The Thoothukudi pearls, naturally harvested from the Gulf of Mannar, are one of the world’s oldest recorded natural pearls with a history of over 2,000 years. The Thoothukudi Muthu Urpathiyalargal Sangam has applied for a Geographical Indications (GI) tag to recognize their unique cultural and symbolic importance in Tamil tradition. These pearls symbolize purity, divinity, and royal power. Historically, they were used in temple offerings, royal ornaments, and as diplomatic gifts. Thoothukudi, known as the 'Pearl City', has an ancient pearl fishing legacy. The Gulf of Mannar, a famous natural pearl bank, offers an ideal habitat for the Indian pearl oyster. The pearls come in shapes such as round, semi-round, and button-shaped with smooth surfaces and fine textures. Their colors range from pure white and cream to pale yellow, pink, and silvery white, all shining with a "milky" lustre. These pearls were prized worldwide for their thick nacre layers, lasting brilliance, and excellent finish. They were highly sought after in Indian, Roman, Greek, Arab, Mediterranean, and East Asian markets. The ancient port of Korkai near modern Thoothukudi was a key pearl trade center mentioned in Sangam literature. In colonial times, the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British controlled the pearl fishery and held auctions in Thoothukudi, attracting global merchants. Pearl fishing shaped the regional economy and the culture of coastal communities, especially the Paravas, known for their pearl diving skills. The pearls are produced along Tamil Nadu’s southern coast, mainly in the Gulf of Mannar between Thoothukudi and Sri Lanka. This region has shallow waters, coral reefs, moderate salinity, and high plankton, perfect for pearl oysters. The pearls connected the region to ancient trade routes reaching Rome, Arabia, and China, enriching the Pandya and Chola kingdoms and later colonial powers. The Parava community added special knowledge with traditional diving and harvesting methods, making their heritage unique globally, said the association's IPR attorney and GI nodal officer P. Sanjai Gandhi.