What are black pearls? Explaining the characteristics that affect their grade and the differences between origins
Posted by GINZAREPEARL
Basic information on black pearls | Characteristics that determine their grade
Black pearls are produced by large oysters called Pinctada margaritifera and are mainly cultivated in warm waters. They are mainly produced in areas such as Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and Fiji, and most of the black pearls on the market are from Tahiti.
Black pearl size
Black-lipped pearls are known for their large size. The typical size is 8mm to 16mm , but some can grow to 18mm or more . This size is larger than the typical Akoya pearl (2mm to 10mm), and gives them a presence that is unique to black-lipped pearls.
Variations in the colour of black pearls
Black pearls are often thought of as "black pearls," but they actually come in a variety of colors. The most common colors are as follows:
- Peacock Green : A fairly greenish black, the most valuable.
- Silver Black : An elegant shade with a glossy black silver finish
- Blue black : A bluish black with a fantastic shine.
- Gray : A calm look that can be used for both formal and casual occasions.
These colors are not artificially dyed, but are the result of natural pigments found in the mother oyster. As no two pearls have the same color, black pearls are said to have "unique beauty."
Luster of Black Pearls
Black pearls have a much stronger shine (luster) than other pearls. High-quality pearls in particular reflect light like a mirror and have a nostalgic shine. The stronger the shine, the higher the pearl's value.
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What makes black pearls different from other pearls?
Black South Sea pearls have clear differences from Akoya pearls and white South Sea pearls. Below we compare the main differences.
Size Differences
Black South Sea pearls are generally 8mm to 16mm in size, with the larger ones reaching over 18mm . Meanwhile, Akoya pearls range in size from 2mm to 10mm , and white South Sea pearls range in size from 8mm to 20mm , with black South Sea pearls falling somewhere in between.
Color Difference
| pearl | Main Color |
|---|---|
| Black pearl | Black, green, silver, blue, gray |
| Akoya pearls | White, pink, cream |
| White South Sea Pearl | White, gold, silver |
Black pearls are characterized by their dark tone colors not found in other pearls, and peacock green in particular is considered to be the highest quality.
Differences between production areas and mother shells
| pearl | Origin | Mother shell |
|---|---|---|
| Black pearl | Tahiti, Cook Islands, Fiji | Black-lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) |
| Akoya pearls | Japan, China, Korea | Pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata) |
| White South Sea Pearl | Australia, Indonesia | Pinctada maxima |
Black pearls are cultivated in warm waters, so they tend to grow large.
Price and rarity
Black pearls are produced in smaller quantities than Akoya pearls, making them highly prized. As a result, their market price is relatively high, and pearls with beautiful colors such as "peacock green" and "silver black" are traded at high prices.
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The influence of the origin and environment of black pearls on their quality
The quality of black pearls is greatly influenced by the environment in which they are cultivated. Here we will explain the characteristics of each of the main production areas.
Tahiti (French Polynesia)
In particular, greenish black pearls known as "peacock green" are considered to be the most valuable.
Features
- Many pearls
- Wide variety of colors
- Critical aquaculture management under environmental protection
Cook Islands
It is the second largest producer of black pearls after Tahiti, and they tend to be a little pale. They produce pearls with a sophisticated look, especially blue-black and silvery colors.
Features
- The flavor is slightly lighter than that of Tahiti.
- Mostly blue-black and silvery colors
- Although production volume is small, high-quality products are distributed.
Fiji
This is a production area that has been attracting attention this year, and unlike those from Tahiti, many black pearls with golden or bronze hues decorated with reddish tints are harvested here.
Features
- Characterized by reddish gold and bronze colors
- The production volume is low, limiting the number available on the market.
- The unique color that is different from other black pearls is attractive.
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summary
Black pearls are rare pearls that are characterized by their unique color, large size, and strong luster. Unlike other pearls, the quality and color of black pearls vary depending on the place of origin, and the peacock green pearls from Tahiti are considered to be the highest quality.