Genuine Iridescent Natural Black Pearl. Mounted into high quality 14kt gold fill pendant (not cheap gold electroplate).

CLASSIFICATION: Natural Black Pearl.

ORIGIN: Likely Tahiti. Mid-20th Century.

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

WEIGHT: Approximately 1 2/3 carats.

SETTING: Contemporary high-quality USA made 14kt gold fill setting (loosely/temporarily set in these pictures; but firmly set upon shipment). Also available in sterling silver if you prefer, at no additional charge. 14kt sold gold settings also available upon request.

CHAIN: Includes a light-weight 14kt gold fill chain in your choice of 16", 18", or 20" length (or sterling silver). Other metals and other lengths are available.

DETAIL: A beautiful, iridescent, sumptuous, natural, black pearl. It is not an imitation pearl or a dyed 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 somewhere around 1950, 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 1/2 carats.

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 black pearls like these are extremely costly these days, and only the most expensive jewelry shops can even afford to inventory them. Please note that in the pictures here the pearl is not actually mounted, which is why it looks loose (it is loose). The pearl is offered in and the price includes the setting shown in either sterling silver or 14kt gold fill (not merely cheap gold electroplate), and it will actually be set after you purchase the gemstone and specify the setting preferred. Also included is a sterling silver or 14kt gold fill chain in your choice of 16", 18", or 20" lengths. Other lengths and styles, as well as solid 14kt gold pendant settings and chains are also available.

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".

HISTORY: The origin of topaz in the ancient world was a small island in the Red Sea known as Topazion, a Greek term meaning "to guess". The island was typically obscured by fog, making it difficult for early navigators to find. Typically yellow, topaz in the ancient world was held as a talisman to protect against evil and was used to treat many different ailments including asthma. The ancient Greeks believed topaz would give great strength to whomsoever wore the stone, and was also worn as an amulet to ward off enchantment, In ancient Egypt the golden glow of yellow topaz symbolized "Ra", their sun god. There are also many references to "topaz" in ancient texts, including numerous references in the Bible. It is believed that the topaz of modern mineralogists was unknown to the ancients. Rather, that the stone called topazios was the mineral chrysolite or peridot. Likewise, the "topaz" referred to in the Old Testament was most likely chrysolite. Topaz is found in yellow, orange, green, blue, red, and white (colorless) hues. Topaz is one of the hardest minerals in nature, and for that reason, highly valued as a gemstone.

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".