A pearl seed is generally defined as a small natural pearl measuring less than 2mm in diameter. Although their early definition stated that they should "weigh less than a quarter of a grain."
Use of pearls in Victorian jewelry
Seed pearls are unlike any other type of pearl; The most noticeable difference is the miniature size of the pearls. Their size means they are often used as decoration on brooches and pendants. They were especially popular in Victorian jewelry, as were pearls in general.
Pearl seeds also became a fashionable wedding gift, as pearls were associated with purity, chastity and delicacy.
Pearls proved popular when heavy lace and intricate details came into fashion. This style complemented the pearl look perfectly. Sewn tightly together, these tiny pearls were the perfect accessory for bright and heavy dresses. Pearl jewelry became so large and extravagant that sometimes metal supports were added to the back of the jewelry.
Creating jewelry with pearl seeds required a high level of skill to avoid crushing or breaking the delicate pearls. In addition, these tiny pearls were sewn onto horsehair or silk; this made the job of creating pearl seed jewelry incredibly difficult.
Pearl grains also provide the perfect accent to larger gemstones. This is demonstrated by many Victorian decorations
Pendants with small pearls of the 18th-19th centuries:
Pearl grains are so delicate that they can be used as decoration and accents in antique jewelry, as well as as a supporting stone.
In Russian jewelry art
According to some information, in Russia there were a huge amount of pearls and, it seems, our ancestors were engaged in breeding (rather, preserving the places where pearl shells lived), until certain events occurred...
We used small pearls to embroider clothes completely, or details of clothes: belts, cuffs or edges of clothes were decorated with the following embroidery:
Modern pearls, similar to the pearl seeds of the past, also appear on farms where they are cultivated, but real, natural pearls are a thing of the past...
