Black pearls?

[Lingling]

I was given a necklace that's composed of approximately 3/8" baroque, various shades of black, pearls (purple, gray, blue, green tint). They are sandy against my teeth and have no discoloration at the drill holes. What do you think they are? The strand is 22".

[jshepherd]

They sound like black freshwater pearls. 3/8 of an inch is about 9mm, so they could be Tahitian pearls as well. Here are some links to freshwater pearls, and another link to a Tahitian necklace. The more valuable (Tahitian pearls) have a distinguished look which sets them apart.

Black Freshwater Pearls

Black Freshwater Pearls

Baroque Tahitian Pearl Necklace

[dmclaren]

Could be Sea of Cortez Pearls from Mexico as well...try examining the strand under a UV light in a darkened room.

If they glow red it is a good indicator of this variety of pearl. The photo I have posted shows the red glow in Mexican Pearls (left side of the photo) and on the right side you will see that black (Tahitian) pearls do not display this red glow, but remain inert as would be the case for most other pearls.

[jshepherd]

Me encantan las fotos, Diego!
The original poster sent a picture of the black pearls. They are definitely freshwater pearls, a sort of nugget style...

[Satine De La Courcel]

Since I do not remember any of my spanish...... all I have to say is perlas bonitas!!!!! they Look awesome under the UV light.....


Ashby