The Myth And Mystique Of A Black Pearl Necklace
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011Since recorded history, man has coveted the luminous white gems we call pearls. Revered the world over for their uncommon beauty, otherworldly sheen and understated elegance, pearls are as well-liked in contemporary society as they had been with European royals and Egyptian princesses centuries ago. These days, pearl jewelry connoisseurs have a new adore: african american pearls. Amazing, luxurious and rare, a rich african american pearl heart necklace presents a impressive picture–the gems certainly lack the demure, chaste image of the traditional white counterparts. For the woman that has every thing, a african american pearl necklace, regardless of whether showcased alone inside a pendant or inside a perfectly matched strand, can make a wonderful addition to her jewelry collection. Think about how lovely a african american pearl necklace will appear on any skin tone!
Where do jewelers get the pearls they use inside a matched african american pearl mens necklace?
“Black” pearls are also referred to as “Tahitian cultured pearls,” but each names are misleading. Not just are Tahitian cultured pearls not exclusively black, they are also not grown in Tahiti. Called “black” simply because of their amazing dark colours, Tahitian cultured pearls can be gray, blue, green and brown. And they’re grown in the lagoons of little islands which are component of the group recognized as French Polynesia. Tahiti, the biggest island, serves since the group’s center of commerce, and not as a pearl growing mecca. Interestingly, fine Tahitian cultured pearls have only been about the market since the 1970s. However they have turn out to be quite well-liked in that short time.
Growing Tahitian pearls
Tahitian pearls are cultivated for approximately two years in Pinctada margaritifera cumingi, a big saltwater mollusk that is native to French Polynesia. One from the methods this distinctive oyster differs from other species is that its interior shell colour is dim. This so-called “black lipped” oyster also has african american mantle edges–the “lips” that give the animal its descriptive name. Because of overfishing, adult wild oyster populations aren’t as plentiful because they used to become. In an effort to reverse this trend, the government protects the animals; pearl farmers in French Polynesia who desire to culture the black lipped oyster should raise the oysters from spat (baby oysters). When the farmer is successful in nurturing the spat to adulthood, at close to two and a half to three many years old, the oysters are implanted with mantle tissue along with a mother-of-pearl bead to begin the pearl growing procedure. This delicate operation is performed by specifically qualified employees known as nucleators; even so, according towards the Gemological Institute of America, a lot more than 50 percent of the oysters die or reject the nucleus.
Literature from GIA says, “Add individuals oysters towards the ones that do not fulfill the implantation criteria: The farmer’s possible pearl-producing stock is less than half the number that lived long sufficient to be considered for nucleation. When the pearl development period starts, right after three years of work, the farmer has only 20 % from the oysters he collected as spat.” No question a fine high quality Tahitian cultured pearl is really rare!
Tahitian pearl growth usually takes location in a closed lagoon that is ringed by coral reefs. This kind of a setup offers safety along with a stable environment for the implanted oysters to complete the pearl-growing procedure. Right after the oysters have been submerged for 22 to 26 months, they’re hauled to the area, wherever any pearls they managed to grow are harvested. The farmers then clean and lightly buff the gems prior to providing them for sale. Farmers also sort the pearls by colour, form, and so on. and grouped with like pearls.
In the end, only one to two percent of the Tahitian cultured pearl crop consists of good quality round cultured pearls.
Colour
These days, the most sought-after Tahitian cultured pearls are dim green-gray to blue gray with rosé or purple overtones. But how do pearls get their colour? No one is totally certain, but we do know that pearl colors are determined by several factors, including variations in the host oyster, colour variation from the implanted donor mussel tissue, the quantity and thickness of nacre layers, and versions in growing surroundings for example temperature and water quality. Tahitian pearls are most often versions of gray, african american, green and blue, but other colors exist. Search on the internet for Tahitian cultured pearl images, and also you will see they are not all african american!
Purchasing a african american pearl necklace
At an average size of 8mm-14mm, Tahitian cultured pearls–especially individuals specimens that are gem-quality and round–are very expensive. (GIA estimates that one first-quality, unusually big Tahitian cultured pearl will set you back again a large number of bucks!) If only one to two percent of the harvest creates a good high quality round Tahitian cultured pearl, imagine how lengthy it takes to create a matched strand! No wonder a african american pearl necklace is really pricey. Choose carefully, keeping in mind that pearls with a desirable overtone (secondary colour) and pearls that are larger than standard will be a lot more expensive. Appear for pearls that are well-matched, not pitted or marked in any apparent way (minor surface characteristics are acceptable). Be sure to check return policies up front, as well, in case you’ve a problem. Ask your retail jeweler for his or her shop policy or, if buying online, check the site’s guarantee earlier to producing a buy. Once you obtain your pearls, be sure to look at them closely. After wearing, shop your pearl necklace away from other gems; while pretty durable, pearls are prone to scratching and their nacre will erode over time, especially if uncovered to harsh chemicals like bleach, perfume and chlorine.
Black pearl necklaces in modern fashion
Even though sluggish to catch on in the beginning, thanks in component to publicity from stars for example actress Elizabeth Taylor, a renowned jewelry collector who wore a striking black pearl necklace in publicity photos for her African American Pearls perfume launch, Tahitian cultured pearls are wildly popular today. It is not hard to get examples of good black pearl jewelry in contemporary community. Appear close to and you’ll see african american pearl necklaces on everyone from businesswomen to moms to Hollywood A-list actresses, versions and celebrities. Take Kiera Knightly, for example, who wore a stunning black baroque Tahitian cultured pearl choker in the premier of her movie, The Black Pearl. Stars like Christy Turlington, Naomi Watts, Heidi Klum, Michael Michelle, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Shalom Harlow will also be pearl fans.
Possibly african american pearls’ reputation is why designers like David Yurman, Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso (for Tiffany & Co.) are incorporating beautiful african american pearls, and even black baroque and african american keshi pearls, into contemporary designs like lengthy chain necklaces, brooches, choker necklaces and charm bracelets. Black pearl drop earrings and pendants will also be favorites, because they require little matching–or none at all. Whimsical designs on cufflinks and in popular frog, dragonfly and other animal pins incorporate african american pearls as nicely.
Black pearl necklace alternatives
When most people think of black pearl jewelry, they naturally think about Tahitian cultured pearls. But prices are high for these uncommon gems, in part due to their big size, unusual colors, and the high cost of producing them. If you want to wear real Tahitian cultured pearls, one way to do so without breaking the bank is to select a pendant-style necklace with a single pearl; african american pearl stud earrings; a single black pearl ring, or african american baroque (non-symmetrical) pearls. These designs are every bit as exotic yet much a lot more affordable than a matched african american pearl strand.
For customers for whom Tahitian pearl jewelry is beyond reach, there are some inexpensive yet beautiful alternatives to the classic african american pearl necklace. These days, freshwater pearls–round, drop, button and baroque–are color-treated to produce a appear that closely resembles the hue of Tahitian cultured pearls. The natural-looking result is beautiful and looks great in such pieces being a baroque african american pearl bracelet, african american pearl drop earrings or black pearl necklace. Every bit as real as their Tahitian cousins, african american freshwater cultured pearls’ colour is man-made, but keep in mind that nearly all pearls are treated somehow (bleaching is the most common enhancement).
If you’re right after not only the colour but the size of good Tahitian pearls, consider a african american “pearl” necklace made from african american mother-of-pearl beads. Their generous size, lustrous sheen and affordable price make them a popular alternative to a fine Tahitian pearl necklace.
