black pearls?

[deerex]

I have a necklace and bracelet of black pearls. They are gritty when rubbed against my tooth. The necklace has 38 pearls and the bracelet has 15 pearls. They are irregular in shape. No two pearls are the same in shape or size, which roughly measures 12mm. Some are smooth and some are a bit dimpled. They are a metallic blackish blue in color with pink tones when in the light. They were a gift so I am not sure who the vendor is or have any type of paperwork for them. There are no marking on the clasp. I would like to know what kind of pearls they are and how much they are worth.

[Caitlin]

Those are cultured freshwater pearls from China. They are potato shaped and dyed black. I have always liked the way the black dyes leave those nice blues and pinks. They don't hold much value maybe $25- $40.