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Black Pearls

Black pearls get their name because they are, obviously, black. They are among the world’s rarest natural pearls and can be quite expensive to purchase. They are saltwater pearls that develop within the oyster Pinctada margaritifera, or black lipped oyster.

Up until the 1960’s, black pearls were only available in the naturally occurring variety, which made them extremely rare and expensive. Cultured varieties were first harvest from South Pacific around 1965. Since then the culture black pearl exports have become a multi-million dollar industry.

Because black pearls are so expensive, it is important that they be well cared for. Because pearls are soft, they should be stored separately from other gems in order to avoid becoming damaged. They should also be periodically wiped down with salt water to maintain their beauty.

 

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