Black pearls, also frequently referred to as Tahitian pearls, or Tahitian cultured black pearls, are extremely unique and beautiful dark cultured pearls that have become increasingly popular over the last few decades. This is quite the notable accomplishment, as cultured pearls had temporarily slipped from fashion’s attention throughout the last quarter century. However, black cultured pearls, as well as their lighter cousins, are now well on their way back into the favors of jewelry lovers. Today’s black cultured pearls are virtually always cultured, as the rarity of a black pearl found naturally in the ocean would make it extremely difficult to find, and thus not cost effective to cultured pearl suppliers. A black pearl would occur naturally only in about one in every 10,000 oysters. Moreover, it is illegal to dive for oysters for the sole purpose of discovering natural pearls, as it endangers the oyster species. Therefore, black cultured pearls are developed by way of a precise grafting process, performed by a skilled technician, with the Pinctada margaritifera, commonly known as the black lipped oyster of French Polynesia. Though referred to as “black”, black cultured pearls are most commonly quite multicolored, most frequently appearing in a shade of metallic steel-grey. This coloring is a natural part of their development, as the black lipped oyster produces dark, multicolored secretions for its mother-of-pearls. Simply browse our black cultured pearl necklaces for an example of the color spectrum.
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