The World is One's Oyster

Though oysters have long been considered a delicacy, “the world is one’s oyster” invokes, as a metaphor, much more than just a tasty snack. Oysters are also, of course, the source of beautiful and very valuable pearls, although the chances of finding a pearl-bearing oyster on your dinner plate are vanishingly remote (especially today, since the oysters that produce pearls are not considered edible). But, as they say in the Lotto ads, you can’t win it if you’re not in it, and only by prying open the oyster can you hope to win a pearl or, at the very least, partake of the delicacy inside. So, in the most expansive sense, “the world is your oyster” means that, because of your position or advantages, the world is laid out before you like a plate of oysters needing only to be pried open to be enjoyed, perhaps with a pearl as a prize.
The world is one’s oyster” first appeared in print in the early 17th century, and seems to be one of the dozens of phrases and figures of speech coined by William Shakespeare, in this case in his play The Merry Wives of Windsor ~ “Why then the world’s mine Oyster, which I, with sword will open”. ~

See "Necklaces" for the beautiful Oyster Shell jewelry, on sale now for just $10, originally $28.

These make the perfect gift for someone who is taking a new step, making a difficult choice, starting out in a new job or just a sweet gift for that someone special to remind them that no matter where they are in life, that LIFE IS GOOD and "The World is Your Oyster"!

---