What do you look for in a black pearl necklace? There are certain traits, in addition to the color, that set a black pearl necklace apart from the more typical white strands that so readily leap to mind.
Just What is a Black Pearl Necklace?
Black pearls begin with the black-lipped Pinctata Margaritifera oyster in the lagoons of French Polynesia, specifically the pearl farms of the Tuamotu-Gambier Archipelago. Here the oysters are seeded with an irritant around which they then form a pearl as a healing mechanism. This is true of cultured pearls everywhere. But to get the pearls for a black pearl necklace the oyster has to be the black-lipped Pinctata Margaritifera which secretes the special pigment that give that particular shade to a proper black pearl necklace. These shades can range from a soft pale grey to anthracite black.
Next comes the grading and selection of the pearls to that will go into a black pearl necklace. The grading begins at the very moment of harvest, where the pearls are checked for a uniform coat over the seeding material. The nucleus, luster, and no loss of natural pigmentation pass this first screening. From there they are judged for color, size and shape. The very best can bring in as much as ten thousand dollars apiece.
Once the pearls are sorted, the jewelers then select just the right ones for the black pearl necklace they have in mind. This may not mean picking only the most round and perfect pearls, as there may be a different design theme that they wish to pursue. One black pearl necklace can be as different from another as are the people who buy them. This is one of the special purposes in working with such an organic medium.
Choosing a necklace is a very personal choic: knowing just what you want from the form of your necklace. To get a quality pearl, it is best to stick to the reputable dealers, particularly when dealing with the wide range of online dealers. Look for smoothness and uniformity of color to be sure you are getting the best, but dont be overly choosy on shape. While the perfect sphere is the most prized, go with the necklace that you personally like the best, the one that truly strikes your fancy.
These are the very basics of what a black pearl necklace is all about. Just get out and shop around to find the perfect one for your needs.
Michelle Yamamoto has been writing articles for the family business on black pearl jewelry for 12 years. More information and articles can be found at the Pearl Center.
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