Genuine Iridescent Natural Solid Black Salt-Water Pearl.

CLASSIFICATION: Natural Solid Black Salt-Water Pearl.

ORIGIN: Likely Tahiti. Early 20th Century.

SIZE: Diameter: 7mm. Thickness: 5mm. (Measurements approximate).

WEIGHT: 1.67 carats.

NOTES: Upon request we can set your gemstones as a ring, pendant, or as earrings .

DETAIL: A beautiful, iridescent, sumptuous, natural, solid black salt-water pearl. It is not a cultured pearl, it is not an imitation pearl, it is a genuine black pearl. The pearl features a gorgeous, highly polished, reflective, lustrous, black surface with deep purple, blue, and green iridescent highlights. Originally produced in the 1920's this is a very uncommon gemstone, difficult to acquire at any price. Black pearls have been extremely popular in Russia since the time of Catherine the Great (1729-1796), who owned a necklace of 30 black pearls, the largest weighing 19? carats. The pearl is pre-drilled on one side so it can be set into an earring, pendent, or ring. The gemstone is classified as a "button" pearl, meaning that it is a bit fatter than it is tall, it is not perfectly spherical. Of course when set it is almost impossible to tell that it is not perfectly spherical. Genuine solid black ocean pearls like these are extremely costly these days, and only the most expensive jewelry shops can even afford to inventory them. The images below show one of these black pearls set into a pendant so you may judge for yourself how beautiful this pearl might be when set.

The pearl is likely the first gemstone known to prehistoric man. Ancient Mediterranean cultures believed pearls were formed when an angel's tears fell into the open oyster shell. In ancient times the Red Sea was an important source of pearls to the various ancient Mediterranean civilizations. In the ancient gemstone markets of Babylon, 4,000 years ago, pearls were prized possessions believed to restore youth. Through ancient Rome and into Medieval Europe, pearls always decorated crowns and robes of kings and queens. During the Renaissance, the European appetite for pearls became so great that laws forbade anyone other than royalty or the very privileged classes from even wearing pearls. Pearls were the exclusive domain of the crown! Pearls are found in a wide variety of colors and shades, the most highly valued being white, black, rose, and cream. Black pearls are very rare and highly prized, and are found only in Tahiti. Also especially prized are rose-colored pearls found in India and the South Pacific. If you would like to learn more about black pearls, there is a great article done in Fortune Magazine not too long ago; you can access it here: "Fortune Magazine Article".

SHIPPING OPTIONS: All purchases are backed by an unlimited guarantee of satisfaction and authenticity. If for any reason you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a complete and immediate refund of your entire purchase price. Most of these antique gemstones were originally part of two collections, one originating in India principally composed of gemstones originally mined in India, Burma, Ceylon, and Siam, and then hand faceted in India. The addition of a second accumulation of antique gemstones originally mined in the Urals in the mid to late 19th century (including alexandrite) completed the collection. These gemstones as well were hand finished. The Urals have been one of the world's major sources of precious and semi-precious gemstones for many centuries. As well, additional specimens are occasionally acquired from other institutions and dealers in Eastern Europe and Asia. These antique gemstones are now in the United States and are available for immediate delivery.

We ship inventory from the USA order fulfillment center near Seattle, Washington. Your purchase will ordinarily be shipping within 48 hours of payment. A certificate of authenticity is available upon request. We prefer your personal check or money order over any other form of payment - and we will ship immediately upon receipt of your check (no "holds"). We will accept PayPal payments. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE".