Many people call them black pearls, but they are also known as Tahitian Pearls because of being from the deep lagoons surrounding French Polynesia.  When you are asked about, or searching for, a black pearl necklace or black pearl earrings, clarify which exactly is being referred to.  Many people will call any darker style of pearl a “black pearl”, while other will be specifically asking about a pearl from the South Pacific region.  Like many other specialized gemstones, there can be some confusion in terminology in the world of pearl necklaces, and jewelry as a whole.

Here are some basic principles to help identify a true black pearl from the South Pacific.  First, the surface quality of a Tahitian pearl is not always perfect, in fact it rarely is.  Specialized pearl necklace dealers can show you different qualities of black pearl necklaces based on irregularities in the surface of the pearl.  However, many of these defects can easily be hidden by mounting the pearl in a pendant or strand post.  When it comes to a black pearl necklace, you are looking for a very rare natural pearl, not necessarily the most perfect in size and shape.

To determine a true black pearl you should also check the color and price of the pearl necklace you are considering.  There are many different colors of pearls from the South Sea; many times they will appear in hues of blue, grey, green lavender and even dark black.  And as is true with many cultured pearls, they show a unique iridescence in different kind of lights.  This kind of “changing look” is very difficult to reproduce, and as such, if you don’t see any kind of differing colors when examining the pearl, it may not be a true black pearl.  Also, most South Seal Black Pearls will average in size between 9mm and 22mm.  Of course you can expect significant price increases based on the size of the pearl.  In pricing black pearl necklaces form several online retailers and mall locations we saw a range of two-thousand to fifty-thousand dollars.

Unlike the more common pearl choker necklace or floating pearl necklace, the pearls used in these jewelry pieces are usually sold only in an annual auction to guarantee authenticity.

How to Care For Your Black Pearl Necklace

Once you have purchased, or received, a black pearl necklace there are several things you can do to make sure it is maintained in pristine condition.

The power of direct sunlight should never be underestimated for any kinds of jewelry.  While it is certainly OK to occasionally wear your black pearls in outdoor settings, consider how long they will be exposed to the sun.  Just like dark fabrics and paints, the black pearls will fade over time if left in direct sunlight.

Try to limit the amount you touch your black pearls with your hands; and this applies to a basic pearl strand necklace and pearl necklace earrings as well.  The oil on your hands can slowly dull the natural coloring and shine of pearls, and while you can have them professionally cleaned, they are better left in original condition.

Finally, keep in mind that pearls are still somewhat of a soft materiel when you compare them to other gemstones.  Make sure you don’t lump your pearl necklaces together with themselves or other stones such as diamonds.  While it may never take place for you, there is a small chance of affecting the shape of pearls through weight and consistent pressure.  Precious jewelry of all kinds should have their own holding boxes that keep them protected from each other and the elements.