Meaning of the a Pearl?

[guywitha?]

Hey Ladies,

Got a question for you...is there a universal meaning to the pearl? or is it change depending on the house?

I am about to propose to a Gamma Phi Beta alum and I vaguely remember her telling me about girls while in college would get a pearl in some form or another from the guy they were with and it was treated like a "promise ring".

Am I remember this correctly at all? I kind of want to bring this into play, since my girl was never actually given a pearl while in school, but saw many of her friends receive them.

Thanks!