What symbolic item is associated with the goddess of love and beauty?

The apple is indeed a symbolic item associated with the goddess of love and beauty, particularly in ancient mythology. In Greek mythology, the apple is famously linked to the story of the "Judgment of Paris," where Paris, a prince of Troy, was asked to choose the fairest goddess between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite (the Greek equivalent of Venus). Paris awarded the golden apple to Aphrodite, which became a symbol of beauty, love, and desire. The apple represents not just physical beauty but also the allure and temptations associated with love.

While the other options have their own associations—such as the rose often representing love and passion, the pearl symbolizing purity and fertility, and the golden mirror denoting self-reflection and vanity—the apple has a more direct narrative connection to the mythological tales surrounding Aphrodite and her status as the goddess of love and beauty. This rich narrative context helps to solidify the apple's symbolic significance tied specifically to her.