fetching 100 SEK per millimeter in Northern Sweden, a considerable sum at the time. However, as pearl mussels became increasingly rare, the Swedish government introduced protective laws, starting with Pärlälven in 1914 and culminating in a nationwide ban on pearl fishing in 1994 to protect freshwater mussels.
The Enduring Passion for Pearls in Sweden
Although pearl fishing has faded into history, Sweden’s love for pearls remains as strong as ever. At Lost Poem, we continue this legacy by offering the widest range of pearls in the Nordic region, ensuring that anyone can experience the timeless elegance of real pearls.
We partner with responsible suppliers worldwide to bring you the highest quality freshwater and saltwater pearls, carefully curated to honor both tradition and modern craftsmanship. Whether you are looking for classic pearl necklaces, elegant earrings, or unique statement pieces, Lost Poem makes it easy to find the perfect pearl jewelry in Sweden.
Discover the Beauty of Pearls with Lost Poem
Embrace the rich history and beauty of pearls by exploring our collection. Shop now and own a piece of timeless elegance!